Route: High Rigg and Low Rigg
Area: Central Lake District
Date of walk: 9th June 2017
Walkers: Andrew
Distance: 7.2 miles
Ascent: 1,300 feet
Weather: Mostly sunny
High Rigg is one of the lowest lakeland fells but it’s a favourite of mine thanks to its long knobbly ridge which is full of interest and good views, especially towards the Skiddaw and Blencathra fells. I used one of the roadside parking spaces on the Keswick to Grasmere road, but if no space is available here there is a car park near Legburthwaite which is just as convenient
After climbing up to Wren Crag I followed the innumerable ups and downs to the summit of High Rigg. The air was clear and there were superb views from here. I continued along the ridge, gradually descending to the small church and youth centre at the foot of High Rigg. I normally return here by following of of two paths along St John’s in the Vale, but in view of the good weather I decided to extend the route by carrying on to Low Rigg and Tewet Tarn
After passing by the tarn I descended to a quiet lane which I followed for a short distance before starting the walk back along St John’s in the Vale – this was a delight every step of the way. After passing by Low Bridge End Farm (where refreshments are available) I followed the path round the toe of Wren Crag and retraced my steps back to the start of a wonderful walk
For other walks here, visit my Find Walks page and enter the name in the ‘Search site’ box
Click on the icon below for the route map (subscribers to OS Maps can view detailed maps of the route, visualise it in aerial 3D, and download the GPX file. Non-subscribers will see a base map)
Scroll down – or click on any photo to enlarge it and you can then view as a slideshow
The day before the walk a goldfinch standing proud in the non-stop rain...
...and a young blackbird...
...robin...
...and good to see a redpoll
Next morning, fledgling blue tit
Later in the day, Bonnie at the start of the walk
Wren Crag
Looking back along the road to Grasmere
Climbing up through a plantation of pine trees
Thirlmere comes into view
Looking back along the valley
The Blencathra range as I gain the ridge
Looking along the undulating ridge leading to High Rigg
Clough Head on the other side of St John's in the Vale
Further along the ridge
Bonnie performing The Shake
Great How and Thirlmere
An unnamed tarn along the way
Looking back
Summit cairn on High Rigg, looking towards Blencathra
...and now looking towards Bassenthwaite Lake and the northern fells
Admiring the view...
Descending in the direction of the north western fells
Low Nest and High Nest
I arrive at the col between High Rigg and Low Rigg and after turning right for a few yards continue along the ridge
Looking back to High Rigg
A view across to the north western fells
Approaching Tewet Tarn
Tewet Tarn and Blencathra
I follow a path around the right hand side of the tarn
Another view back to High Rigg
I descend gently into the valley below
The start of the return leg, with a brief spell along this quiet lane
I turn off the lane to follow the sign
St John's in the Vale...
Yew Tree Farm
Beyond the farm I leave the lane to turn right along the valley
Lambs below the forbidding crags of Clough Head
Looking along the vale, with High Rigg up on the right
Approaching Bridge House
St John's Beck, which will be my constant companion until the end of the walk
Further along the vale
Much of the valley was flooded by Storm Desmond in December 2015, and it's good to see how well it's recovered
High Rigg walk, St John's in the Vale
High Rigg walk, St John's in the Vale, Sosgill Bridge
Low Bridge End Farm - a good place to stop for refreshments
Castle Rock at the end of the vale
I follow a narrow path which rises above St John's Beck
Back to the ladder stile beside the Grasmere road, and the end of a wonderful walk
Back home, a red squirrel in the garden
