A Peak To Far - Stone Arthur - Great Rigg - Fairfield - Cofa Pike and St Sunday Crag
On 9th December 2024, I set off on a hike to Stone Arthur, Great Rigg, Fairfield, Cofa Pike, and St Sunday Crag. The weather started fine but soon deteriorated into cold wind and heavy rain, due to the weather I was unable to complete the five peaks I intended to do. The hike was 8.62 miles and took me 6hrs 43mins to complete.
Stone Arthur
Stone Arthur is 1,650 feet (503 metres) and is located near Grasmere, at the southern edge of the Fairfield Horseshoe. It is modest in height but the climb is steep to start, but from the top the views of Grasmere and the surrounding valleys are amazing. Alfred Wainwright described Stone Arthur as "a sentinel overlooking the vale of Grasmere" highlighting its prominent position. The climb begins on a well-defined path heading up to the rocky summit, though small, it provides a good view over Grasmere.
Great Rigg
At 2,513 feet (766 metres), Great Rigg is part of the Fairfield Horseshoe and lies directly north of Stone Arthur. The fell is a key milestone on the route to Fairfield, offering great views of the surrounding fells and valleys, unfortunately on the day I was there, the weather was lousy. Wainwright praised its "wide and grassy summit, a pleasing contrast to the rugged heights nearby." The climb to Great Rigg from Stone Arthur involves a steady climb, with the path becoming more exposed the higher you get. Reaching the summit, you can see the Helvellyn range making the effort worthwhile.
Fairfield
Fairfield was the highest point of my day at 2,864 feet (873 metres). Located at the northern end of the Fairfield Horseshoe, it branches off in numerous directions. Wainwright described Fairfield as "a mountain of many faces" referring to its varied aspects and dramatic cliffs. The summit plateau is broad and often windy, with cairns marking the highest points. The view from Fairfield offers a 360-degree panorama taking in many great sites on a good day.
Cofa Pike
Cofa Pike is 2,707 feet (826 metres) high and is a ridgeline connecting Fairfield and St Sunday Crag. Wainwright noted its "rocky splendour" emphasising its rugged charm amidst the smoother slopes of neighbouring fells. The climb down from Fairfield involves a brief but steep descent and due to the weather makes for a tricky climb.
St Sunday Crag
At 2,759 feet (841 metres), St Sunday Crag is one of the Lake District's finest peaks, offering sweeping views of Ullswater and the surrounding landscape. Located northeast of Fairfield, it was the final summit on my route for the day. Wainwright described it as "a graceful mountain, its slopes sweeping down to the glacial valleys below." The path from Cofa Pike to St Sunday Crag is a ridge walk and at the top, you can see on a good day Ullswater and the Helvellyn range