Hartley Birkett & Nine Standards Rigg

Cumbria Walk

Maps

Walk Route Description

The large cairns at Nine Standards Rigg occupy a wonderful position offering expansive views across the Eden Valley and the surrounding moorland and hills. The Coast to Coast National Trail crosses this area although diversions to reduce erosion mean that at certain times of the year walkers on this trail as requested to take a bypass route. The surrounding area of moorland can be challenging with peat making the going far from easy.

This route starts above Hartley Quarry on a minor road from Kirkby Stephen, the last section of which is gated. After parking at grid ref. NY799075 go through a metal gate and walk along a track signed Coast to Coast path initially in a south-easterly direction. The track undulates for a while generally following a wall on your right. Reaching a path junction at grid ref. NY810067 bear left leaving the track to follow a clear path across the moor. Initially Faraday Gill is to your left but as height is gained the stream is crossed.

Nine Standards disappear from sight on this section and feel further away than they really are. Nowhere is the climbing steep but the path is somewhat tedious across the moor. Eventually the Nine Standards come into sight and your objective is close at hand. The large cairns offer a fine viewpoint and it's a perfect place to rest. If you wish to reach the true summit then this is marked by a trig point some 500 metres to the south. However the view is not so good.

To return to the start simply retrace your steps. Do remember that this area can be quite wild in bad weather so check the forecast before starting the walk. After heavy rain don't expect dry feet either!

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