Saturday 21 April 2018
An ascent of High Rigg from Legburthwaite
Leader: John Jones
Photos: John Jones, Kerstin Nagel & Kath Kirkman

Leader John Jones. On a perfect day of clear skies, sunshine and a light breeze, a group of walkers and the small faithful dog Bess, now 14, started from the United Utilities car park at Legburthwaite.

Climbing Wren Crag we were saddened to see that a number of the fine mature pine trees had been uprooted, perhaps by “The Beast from the East” storm some weeks earlier. At the top of the climb a pin sharp Blencathra came in to view.

At Long Band a stop was made for coffee and to celebrate the chairman’s birthday. Continuing along the ridge at a leisurely pace to enjoy the unprecedented weather the summit of High Rigg was reached. This was the final Wainwright summit for one member and the group celebrated the achievement with the contents of some bottles!

After lunch on the summit, the group descended to visit St. John’s in the Vale church. Continuing on across Low Rigg, Castlerigg Stone Circle could be seen across the Naddle valley and Tewet Tarn was visited. On reaching the minor road the route continued via Shundraw, Row End, Yew Tree Farm, and Bridge House – the former home of John Richardson the builder of the current St. John’s in the Vale church. A steady pace was maintained along the good track on the western side of St. John’s Vale to reach Low Bridge End Farm where tea and various refreshments were purchased and consumed in the pleasant surroundings.

After tea a short walk (including a short stiff climb) brought the group reluctantly back to the cars at Legberthwaite. The magnificent weather transformed this pleasant 8 mile walk in to something quite special.

John Jones 25-4-2018