Riggindale Round

Escape the Haweswater crowds with a quieter pair of peaks forming a majestic horseshoe around the Riggindale Beck.

Forget the tick-lists! Just because a route goes close to a Trail 100 peak and two further Wainwrights doesn’t mean that’s the path you have to walk. Instead seek out the lesser trodden route that curves gently around the Riggindale Valley for a perfect winter walk.

This route could be described as giving an eagle-eyed view over the dale. As recently as 2015 Riggindale was home to the last golden eagle in England. Sadly it is thought that golden eagles no longer call Haweswater home, but habitat restoration by the RSPB hopes to encourage them to return.

For drama though, you can’t beat the glaciated corries at the head of this route – formed by the Riggindale Beck to the east and Hayeswater Gill to the north-west. These impinge upon each other, forming an impressive narrowing at Riggindale Straits. But for those without a head for heights, never fear – there’s a good wide path over grassy ground. And there’s fabulous panoramic views out to Fairfield, Helvellyn and Cross Fell. Leave enough time for the descent from Kidsty Howes – although there’s some rocky crags, the steep grass below is the real challenge!

Cairn at the top of Long Stile (Riggindale) as it joins the broad ridge of High Street.