NY3007 : Flying Sycamore

Blea Rigg

542m Elevation
6m Prominence
England Country
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NY3007 : Flying Sycamore

Michael Graham Photo source

Overview

Blea Rigg: A Hiker's Delight

Nestled in the heart of the Lake District, Blea Rigg rises to an elevation of 480 meters, offering a moderate challenge for enthusiastic hikers. It’s a gem of a hill that promises stunning views and a sense of tranquillity.

Geology

Blea Rigg is primarily composed of sandstone formed over millions of years, with the landscape shaped by glacial activity. If you’re lucky, you might also spot some intriguing slate formations. It’s a great spot for geology buffs!

Access

Starting your adventure at Grasmere is both convenient and picturesque. The nearest parking is available at the Grasmere car park, directly leading you to the foot of the hill. Public transport to Grasmere is reliable, with buses connecting it to larger towns like Windermere.

The Routes

One popular route is the Blea Rigg via the Grasmere Trail. Spanning 6 kilometers, it can be completed in approximately 2.5 hours. The trail meanders through beautiful landscapes, reminding you of nature's artistry all along the way. Just a tip, remember to pack your camera!

Summit Features

Upon reaching the summit, you'll be greeted by a simple yet impressive stone cairn. This not only acts as a waypoint for fellow hikers but also serves as a testament to all that have tread this path before you. Don’t forget to take a selfie; proof is key!

Views

The panoramic views from the top are nothing short of splendid. You’ll be treated to sights like Helm Crag and a sprawling panorama of other fells. The best time for these stunning vistas is in spring and autumn, when the landscapes are bursting with colours. Clear summer days also work wonders, ideal for those perfect ‘grammable moments.

Hazards

Like any outing in the mountains, keep an eye out for loose stones and watch your footing, especially on wet days. Fog can quickly roll in and reduce visibility, so always be prepared.

Nearby Summits

While Blea Rigg stands proud, it is accompanied by several notable neighbours, including Helm Crag at 405 meters and Weatherlam towering higher at 763 meters.

Facilities

Once you descend, the village of Grasmere beckons with a plethora of facilities including delightful cafes and pubs, perfect for a warming cuppa or a hearty meal. Public toilets are available, ensuring your comfort before heading back out.

History

The name 'Blea Rigg' might come from Old Norse, possibly highlighting the colour of the land or rocks. Its history is woven into the narrative of the Lake District, celebrated by poets and loved by hikers alike.

So, lace up your boots, grab your walking stick, and set out for an unforgettable experience at Blea Rigg. Happy hiking!

Explore routes near Blea Rigg

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Bow Fell from Langdale

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Great Carrs Halifax Wreckage from Wrynose Pass

4.6 km ~3h Hard

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Scafell Pike from Seathwaite via the Corridor Route

14.1 km ~7h Hard

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Tarn Hows Fast Route

4.1 km ~1h Moderate

View route

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Blea Rigg via the Grasmere Trail

A scenic route starting from Grasmere, offering stunning views along the way.

6 km ~2.5 hours Moderate
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Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.

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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Wainwright Birkett Synge Fellranger

Elevation

542m

1,777 ft

Prominence

6m

Coordinates

54.4611, -3.0788

NY301078

OS Map

90

Explorer: OL6N OL7N

At the Summit

The summit features a substantial stone cairn, providing a great photo opportunity and a sense of accomplishment.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky and grassy with some steep sections that may require caution.

Predominantly formed from sandstone with some slate and volcanic rock influences, Blea Rigg's rugged terrain illustrates the geological history of the Lake District.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding fells, including Helm Crag and the outlines of the southern Lakes.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Blea' potentially derives from Old Norse 'bleik', meaning pale or blue, referring to the hue of the rocks or the landscape.

Historical Significance

Blea Rigg is part of the broader cultural narrative of the Lake District, often celebrated in poetry and literature, including the works of Wordsworth.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Parking is available at the Grasmere car park (fee applies), located just a short walk from the trailhead.

Public Transport

Regular buses connect Grasmere to Windermere and Ambleside, making it accessible without a car.

Nearby Facilities

Grasmere offers various facilities, including cafes, pubs, and public toilets for hikers seeking refreshments.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Watch for loose stones on the trails. Some paths may become slippery in wet conditions.
  • Ensure to navigate carefully in foggy weather, as visibility can diminish rapidly.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Blea Rigg?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Blea Rigg through the maps

Are there other walkers around Blea Rigg?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Blea Rigg search or of course create your own walk for Blea Rigg

Can I organise a walk to Blea Rigg?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Blea Rigg.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Blea Rigg?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Blea Rigg here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

Blea Rigg location map

Grid reference: NY301078

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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