Rigg Beck

Walking in the Newlands valley during the ‘covid lockdown’ would take us over Rigg Beck, and memories of the ‘purple house’ its namesake, which stood proudly on the bend of the road, would come to mind. The house was the home of Varya Vergauwen and her ten children and was the seasonal home of actors from the Century Theatre, based in Keswick. It had a colourful reputation, but alas, fell into disrepair and sadly burnt down in 2008. It has been replaced by a more contemporary private dwelling, lower down.

For fell walkers Rigg Beck is an alternative starting-point to explore the north western fells. A linear walk to Buttermere following Rigg Beck and Sail Beck is very pleasant.

The image is based on the wooden clapper boarding of the old house.