Dollywaggon Pike

Dollywaggon Pike

Dollywaggon Pike stands at the southern end of the Helvellyn ridge, above Grisedale Tarn. Its summit is 858.5 metres high, at grid reference NY346130. The approach from the tarn gives a good sense of the fell's shape: a long climb up the southern slopes, followed by open ground beside the craggy eastern side. High Crag and Nethermost Pike continue the ridge north towards Helvellyn.

The summit is worth visiting in its own right. The main ridge path passes below it, so following the busiest track does not necessarily take you to the highest point. A small cairn marks the top near the head of The Tongue. A larger cairn nearby is not the summit. In clear weather, the view opens down Grisedale towards Place Fell, across to St Sunday Crag and Fairfield, and north along the Helvellyn range.

Walking from Dunmail Raise

This is an out-and-back walk from the Raise Beck path at Dunmail Raise. It approaches the fell from the west and uses Grisedale Tarn and the zigzag path for the final climb.

Follow the mountain path uphill beside Raise Beck, on its southern side. The ground is rough and the climb sustained, so take your time on the stone sections. At the head of the beck, continue towards Grisedale Tarn. Follow the path above its northern shore to the foot of the zigzags on Dollywaggon's southern slopes.

Climb the zigzags rather than cutting straight up the hillside. As the ground opens out above them, leave the through-route towards Helvellyn to reach Dollywaggon's summit rise. Keep back from the steep eastern edge, particularly if visibility is poor.

Return by reversing the ascent: regain the zigzag path, descend to the tarn-side path, follow it west to the head of Raise Beck and descend beside the beck to the same Dunmail Raise starting point. Continuing north along the ridge or dropping east down The Tongue would take you onto a different walk. WalkLakes route guide

Walking from Mill Bridge, north of Grasmere

This second out-and-back starts at Mill Bridge on the A591, north of Grasmere village. Follow the signed route towards Grisedale Tarn and take the Tongue Gill branch, climbing on the eastern side of Great Tongue. Continue up the valley to Grisedale Hause, the pass between Seat Sandal and Fairfield.

From the hause, descend towards Grisedale Tarn and work round its western end onto the northern shore path. This brings you to the same zigzag ascent used from Dunmail Raise. Climb to the upper slopes and make the short diversion from the main ridge path to Dollywaggon's summit.

For the return, descend the zigzags and retrace the tarn-side path to Grisedale Hause. Cross the hause and follow Tongue Gill downhill to Mill Bridge. This return keeps the walk focused on Dollywaggon Pike without adding Seat Sandal, Fairfield or Helvellyn. If you begin in Grasmere village, include the connecting walk to and from Mill Bridge in your plan. Take particular care wherever your approach meets or crosses the A591. Tongue Gill and Grisedale Hause approach

Terrain and route choice

Both approaches involve a substantial mountain ascent on rough paths, with stone steps, grassy stretches and uneven ground. The zigzags ease the gradient but do not remove the effort. Allow enough daylight for the descent as well as the climb, and carry a map and compass with the skills to use them.

The Tongue is the eastern ridge dropping from the summit towards Grisedale. Its steeper, craggier ground needs a different level of route choice from the tarn paths described here. The same applies to an outing that adds Striding Edge or Swirral Edge on Helvellyn. Choose the whole route before setting off, including the way down, rather than treating every line joining these fells as equivalent.

Mist can hide the summit turn and nearby drops. Wet rock can be slippery, and strong wind makes the exposed upper ground more serious. Heavy rain can make beck crossings unsafe. Snow and ice change the character of the steep paths and demand suitable winter skills and equipment. Check a mountain forecast before leaving and be prepared to turn back. Lake District walking safety

Getting there and facilities

Grasmere is a useful base for the southern approach. Stock Lane has paid parking and public toilets; check the notices and opening arrangements when you arrive. It is in the village rather than at the Mill Bridge trailhead, so allow for the extra walk. Grasmere also has shops and places to eat. Carry the food and water you need for the mountain.

The 555 serves Grasmere. Check the operator's current timetable, your chosen stop and the return journey before setting out. For Dunmail Raise, plan the roadside arrival carefully and follow current signs rather than assuming a verge or gateway is available for parking. Grasmere visitor facilities