Scotland
Backwater Rig
511M
1677FT
About Backwater Rig
Situated in the rounded Southern Uplands, this 511m top offers a quiet escape within the Culter Hills. Often overlooked in favour of nearby Culter Fell, the grassy ridge provides a straightforward ascent with expansive views across the upper Clyde Valley and towards the distinctive silhouette of Tinto.
Key Statistics
Rank
325th Highest in Region
Parent Range
Culter Hills and Tinto
Prominence
?
27
Nearest Town
South Lanarkshire
Geology
The ground here belongs to the Portpatrick Formation. It is made of wacke, a hard, muddy sandstone that forms the rugged foundation of this fell.
Classifications
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NT028242
Latitude
55.5026°N
Longitude
3.5397°W
Did You Know?
- •The name is rooted in Scots, where a 'rig' refers to a long, narrow ridge or the crest of a hill, perfectly describing the elongated profile of this 511-metre summit.
- •It is most commonly climbed as part of a high-level circuit of the Culter Hills, usually paired with its loftier neighbour, Culter Fell, which sits to the southwest.
- •The summit provides an excellent vantage point for viewing the 'Biggar Gap', the low-lying pass that historically served as a vital corridor between the Clyde and Tweed valleys.
- •Navigating the featureless, grassy plateau in poor visibility provides a masterclass in compass work, as the summit lacks any significant man-made landmarks or large cairns.