Clough Head

Clough Head

Clough Head is a 726-metre Wainwright in the Eastern Fells. Fell record.

At the northern end of the Helvellyn ridge, the fell rises south of Threlkeld above St John’s in the Vale. Its grassy eastern slopes contrast with the crags on the west and Red Screes on the north. Threlkeld Knotts sits below the northern face. Landscape.

Summit and views

The trig column and small wind shelter at NY 33394 22541 mark both the summit and Wainwright top. The fell appears in Book One of Wainwright’s pictorial guides. Summit details.

Blencathra fills the northern view, while Great Dodd rises to the south. Summit panorama.

High Row circuit via Great Dodd

This circuit is approximately 13.2 km with 606 metres of ascent. Full route.

From High Row, pass through the gate onto the Old Coach Road. Beyond Cockley Moor plantation, cross the beck and turn left onto the uphill path beside it. Cross Matterdale Common and the wet ground of Bruts Moss, then climb past Randerside to Great Dodd. The path becomes less distinct near the north ridge, so check your position. Ascent photographs.

Leave Great Dodd westwards, following the path as it bends north-west to Calfhow Pike. Continue north to Clough Head. Descend north-east towards White Pike; just before the rocks, turn right at the crossing path and descend east to the Old Coach Road at NY 348230. Turn right along the track and follow it back to High Row. Ridge and return.

Geology

A cap of Ordovician Thirlmere Tuff Member covers the summit, within the Borrowdale Volcanic Group. Summit bedrock.

This volcanic rock includes lapilli-tuff and glass-rich tuff, weathering white to pink. It belongs to the Lincomb Tarns Tuff Formation. BGS rock definition.

The wider fell has a more varied geology: a fault north of the summit separates Borrowdale volcanic rocks from the Skiddaw Group rocks around White Pike. Geological setting.

Access

High Row above Dockray has a parking area at NY 380219. Check current parking signs and keep entrances clear. Start location.

Plan any public-transport connection and return journey separately. Confirm facilities before travelling, and carry your own food and water.

Preparation and safety

Allow a full mountain day and carry navigation equipment you can use in cloud. Check the forecast, tell someone your route and leave enough daylight for the return. Wear suitable footwear and take warm layers and waterproofs. Wet rock and grass can be slippery; high rainfall can make crossings unsafe. Avoid exposed ground in storms or strong winds. Snow and ice require winter skills and equipment. Walking safety.

The steep western crags and Sandbed Gill are not shortcuts for this walk. Stay with the planned eastern descent. Other terrain.