free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).
Nine Standards Riggs is very much an iconic fell, and clearly one very popular with Kirby Stephen locals.
The summit, together with the Nine Standards, is on the Coast to Coast walk. Wainwright described it as " ... the most extensive and interesting viewpoint on it." It is certainly a fine location.
The route described here was, frankly, disappointing and I have no intention of repeating it. It had the advantage of starting from high up and is, thankfully, relatively short, but between the road and the route of the Coast to Coast Path there is little in the way of paths. This is a walk across rough moorland. The map OS 1:25000 map shows a path. It is not evident on the ground until the Coast to Coast Path is met. There are peat hags, bogs and sinkholes, navigation in good conditions is difficult enough. In poor conditions it could be quite intimidating.
Everyone else that I met either on the summit, or around the Nine Standards, had come up from Kirby Stephen. It is two or three miles longer, there is rather more ascent, but the next time I come up here, that it the route that I shall take. By all accounts it is a well marked path and has far more interest.
The sole recommendation that I can have for this route is that it makes for a speedy ascent and descent in good weather. Fine if you are breaking a journey and/or have a limited amount of time (as was the case for me.) The fell, and most walkers, deserve better. Consider the longer alternative.
Parking is by the National Park sign at the top of the B6270 Kirby Stephen to Keld road.
- Starting point on the B6270 Kirby Stephen to Keld road
There is a vague path at the start, but it soon disappears and the slopes are pretty much featureless. Pick your way upwards avoiding bogs and sink holes.
- Terrain on the ascent
Once the Coast to Coast path is reached, follow it to the summit cairn, viewpoint cairn and the Nine Standards.
- Summit cairn
- Viewpoint cairn
- The Standards
Return more or less the same way as you went up. I found a way off to the east a bit better than the way that I went up.
Length: 6 miles /10 km Ascent: +275m I took 2.25 hours