High Rigg [Legburthwaite, Thirlmere] - National Park Guided Walk

High Rigg [Legburthwaite, Thirlmere] - National Park Guided Walk

A 4.5 hour volunteer-led walk to the summit of High Rigg, a Wainwright Fell. Some of the footpaths are rocky and can be muddy.

By Lake District National Park Authority

Date and time

Thu, 29 May 2025 10:00 - 14:30 GMT+1

Location

Legburthwaite United Utilities Car Park

Legburthwaite United Utilities Car Park Legburthwaite CA12 4TQ United Kingdom

About this event

  • Event lasts 4 hours 30 minutes

Start point: Legburthwaite United Utilities Car Park, Thirlmere, off the B5322

Length: 9.5km (6miles) with 382m (1,253ft) of ascent

Time: 4.5 hours (approx.)

Walk grade: 5 (see grade description below)

A walk that begins with a steep climb from the car park, to the summit of High Rigg (357m), one of the lower Wainwright fells.

The summit of High Rigg provides a grandstand view of the surrounding fells, including Blencathra, Skiddaw, and Helvellyn. A taste of the higher fells with a little less effort.

From the summit, the route continues steeply downhill to the delightful St John's in the Vale Church, before following the bridleway along the eastern side of the fell, eventually, leading back to the start of the walk.

Paths are generally good but there are some steep ascents and descents along the route, particularly at the start, which is very steep in places. There is also a narrow path, towards the end of the walk, with a 20 metre vertical drop, which could be a potential problem for anyone suffering from vertigo.

Grade 5 walks are our most challenging full day walks which involve going onto the fell summits. These walks require a good level of fitness and full walking kit appropriate for the weather conditions. Some people may find walking poles useful. You may encounter sustained climbs up some steeper sections. The surfaces can be rough and uneven, with rocky or muddy sections, irregular steps, stiles or narrow gates and gaps.

Participants will need to dress appropriately for the terrain and weather. Weather permitting, we will be stopping for a short break on route so please bring refreshments if you wish.

Your confirmation email will include full details - please read it carefully.


Organised by

Lake District National Park Authority

Grade descriptions

All our walks are graded from 1 to 5, to ensure you can choose the walk that’s right for you. But what does each number mean? The grades are based on a combination of factors including: terrain, accessibility (gates, stiles, path width), gradient, length, duration, total ascent and highest point.

Families are welcome on all of our walks, but not all are pushchair friendly so please read the route descriptions.

Grade 1

Walk length: 3 – 7 km (1.8 – 4.5 miles)

Approximate duration: 1.5 to 2.5 hours

Grade 1 walks are easy and accessible walks that go at a leisurely pace and follow generally flat or rolling paths with gentle hills. The paths are wide, firm and have no barriers to access such as steep sections, steps or stiles. The walks are suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs.

See all Grade 1 walks

Grade 2

Walk length: 3 – 5 km (1.8 – 3.1 miles)

Approximate duration: 2 to 2.5 hours

Grade 2 walks are around villages and are focussed on a tour of historical and other points of interest. They may include some short ascents and descents. The path surface might be pavements, earth, grass or stone and – while generally firm – it may have some loose or uneven sections, or be soft underfoot after rain. You may also encounter steps, gates and narrow sections. Most of our grade 2 walks are very suitable for families, and some are pushchair friendly (please check route descriptions).

See all Grade 2 walks

Grade 3

Walk length: 4 – 8.7 km (2.5 – 5.5 miles)

Approximate duration: 2.5 to 5 hours

Grade 3 walks may include some moderate ascents and descents. The path surface might be earth, grass or stone and – while generally firm – it will have some loose or uneven sections, or be soft underfoot after rain. You will also encounter steps, gates or stiles and narrow sections. Most of our grade 3 walks are suitable for families.

See all Grade 3 walks

Grade 4

Walk length: 6 – 12.5 km (3.7 – 7.8 miles)

Approximate duration: 4 to 6 hours

Grade 4 walks are generally full day walks that include hilly ground and require a reasonable level of fitness. You might encounter climbs up some steeper sections. The surfaces may be rough and uneven, with rocky or muddy sections, and you may also find yourself walking up irregular steps, over stiles or through narrow gates and gaps.

See all Grade 4 walks

Grade 5

Walk length: 7 – 13 km (4 – 8 miles)

Approximate duration: 4 to 6 hours

Grade 5 walks are our most challenging full day walks which involve going onto the fell summits. These walks require a good level of fitness and full walking kit appropriate for the weather conditions. Some people may find walking poles useful. You may encounter sustained climbs up some steeper sections. The surfaces can be rough and uneven, with rocky or muddy sections, irregular steps, stiles or narrow gates and gaps.

See all Grade 5 walks

Locations

We have guided walks across the Lake District National Park, from Keswick, Ullswater, Thirlmere and Buttermere in the Northern Lakes, to Windermere, Coniston, Grasmere, Ambleside, Hawkshead, Eskdale and Ravenglass in the Southern Lakes.

Donate to the National Park

All our walks are free to book. If you wish to make a donation to give back to the National Park, you can do so via the Lake District Foundation.