NY3420 : Multiple 'mico-mounds' on slope of Great Dodd

Great Dodd

857m Elevation
109m Prominence
England Country
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NY3420 : Multiple 'mico-mounds' on slope of Great Dodd

Trevor Littlewood Photo source

Overview

Great Dodd

Great Dodd is a charming summit located in the beautiful Lake District, England. Standing tall at an impressive 856 meters, this Marilyn is a favourite amongst hikers for its accessibility and stunning panoramic views. Below, we dive into what makes this hill worth the trek!

Geology

Great Dodd’s geological story unfolds primarily through the presence of volcanic rock, specifically andesite and rhyolite. Formed during explosive volcanic activity millions of years ago, it is evidence of the tumultuous geological forces that shaped the Lake District we see today. The rocky outcrops you might encounter are not just mere stones; they’re relics of a very different time in the Earth’s history!

Routes

Peat Moss Route

This route is a relatively easy and scenic way to ascend Great Dodd. Starting from the small car park off the A66, you’ll traverse charming yet likely boggy terrain. The trek is about 7.5 km round trip and usually takes around 3 hours. Perfect for a leisurely hike on a sunny day!

Watson's Dodd Route

If you're feeling adventurous, combining Great Dodd with Watson’s Dodd provides a more challenging option at around 10 km. Expect some steep scrambles and the chance to feel like a mountain goat rather than merely a pedestrian. Allocate around 4 hours for this route.

Summit Features

Upon reaching the summit, you’ll be greeted by a prominent stone cairn and a trig point that’s begging for a selfie. Just be careful of the winds, they can be a bit cheeky!

Terrain

Expect a delightful mix of grassy slopes, stunning rocky outcrops, and some boggy patches that might try to steal your boots. It’s best to wear sturdy footwear that you won't mind getting a bit muddy.

Views

From the top, the views are simply breathtaking. To the south, you'll see the stunning Helvellyn range, while the north reveals the tranquil waters of Thirlmere. Late spring to early autumn tends to offer the best viewpoints, but a clear winter day is nothing to scoff at either! Just dress for the occasion.

Hazards

Be aware that the terrain can be quite boggy, especially after rain. Visibility may change rapidly. A good map and compass won’t go amiss—this isn't a game of hide and seek with the mountain!

Access and Facilities

Parking is available in a small layby off the A66, with public transport links from Keswick and Penrith. Once you finish your hike, the town of Keswick is not only the nearest town, but also a delightful pit stop peppered with cafes and shops.

History

The name 'Dodd' hails from Norse origins, meaning hill or mound, which is fitting for this magnificent peak. As part of the Lake District National Park, Great Dodd is not just a mountain; it is a significant part of the cultural and historical tapestry of the region.

So, whether you're an avid hiker or just someone seeking a bit of fresh air, Great Dodd promises not just a hike, but a memorable adventure amidst some of England’s most stunning landscapes. Pack your boots, grab a map, and embark on the journey. Happy hiking!

Explore routes near Great Dodd

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Helvellyn via Striding Edge

11.2 km ~6h Hard

View route

Striding Edge, Helvellyn and Catstye Cam

12 km ~6h 30m Hard

View route

Bannerdale Crags from Mungrisdale Wainwright

6.9 km ~2h Moderate

View route

Mungrisdale Common and Bowscale Fell from Mosedale Valley Wainwright

13.4 km ~6h Hard

View route

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Peat Moss Route

Starting from the small car park at the base of the hill, the Peat Moss Route meanders steadily through charming, if boggy, terrain. This is a popular choice for hikers looking to soak in the beauty of the Lake District without feeling like they're doing battle with the mountain.

7.5 km ~3 hours Moderate

Watson's Dodd Route

This route connects Great Dodd and its neighbour Watson's Dodd, providing a scenic loop that showcases the best of the surrounding landscapes, with a few thrilling scrambles to keep your heart pumping.

10 km ~4 hours Challenging
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Hump Simm Hewitt Nuttall High Hills of Britain Wainwright Birkett Synge Fellranger

Elevation

857m

2,812 ft

Prominence

109m

Coordinates

54.5757, -3.0194

NY342205

OS Map

90

Explorer: OL5S

At the Summit

The summit features a sturdy stone cairn and a trig point, which makes for a fantastic photo opportunity. Just watch out for the gusty winds—they're sometimes stronger than your best mate who insists they can do the 'Walk of Shame' uphill!

Terrain & Geology

A delightful mix of grassy slopes and rocky outcrops interspersed with boggy patches that might try to steal your boots.

Great Dodd is primarily composed of volcanic rock, specifically andesite and rhyolite formations, characteristic of its formation during the explosive volcanic activity that shaped the region millions of years ago.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you'll marvel at views of the Helvellyn range to the south and the rolling fells of the surrounding countryside. On a clear day, you can even spot the shimmering waters of Thirlmere.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Dodd' is derived from Norse and relates to the term for hill or mound. Great Dodd certainly lives up to its name, standing proud!

Historical Significance

As part of the Lake District National Park, Great Dodd holds historical importance not only as a natural landmark but also as part of the cultural heritage of the area, known for its extensive network of footpaths and trails.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There's a small layby on the A66 road near the foot of Great Dodd, suitable for cars. If you're lucky, you might even nab a space during peak times!

Public Transport

The nearest public transport is the bus service that runs between Keswick and Penrith, with a stop at the A66. From there, it’s a short walk to the trailhead.

Nearby Facilities

Keswick boasts numerous cafes, shops, and public toilets. A favourite stop is the Dog & Gun Inn, renowned for its local ales and hearty meals – a great reward after a long hike.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • The terrain can be quite boggy, particularly after heavy rain, so be prepared for the possibility of wet feet. Visibility can change rapidly in the mountains, so keep an eye on the weather.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Great Dodd?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Great Dodd through the maps

Are there other walkers around Great Dodd?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Great Dodd search or of course create your own walk for Great Dodd

Can I organise a walk to Great Dodd?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Great Dodd.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Great Dodd?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Great Dodd here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

Great Dodd location map

Grid reference: NY342205

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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