Nine Standards Rigg

Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17

Nine Standards Rigg lies on the route of the Coast to Coast at a height of 2172 ft (662 m) above sea level, overlooking Kirkby Stephen three miles to the west.

Nine Standards Rigg takes its name from the line of cairns which stand on the edge of the escarpment just north of the summit. The origin of the nine "stone men" on the summit, is a mystery. According to Wainwright, whose Coast to Coast route crosses the fell, they are very ancient and are marked on 18th century maps. One theory is that they were constructed by the Roman army to look like troops from a distance.

At the summit of Nine Standards Rigg is a trig point that marks the watershed divide across England.

Grid Ref: NY 825061.