High Rigg Fell

High Rigg Fell - 354m

5.5 miles

Today's walk was another Lake District  National Park volunteer-led circular. We started from Legburthwaite car park, just a short walk to the A591 Keswick-Grasmere Road through woodland. It was just a very short distance on the wide verge before taking a footpath to the right.

Towards Thirlmere

To lowland legs it seemed quite a sharp pull up the fellside and we quickly gained height. As we turned round to take in the view, we were not disappointed. There were fabulous views to Thirlmere and the Helvellyn range. Our route continued less steeply, undulating along the western edge until the summit cairn was reached. Our picnic stop.

What a spot!

Skiddaw from High Rigg

Keswick could be seen in the distance. Looming large, Skiddaw and Blencathra dominated the view. Through binoculars, a path up Skiddaw could clearly be seen as could the route followed by the Cumbrian Way. In the valley below, we could see Castlerigg stone circle. It was proof, if any was needed, that a great view can be had from a modest height. It was the sort of spot that you would be happy to return to again and again.

Blencathra from High Rigg

All too quickly, we resumed our walk, dropping down the fellside to a minor road and the picturesque St. John's-in-the-Vale chapel. It was only 100m or so before we left the road and joined a bridleway heading south at the foot of High Rigg, St. John's Beck stretching out in the valley below. As we passed behind Low Bridge End Farm and underneath Wren Crag, our walk was nearing its end. It wasn't long before we came to the path that we had taken earlier in the day... we had come full circle. 

St. John-in-the-Vale chapel

A fabulous little walk.