High Rigg [Naddle Fell]

High Rigg (Naddle Fell)

High Rigg rises to 355.7 metres between the Naddle valley and St John's in the Vale, just north of Thirlmere and south-east of Keswick. Also known as Naddle Fell, it is one of Wainwright's Central Fells and a Marilyn, with 186.7 metres of prominence. Its separation from the surrounding mountains gives it an unusually open outlook for a relatively low fell. A walk here combines exposed volcanic rock, small upland hollows and views across a working agricultural valley.

The ridge and its outlook

High Rigg is an elongated fell with a succession of rocky knolls rather than one simple cone. Wren Crag stands at its southern end, while the main summit is towards the north. Grass, rock steps and wet depressions alternate along the ridge, and High Rigg Tarn occupies one of the hollows. The repeated rises and descents give a ridge traverse more climbing than the summit height alone might suggest.

The summit area has a cairn, with the highest natural rock about five metres to its west, at grid reference NY308219. The rocky tops are interspersed with grassy paths, but crags interrupt the sides of the fell. Choosing a descent from the map is preferable to following a tempting line straight down the slope.

Blencathra is a prominent feature ahead when walking north along the ridge. Skiddaw and the Helvellyn range also frame the wider outlook, while the southern approach gives views towards Thirlmere and Raven Crag. Below the eastern slopes, the fields, farm buildings and winding course of St John's Beck provide a close view of the valley landscape. These lower-level details remain part of the walk's interest even when cloud hides the higher mountains.

Volcanic foundations

The fell exposes the Birker Fell Formation of the Borrowdale Volcanic Group, a sequence formed during the Lake District's Ordovician volcanic activity. Andesite, an igneous rock, makes up much of the resistant material. The sequence includes lava flows and sills. The flows spread across the surface, while the sills formed when molten rock intruded between existing layers underground.

Its structure can be read in the stepped eastern face. Tough andesite forms the crags, while more easily eroded layers of volcanic debris form the intervening terraces. The rocks record a landscape of comparatively low volcanic centres and spreading lava sheets rather than a single steep-sided volcano. This contrast between resistant rock and softer layers helps explain the ledges, short scarps and uneven skyline encountered on the walk.

Church and valley history

St John's in the Vale Church stands on the low crossing between High Rigg and Low Rigg. A chapel here is recorded in 1554, although the beginnings of worship on the site are uncertain. The present Grade II-listed church was largely rebuilt in 1845, incorporating older fabric, and was restored in 1893. Its walls combine slate and igneous stone, connecting the building visually with the surrounding fells.

The interior also records links with nearby Keswick. Wooden panelling from box pews at Crosthwaite Church was brought here during the 1893 restoration. The church and its small enclosure make a distinctive landmark at the northern end of a High Rigg walk.

The wider setting remains a farmed landscape. Fields, boundary walls and access tracks sit below the open fell, while work in the St John's Beck catchment seeks to restore watercourses and improve wildlife habitats. Walkers should respect farm operations, leave gates as found and keep dogs under close control around livestock.

Ways to explore

A well-established circuit starts at Legburthwaite, climbs the southern end over Wren Crag, follows the undulating ridge to High Rigg and descends towards the church. The return follows paths along the eastern side of the fell and beside St John's Beck. A shorter summit outing can approach from the church side, although the direct northern slope is steep. The church lane should not be treated as a guaranteed parking place.

Expect stiles, gates, uneven rock and boggy patches. Parts of the eastern return pass above steep ground beside the beck, so the valley section needs care as well as the ridge. Wet rock, greasy grass and ice can make short descents awkward. Carry a suitable map and waterproof clothing, check the forecast and allow time for the repeated climbs.

Planning a visit

Legburthwaite has a pay-and-display car park off the B5322, near the A591 junction. Toilets there are seasonal, so do not assume they will be open in winter. The 555 bus serves Legburthwaite on the A591, providing an alternative to driving from Keswick or the central Lakes; check the current timetable and return service before setting out.

Roadside approaches require attention to traffic. Bring food and water rather than depending on facilities along the circuit, and check any local access notices. High Rigg's modest height makes a relatively compact fell walk possible, but its rough paths, steep sections and exposed ridge still call for normal hillwalking preparation.