Legburthwaite and the ridge up High Rigg (Lake District E): route map, distance and time
356 m · Lake District E
High Rigg is a 356m knobbly ridge between St John's in the Vale and the Naddle valley, a low Wainwright and Marilyn with views to Blencathra.
Climb onto the south end of the ridge and follow the undulating path north to the top.
Legburthwaite and the ridge at a glance
| Distance | 3.6 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 236 m |
| Time up | 1h 5m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 1h 50m, down the same way |
| Grade | Easy |
| Start | Legburthwaite car park, Thirlmere |
| Start grid reference | NY 318 193 |
| Summit grid reference | NY 308 219 |
Legburthwaite and the ridge map
The start (green) and the summit (blue). Peakify has no GPX track for this route yet, so follow the description and your map.
Height profile and getting to the start
Near the start
- King's Head Inn1.6 km
- Low Bridge End Farm Tea Garden1.1 km
- Public toilets0.2 km
- Thirlspot Farm Camping1.7 km
From OpenStreetMap, within 2 km. Check opening times before you rely on them.
How long the Legburthwaite and the ridge takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 0h 55m | 1h 30m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 1h 5m | 1h 50m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 1h 20m | 2h 15m |
Times leave out stops. Coming down the same way, the table counts the ascent once; steep descents on rough ground can be as slow as the climb.
- Today: sunrise 07:49, sunset 18:05. Start by 15:15 to be down before dark, allowing 1h 50m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 07:51, sunset 18:03. Start by 15:13 to be down before dark, allowing 1h 50m for the walk and an hour for stops.
High Rigg summit weather for this route
-
Good Today Monday 19 October
Light drizzle, up to 11°C at the summit, feeling as cold as 2°C, summit wind 13 mph gusting 27 mph, 47% chance of rain. Rated Good. Sunrise 07:49, sunset 18:05.
-
Marginal Tomorrow Tuesday 20 October
Dense drizzle, up to 11°C at the summit, feeling as cold as 1°C, summit wind 14 mph gusting 17 mph, 69% chance of rain. Rated Marginal. Sunrise 07:51, sunset 18:03.
Best day of the next seven for the Legburthwaite and the ridge: Monday 19 October, with summit gusts around 27 mph and a 47% chance of rain.
Hour-by-hour High Rigg forecast
Before you go, also check: MWIS Lake District forecast · Met Office mountain forecast.
What to take today
- A warm layer, hat and gloves: it feels like 2°C on top.
- Waterproof jacket and overtrousers: 47% chance of rain.
- Map and compass, and the skills to use them. A phone is a backup, not a plan.
- A head torch, food, water, a charged phone and a small first aid kit.
About High Rigg
High Rigg is a 356m knobbly ridge between St John's in the Vale and the Naddle valley, a low Wainwright and Marilyn with views to Blencathra. More about High Rigg, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Wainwright, Marilyn, Birkett.
Extend the walk: tops near the summit
- Clough Head (726 m), 2.6 km east
Challenges that include High Rigg
More walks from Legburthwaite car park, Thirlmere
Routes in Peakify's guides that start within 500 m of this one, for another day from the same car park.
- Legburthwaite via Sticks Pass up Great Dodd
- Stanah via Sticks Pass up Raise
- Stanah via Sticks Pass up Stybarrow Dodd
- Legburthwaite direct up Watson's Dodd
- Legburthwaite via Sticks Pass up Watson's Dodd
Other routes up High Rigg
| Route | Distance | Ascent | Time up | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St John's in the Vale church | 0.7 km one way | 134 m | 0h 20m | Easy |
In an emergency
Call 999, ask for the police and then mountain rescue. Give your location (the start is at NY 318 193, the summit at NY 308 219), what happened and how many are in your group. If you have no signal for a call, a text to 999 works once you have registered your phone with emergencySMS: text "register" to 999 before you go.
Legburthwaite and the ridge: questions and answers
How far is the Legburthwaite and the ridge?
The Legburthwaite and the ridge is 3.6 km one way to the summit of High Rigg, with 236 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 7.2 km.
How long does the Legburthwaite and the ridge take?
About 1h 5m to the summit of High Rigg and 1h 50m there and back by Naismith's rule (5 km/h plus 10 minutes per 100 m of ascent), before stops. A relaxed group takes nearer 2h 15m for the round trip.
Where do you park for the Legburthwaite and the ridge?
The Legburthwaite and the ridge starts from Legburthwaite car park, Thirlmere. The grid reference is NY 318 193.
Is the Legburthwaite and the ridge suitable for beginners?
Yes. Peakify grades it Easy: a fit beginner can walk it on a clear day. Take a map, warm layers and waterproofs all the same.
What time should I start the Legburthwaite and the ridge today?
By 15:15 at the latest. Sunset on High Rigg today is 18:05, The Legburthwaite and the ridge takes about 1h 50m there and back, and that leaves an hour for stops. Start earlier in winter or if the forecast turns.
Is there a GPX for the Legburthwaite and the ridge?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).