Blea Rigg – Lake District Walks
January 23, 2022
Blea Rigg is in the Langdale area of The Lake District. In his book, Mr Wainwright details three different ascents up Blea Rigg and the most obvious it seemed, was via Stickle Tarn. This is the route we decided to take, but on reading the chapter on Blea Rigg, I have to say there were other routes I felt needed exploration. If I say the words “The Split Rock” and “an easy scramble ravine”, wouldn’t you be intrigued too?
Blea Rigg via Stickle Tarn
Starting from Dungeon Ghyll hotel, the route to Stickle Tarn runs along the side of Stickle Ghyll. It’s always a delight to walk alongside water as it tumbles down a mountain. This route is along stone steps, so is fairly straight-forward with only some slight scrambling near the top.
The ascent via Whitegill Crag
I really wanted to investigate this route as Wainwright describes it as “a walk for those who like to see grand rock-scenery at close quarters”.  Defintitely worthy of a peak in my opinion. The intention was to merely walk a part of the way up the gully to see the imposing crags mentioned and then retreat back to the safety of flat paths without death defying drops. First stop “The Split Boulder”. Then onto Scout Crag, Swine Knott and Whitegill Crag “in almost shocking intimacy”. However, once at the latter we decided 1] we were already a third of the way up, 2] the “scrambling” was indeed easy and 3] the death defying drops didn’t seem that bad….so, onwards to the top.
Don't miss on the Blea Rigg walks
- Great views of Stickle Tarn as you walk towards Blea Rigg
- Views of Easedale tarn from the top of Blea Rigg.
- The Shelter Stone near the top of Blea Rigg – a total and natural haven from the wind and rain. Seating for two (at a squeeze).
- The Split Boulder on the way to Whitegill
- Scout Crag, Swine Knott and Whitegill Crag
