Nine Standards Rigg

Nine Standards Rigg is a moorland ridge in the Pennine Hills, a few miles south-east of Kirkby Stephen in Cumbria, England. A line of tall stone cairns on its flank can be spotted from the valley far below, and they make this one of the best-known landmarks on the Coast to Coast walk.

What are the Nine Standards?

The ridge takes its name from the cairns, known locally as "standards", built just below the summit. They stand roughly 400 m from the highest point and about 12 m lower, which is why they show up so clearly from the surrounding dales. Despite the name, the count has not stayed at nine: old photographs show anywhere from seven to twelve, as the stonework has been rebuilt many times.

Written references go back to the 16th century, and the cairns appear on 18th-century maps. Nobody knows why they were built. Theories include a boundary marker between Westmorland and Swaledale, a military bluff meant to fool an enemy, a warning to Scottish raiders and grave markers. The cairns have been Grade II listed since 1984.

Where is it and how high?

The summit, which is also called Hartley Fell, reaches 662 m (2,172 ft). It lies within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, just outside the Yorkshire Dales National Park and close to the Cumbria and North Yorkshire boundary. An Ordnance Survey trig pillar marks the top, on the watershed. The view from the cairns is better than from the pillar.

How do you get there?

Most walkers start in Kirkby Stephen and follow the Coast to Coast path eastward. It crosses fields and then opens onto bare moorland. In the drier months the classic route described by Alfred Wainwright is available. Because of peat erosion, land managers mark alternative routes in wet seasons to spare the most fragile ground, so watch for signs at the fork. Park in Kirkby Stephen, where there are several places to leave a car.

Why stay on the path?

This is blanket bog. Stepping off the trodden line widens the damage, and after rain parts of the ground turn soft. A major repair scheme called "Raising the Standard" was carried out on the path below the ridge: stone slabs were flown in by helicopter and sphagnum moss was planted to help the peat recover. Keep to the waymarked line.

When should you visit?

Dry, calm days from late spring to early autumn are best. The exposed ridge can switch to wind and cloud quickly, so pack layers, a map or GPS and waterproof boots. In poor visibility it is easy to lose the path.

Frequently asked questions

How many cairns are there at Nine Standards Rigg? The name says nine, but the count has varied between seven and twelve because the cairns get rebuilt.

Are the cairns at the highest point? No. The summit with the trig pillar is about 400 m away and stands at 662 m. The cairns sit slightly lower.

Is it on the Coast to Coast route? Yes. The trail crosses the ridge after leaving Kirkby Stephen on the way towards Swaledale.

Are the cairns protected? Yes, they have been Grade II listed since 1984. Do not climb on them or move stones.