NY3510 : Greatrigg Man - Summit Cairn

Great Rigg

766m Elevation
31m Prominence
England Country
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NY3510 : Greatrigg Man - Summit Cairn

Anthony Parkes Photo source

Overview

Introduction

Great Rigg, standing tall at 555 metres, is a charming mountain in the Lake District that should not be missed by avid hikers and pop-up poets alike. This Marilyn, with its standout geological features and history, is a favourite among many.

Geology

This region boasts some impressive volcanic geology, with rocks that sing songs of fire and fury, all dated back millions of years. The andesite and basalt formations are not just pretty faces; they tell tales of the Earth's tumultuous past. Nature's version of a dramatic retelling!

Access and Parking

Getting to Great Rigg is a piece of cake, or should we say, a slice of Grasmere gingerbread. The nearest parking can be found in the quaint village of Grasmere. The locals recommend the car park at the entrance, which is free for the first two hours, but don’t get too lost in the lakeside views to forget to pay up!

Routes

Most hikers start their journey at Grasmere; it’s an easier route through picturesque scenery. For the more adventurous souls, the Dores Gill Route offers a steep challenge that will surely get your legs shaking and your heart racing!

Summit Features

Once you reach the top, you will be greeted by a humble cairn and some spectacular views that are really worth every single step. Just be careful not to lose your balance gazing at the stunning scenery!

Views & Best Seasons

The views from Great Rigg are simply jaw-dropping! Gaze at the mighty Helvellyn and its surrounding lakes — it’s like Mother Nature took a paintbrush and added a dash of vibrancy.
Autumn and spring are the best seasons, providing a quiver of colours or a blanket of greenery, respectively.

Hazards

While it’s all fun and games getting to the top, be on the lookout for loose rocks as you navigate steep drops. Be sure to check the weather beforehand; it’s known to throw a tantrum when you least expect it!

Nearby Summits

Don’t forget to check out Heron Pike and Helm Crag during your visit. They are truly worth the extra steps!

Conclusion

In conclusion, Great Rigg is not only a stunning hike but also a slice of literary history and geological wonder. So lace up your boots and get ready for an adventure that might just make you wax poetic yourself. It’s a climb well worth the effort!

Explore routes near Great Rigg

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

Striding Edge, Helvellyn and Catstye Cam

12 km ~6h 30m Hard

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Helvellyn via Striding Edge

11.2 km ~6h Hard

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Bow Fell from Langdale

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Great Carrs Halifax Wreckage from Wrynose Pass

4.6 km ~3h Hard

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Route planning notes

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

Grasmere to Great Rigg

A popular route starting from Grasmere, this trail winds through picturesque scenery, offering a gentle ascent with steady inclines and lovely views of the surrounding valleys.

7.5 km ~3.5 hours Moderate

Dores Gill Route

Starting from the small hamlet of Dores, this route takes you through lush greenery before climbing steeply to the summit. Perfect for those who enjoy a good workout and breathtaking views at the top.

5.5 km ~2.5 hours Challenging
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Simm Hewitt Nuttall Wainwright Birkett Synge Fellranger

Elevation

766m

2,514 ft

Prominence

31m

Coordinates

54.4849, -2.9957

NY355104

OS Map

90

Explorer: OL5S OL7N

At the Summit

At the summit, you will find a humble cairn marking the highest point along with stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding fells, including Helm Crag and the majestic Coniston Range.

Terrain & Geology

Mixed terrain of rocky paths grassy slopes and occasional boggy areas typical of the Lake District.

The mountain is primarily composed of volcanic rock, with notable deposits of andesite and basalt, which provide a distinctive rugged terrain. The Lake District's geological history is fascinating, formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, giving it its beautiful craggy features.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, hikers can enjoy breathtaking views of the nearby Helvellyn, the lush valleys below, and shimmering lakes such as Grasmere and Rydal Water.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Great Rigg' derives from Old Norse 'rigg' meaning ridge, reflecting its prominent position in the landscape.

Historical Significance

The area is rich in poetic history, being frequented by the likes of William Wordsworth and other Lake Poets, making it a cultural touchstone in British literature.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a small car park at the entrance of Grasmere village, which is free for the first two hours, after which a small fee applies.

Public Transport

Regular buses run from Windermere to Grasmere, making it accessible for those relying on public transport.

Nearby Facilities

Grasmere offers various facilities including cafes, shops, and public toilets. Don't miss out on sampling the famous Grasmere gingerbread!

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Loose rocks and steep drops in certain areas; be cautious near the summit, as the weather can change 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 Great Rigg?

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

Are there other walkers around Great 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 Great Rigg search or of course create your own walk for Great Rigg

Can I organise a walk to Great 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 Great 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 Great 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 Great 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

Great Rigg location map

Grid reference: NY355104

View on OpenStreetMap

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

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