Meeting Time and Location: 09:45, Moot Hall, Market Place, Keswick, CA12 5JR
Walk Start Time: 10:00am
Walk Finish Time: 15:00-15:30 approx.
Car Parking: Plenty of pay and display car parks in Keswick Town Centre.
Public Transport: See Stagecoach Winter Timetable Sunday Services
Grading: Moderate overall, but often easy in nature with no technical difficulties. Highest point: 357m.
Terrain: Mix of bridleways, roadside walking, field paths and open grassy fellside with limited rocky ground.
Miles: 10-11
Ascent/Climb: Total Approx 420m, an undulating walk with only one steepish short section of ascent to the summit of High Rigg.
Route description:
An outing along the banks of the River Greta and into the quiet countryside of the Naddle Valley and high ground overlooking St John’s in the Vale.
Leaving the Market Place, we head across the River Greta and through Fitz Park, joining the western point of the Keswick – Threlkeld former railway bridleway. We follow the bridleway almost to its eastern point where it meets the A66. The walking is on the level, passing through woodland with intimate views of the River Greta. We take a path under the A66 and follow a minor quiet road for a short while, joining the path by Burns Farm which links to another minor vehicular lane. Passing Tewet Tarn we ascend gently to the summit of Low Rigg, descending down to the little church of St John’s in the Vale. The ascent to High Rigg is short with a degree of steepness but generally easy. High Rigg is one of the smallest ‘Wainwrights’ at 357m. Here we will stop for lunch, or find shelter depending on conditions. Retracing our steps back to the church we head west along a quiet lane, and walk along field paths, crossing Naddle Beck until we reach the A591. The last leg of the walk takes us on field paths to Castlerigg Stone Circle, followed by roadside walking, rejoining the railway bridleway and return to Moot Hall via Fitz Park.
Health and Safety: Please dress for the weather conditions. Waterproofs essential if forecast rain or showers. Sturdy boots are essential. A change of clothing/spare clothing is advisable should clothes become wet. Warm clothing and layers along with hat and gloves will come in handy particularly if forecast is cold. Whilst a relatively low level walk, conditions by November can be notably chilly, and any rain and wind adds to the windchill effect. Ground conditions are often very wet with field waterlogging – take note. Light levels in November are low, and it is advisable to bring a headtorch just in case. The walk leader has the right to cancel or vary the walk due to circumstances.
Lunch: Please bring food for lunch and water. A hot drink is advisable.
Contact: If you would like to join this walk, please contact the walk leader Damian on number removed (text is the preferred method), by no later than 8pm Saturday 11 November 2023. If you have any questions about the walk please contact the walk leader in advance.