High Rigg Walk - St John in the Vale

Jul 28

Jul 28 High Rigg from St John's Church | Lake District Walks

What High Rigg lacks in height it certainly makes up for in views. This diminutive fell in the English Lake District offers some incredible views towards Blencathra, Helvellyn, and Thirlmere. This walk itself is perfect for those beginning their fell walking adventures or those who like a slow amble to warm their legs before the ascent.

WATCH THE VIDEO

Despite its name High Rigg, this small Wainwright is only 357m in height. This walk to High Rigg leads you around the base of the fell before ascending Wren Crag onto a undulating ridge. Once on the ridge you are able to benefit from extensive panoramas in every direction. This High Rigg walks ensures that you will be able to admire; Blencathra, Helvellyn, Skiddaw and Thirlmere.

WALK OVERVIEW

Start - St John’s In The Vale, Church

The church of St John’s in the Vale ( Grid Reference - NY 307225) is the starting point for this walk. Be aware that the church asks you to respect its parking and that you do not use the spaces associated with the church itself. There is parking available on the verge just past the youth centre. The church of St John’s in the Vale is a Grade II listed building and is well worth taking a look around either before or after your walk.

View of Blencathra from outside the Church

Distance - 7.72km / 4.8 miles

Duration - 3 hrs.

Difficulty - Easy

Total Ascent - 363m

Map - You can find my full route here on Ordnance Surveys website

STARTING YOUR HIGH RIGG WALK

Heading down the hill and keeping the church on your right-hand side, you will see a gate which marks the real start of this walk. Heading through the gate will take you onto a path that leads around the base of High Rigg. On this path, there will be ample opportunity to take in views towards Blencathra, Clough Head and Helvellyn.

FACILITIES

There are no facilities available at the start of this walk however there is a fantastic Tea Room at Low Bridge End Farm available before the ascent. The Tea Room is open between 10:30 and 16:30.

HIGH RIGG ROUTE

The initial section of this walk stays low and leads you around the base of High Rigg towards Wren Crag. This gentle path meanders alongside St John’s Beck which runs between High Rigg and Great Dodd. The valley of St John’s in the vale is stunning and acts as a frame for views back towards Blencathra.

Following this path during the day can be rewarded with a stop at Low Bridge End Farm, who serve tea and cakes.

Looking back towards Helvellyn and the Dodds

After Low Bridge End Farm you continue around to the base of Wren Crag. It is from here that the ascent really starts with the path quickly heading up to 311m. The path to Wren Crag, heads up through tightly packed trees, however, the path remains well-defined.

You are rewarded for the quick ascent with some excellent viewpoints including the one below looking towards Thirmere.

Path towards Branstree with Harter Fell in the background.

Once at Wren Crag, the majority of the hard work is done with you already on the ridgeline to approach High Rigg. This section of the walk is where you get the rewards for your earlier endeavour with views in every direction.

Keeping Blencathra in front of you, follow the rolling path as it weaves along the ridge towards High Rigg summit. This was how Wainwright himself intended you to experience this walk commenting ‘The journey should be made from south to north so that the fine view of Blencathra is in front.’

Walking the ridge with Blencathra in front.

Eventually, you will reach a stile which needs to be crossed before the final push towards the summit. This area was full of bracken but a clear path cuts its way through the middle.

The summit at High Rigg is marked with a cairn that sits upon a rocky outcrop. From here the views are the best throughout the whole walk. Regardless of the direction of gaze there is something of interest with; Bassenthwaite, Thirlmere, Skiddaw, Blencathra, Helvellyn, and Clough Head all in view.

HIGH RIGG GALLERY

TOP TIPS FOR WALKING HIGH RIGG

Avoid walking High Rigg on a Sunday if you are intending to park near the church of St John.
There are shorter walks directly from the church if you are looking to save time on your High Rigg walk.