Classic Lakeland Round.

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With the promise of good weather we were up and out early on Saturday to complete the Fairfield Horseshoe from Ambleside - a classic Lakeland round. It was a beautiful morning as we drove through the Lakes with some mist in the hollows suggesting that 'a good day would follow'. 
The central car park was quiet when we arrived and Susan nipped to the 'Apple Pie Cafe' to get two of their quality Bath Buns before we headed off. We chose to do the anticlockwise circuit via High Sweden Bridge and were soon removing jackets as the sun was warmer than expected. There were few people about and we made good progress up and over High Pike and onto Dove Crag where we stopped and had our treat from the Cafe. Cloud had built up by this stage and it was much cooler. The visibility was, however, excellent right across the National Park.
As we crossed over Hart Crag and then onto Fairfield we past a few more people but it still wasn't busy. On Fairfield we stopped again for food and drink and then headed down over Great Rigg and Heron Pike. The views west and south were extensive and Blackpool Tower was clearly visible.
We were back in Ambleside just over 5 hours after we'd set off so had a good wander around the town before heading home.
As forecast today has been wet and very windy as we've been battered by the 'first autumn storm' of the season. We decided not to venture far but did have a brisk walk down to the harbour to see the waves pounding the coast.

Starting out on a beautiful morning.


Crossing High Sweden Bridge.


Climbing up to High Pike.


Warmer than expected.


Excellent visibility across to the Coniston hills, Langdale and the Scafells.


On route to Hart Crag.


Helvellyn from Fairfield.


St. Sunday Crag from Fairfiled.


Looking down Deepdale from Fairfiled.


The view south on the descent.


Looking west towards Easedale Tarn and beyond.


Susan descending from Fairfield.


Looking down Windermere.


Autumn colours beginning to appear - Rydale.


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