Nine Standards Rigg Walk: The Three Marshketeers
Friday, June 5th, 2009Then there were three. And we would that day walk through wild rugged terrain to the Nine Standards Rigg.
Nine Standards Rigg Walk
At lunchtime we set forth, across boggy ground that soon made our poor walking vessels fill with water; if they had been ships I’m sure we’d have capsized!
The day was very greenygrey, with miles of green moorland stretching to the grey horizon, which changed with the movement of the low cloud shrouding distant mountains.
A curlew cried incessantly as it flew overhead, while sheep were our only companions on the ground.
Adding Yellow to the Green
From a hilltop we could see yellow in the valley below, bringing vivid colour to the green carpet. Some farms and a river too.
When we reached the yellow we saw it was buttercups; so small on their own, but together they created a blanket for the sleeping green giant. A couple of oystercatchers called and flew.
Reaching our Destination
Nine silhouettes stood proudly on the hilltop horizon. Our destination was in sight.
To tell you the truth, I didn’t know we had a destination. As I’d put my faith in my companions, and as far as I knew we were just on a directionless stroll. It had taken us over three hours.
So we reached Nine Standards Rigg, high in the northern Pennines at 2172 feet, and what a fine sight it was. The day had also cleared, so there were 360 degree views for miles, including the village of Kirkby Stephen in the valley below.
Apparently, nobody knows the origins of the cairns, but it is thought that they may have been built to resemble guards, and deter foes.
The final part of this thrilling travel tale will appear on this site tomorrow, god willing.
Video from Nine Standards Rigg
Photos from the whole trip
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