High Rigg: 355.7m Height, Walks and Central Fells Views

High Rigg is a low, rocky ridge between St John's in the Vale and the Naddle valley, with a character quite different from the larger fells around it. At 355.7 metres, it offers an intimate mix of rough fell ground, grassy hollows and broad views towards Blencathra and Skiddaw. Walkers value it for the interest packed into its modest height: this is much more than a single summit stop.

A rocky ridge between two valleys

High Rigg runs broadly north to south, separating St John's in the Vale on its eastern side from the Naddle valley to the west. Its elongated outline matters more to the walking than its height alone. Small crags, uneven knolls and dips break up the ridge, giving it a succession of changing foregrounds rather than one continuous slope to the top.

The highest point lies towards the northern end, at grid reference NY308219. Around it, open fell ground contrasts with the enclosed fields below. That close relationship between ridge and farmland is part of High Rigg's appeal: the valleys remain a strong presence throughout the landscape. Its modest elevation should not be mistaken for uniformly smooth walking, however; rocky ground and repeated rises give the fell more variety than the contour figure might suggest.

Views framed by larger fells

Blencathra and Skiddaw are prominent features of the northern outlook, while Clough Head rises across St John's in the Vale to the east. To the west, the higher ground of Bleaberry Fell and High Seat forms another substantial boundary. High Rigg stands apart from these larger neighbours, and that separation gives its views a useful sense of depth.

The interest is not confined to distant summits. Field boundaries, valley roads and scattered buildings help reveal the scale of the surrounding fells. St John's in the Vale church stands in the saddle between High Rigg and Low Rigg at the northern end of the ridge. It is a distinctive local landmark and a reminder that this is a settled, worked landscape as well as walking country.

High Rigg among the Central Fells

High Rigg belongs to Alfred Wainwright's third volume, The Central Fells. At 355.7 metres, or 1,167 feet, it ranks 209th in height among the 214 Wainwrights. It sits towards the northern edge of this group, away from the higher central ridge associated with the Helvellyn-facing side of the region.

Nearby Wainwrights include Raven Crag, Bleaberry Fell, High Seat and Walla Crag, though proximity does not mean they share a continuous ridge with High Rigg. For walkers choosing a lower-level fell day, its appeal lies in the combination of an extended ridge and substantial mountain surroundings. Dedicated walking guides cover the different approaches and longer circuits; height alone is not a reliable measure of their distance or effort.

Where High Rigg stands

Summit at grid reference NY308219 · open full map

The real High Rigg

Walking High Rigg

We make artwork, not route guides — these are the guides we'd point a friend to:

• Guide links to be curated.

Weather on High Rigg

Conditions estimated at summit height (356 m) via Open-Meteo. For a walker's forecast, use the Mountain Weather Information Service.

High Rigg on your wall

A painting of High Rigg can bring home something easily overlooked in the Lakes: the character of the lower fells. Its broken ridge, neighbouring fields and larger fell backdrop make a landscape worth living with, whether as a framed print or a canvas.

Own “High Rigg Stone Wall Shadows” — our painting of High Rigg → or browse all Fells & Mountains artwork

Neighbouring Wainwrights in The Central Fells

• Raven Crag 461 m
• Bleaberry Fell 590 m
• High Seat 609 m
• Walla Crag 379 m

Part of our guide to all 214 Wainwrights — see the full index.