North Pennines
Scarset Rigg
521M
1709FT
About Scarset Rigg
Rising above the Mallerstang valley near Kirkby Stephen, this high moorland shoulder offers a quiet alternative to its more famous neighbours. Its terrain is typical of the Western Fells—broad, grassy, and often boggy—providing an excellent vantage point over the deep trench of the River Eden and the looming cliffs of Wild Boar Fell.
Key Statistics
Rank
167th Highest in Region
Parent Range
North Pennines
Prominence
?
21m
Nearest Town
Middleton in Teesdale
Geology
Scarset Rigg is built from layers of limestone, sandstone, and mudstone. These stacked rocks form the rugged slopes and solid paths you see today.
Classifications
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NY905235
Latitude
54.6066°N
Longitude
2.1486°W
Did You Know?
- •The name is likely a combination of the Old Norse 'skerr' (rocky outcrop) and 'saetr' (a summer pasture), followed by the Northern dialect 'rigg' describing its long, ridge-like profile.
- •The hill serves as a physical link between the high gritstone plateau of Swarth Fell and the lower slopes that drop away toward the Settle-Carlisle railway line in the valley bottom.
- •Summit views are dominated by the eastern side of the Mallerstang valley, specifically the long, dark escarpment of High Seat and the distinctive profile of the Lady Anne’s Way long-distance path below.
- •The terrain offers an excellent opportunity to test the waterproof claims of your boots against the deep, ancient peat hags that define this corner of the North Pennines.