Great Dodd Circular Walk

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Hard
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
6-8.5h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
20.1 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
872 m
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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Directions to Trailhead
Great Dodd Circular Walk

The Great Dodd Circular Walk is a challenging outing that will take you across the summit viewpoints of several fells for a great sightline over the surrounding Lake District landscape. The trail will lead you up the hillside to traverse White Pike, Clough Head, Calfhow Pike, Great Dodd, Watson’s Dodd, Stybarrow Dodd, and Hart Side; all while taking in beautiful views of nearby peaks and the waters of Thirlmere and Ullswater. This is a difficult adventure; however, the views along the trail are breathtaking and well worth the effort.

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Route Description for Great Dodd Circular Walk

Walking the Great Dodd Circular route may be a tough adventure, but it will also produce some of the most beautiful views in the Lake District region. Setting out from the trailhead, you will walk along the Old Coach Road to the west before branching off to the south on the steep ascent of White Pike. From here, you will traverse the undulating terrain as you make your way across the summit viewpoints atop Clough Head, Calfhow Pike, and Great Dodd. This portion of the walk will provide some beautiful views overlooking surrounding fells and the waters of Thirlmere off to the west. Continue along the rugged trail to make your way over Watson’s Dodd, Stybarrow Dodd, and Hart Side, where you will have a stunning view overlooking Ullswater. From here, follow the trail downhill to the northeast to return to the trailhead.

Getting to the Great Dodd Circular Walk Trailhead

To reach the car park for the Great Dodd Circular Walk from Glenridding, head north on A592 for 3.7 km and turn left onto Park Brow/A5091, followed by an immediate left to continue on the road for 2.3 km. Make a sharp left onto Crag Side, and follow it for 1.6 km to arrive at the car park.

Route Information

  • When to do

    March-October

  • Backcountry Campsites

    No

  • Pets allowed

    Yes - On Leash

  • Family friendly

    No

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    Low

  • Route Type

    Circuit

Great Dodd Circular Walk Elevation Graph

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