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A Riggindale Round

The Far Eastern Fells of High Street, Rampsgill Head, and High Raise above the head of Riggindale, near Haweswater, make for a breathtaking walk. They also provide a good excuse to go up Riggindale Edge which goes from the shores of Haweswater to almost the summit of High Street in 3.0km (1.9 miles). It is an easy scramble with no technical difficulties and is well within the capabilities of most walkers. Set in a quiet back-water you would have to be unlucky to have company on the climb along the Edge. It will be a different matter at High Street though, this strategic summit is always a busy place.

Riggindale is famous as being the home to England's only golden eagle. This beautiful bird of prey dances in the sky hoping, against hope, for a mate to join him. He soars and swoops to no avail as the nearest female golden eagle is in Scotland. He has been alone since his mate disappeared, presumed dead, around 2005. The conservation authorities have decided they will not reintroduce a female into the area for him. The best way to see him is to visit the RSPB viewpoint(1) which is manned between April and August 11am till 4pm.

Haweswater is a reservoir, construction by the Manchester Corporation started in 1929. Controversy raged as it was considered one of England's most beautiful valleys. Originally there were two lakes called High and Low Water with the Measand delta separating them. The village of Mardale Green sat at the bottom of The Rigg was destroyed, and flooded by the rising waters. In dry summers what little remains of buildings like the Dun Bull Inn, the Public School, Riggindale Farm, walls and roads, hauntingly re-appear.

Park at Mardale Head at the far end of Haweswater where there is a small car park, get there early for a space in the holidays or weekends.