Very close to Keswick, and yet feeling like it’s off the beaten track, High Rigg rewards a short stroll up an admittedly steep grassy slope with 360 degree views of some of the Lakes’ classic mountains.
For the shortest route, there is parking by St John’s Church (so best avoided on Sunday mornings), which is approached along a dead end road with a gate. Taking the path around the back of the Youth Centre you quickly gain height and the views north towards Blencathra and the Skiddaw group open out.
From the summit, reached in less than a kilometre, the surrounding hills crowd around. To the east, Clough Head and the Dodds stretch along the vale.
To the west, the central ridge containing Bleaberry Fell, High Seat and High Tove can be seen looking much more innocent than its boggy reality. Beyond, the north western fells line the horizon.
A glimpse of Thirlmere can be seen to the south.
If you have a little more time, the knolls and hollows of the long top can be investigated. The andesite the hill is made up of can be seen at close quarters; a drive along the B5322 (perhaps to the cafe at Lodge in the Vale, or the Kings Arms at Thirlspot) gives a view of the amazing diagonal layers of harder and softer volcanic rock.
Distance: 1.6 km/1 miles
Height Gain: 130 m/ 425 ft
Time: 30 min
Time:
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