NY3420 : Multiple 'mico-mounds' on slope of Great Dodd
Strenuous; boggy ground and faint summit paths

Great Dodd

857m Elevation
109m Prominence
England Country
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Overview

Great Dodd rises to 857 metres in the Eastern Fells.

Great Dodd

Great Dodd rises to 857 metres in the Eastern Fells. Watson’s Dodd and Clough Head are nearby summits. Summit record.

Finding the summit

The surveyed high point at NY 34204 20529 is unmarked ground, about 30 metres south-southeast of the large cairn. A separate shelter cairn stands farther southeast at NY 34272 20452. Neither cairn marks the highest ground. Survey details.

From the large cairn, look northwest towards Grasmoor and Skiddaw, with glimpses of Derwent Water and Bassenthwaite Lake. Great Dodd is one of Wainwright’s Eastern Fells. Summit photographs.

From High Row via Randerside

From High Row, take the Old Coach Road past Cockley Moor. At Groove Beck, leave the road for the path beside the beck, crossing Bruts Moss towards Randerside. The main path skirts Randerside’s summit; continue uphill towards Great Dodd. After a prominent cairn, the path swings onto the north ridge and becomes faint.

Return along the same approach to Randerside, then descend via Bruts Moss and Groove Beck. Rejoin the Old Coach Road and follow it back to High Row. Photographic route guide.

Plan for a strenuous mountain walk, with particularly boggy ground at Bruts Moss slowing the approach. First-hand walk account.

Volcanic rock beneath the grass

Great Dodd’s summit bedrock is the Thirlmere Tuff Member, within the Lincomb Tarns Tuff Formation and Borrowdale Volcanic Group. These Ordovician volcanic rocks include tuff made from ash and rock fragments; BGS describes material that weathers white to pink. Local geology; BGS rock description.

Before you set out

The small off-road parking area at High Row, near Dockray, is around NY 380 219. Space is limited: follow current signs, keep gates and lanes clear, and have another plan if it is full. Starting-point guide, page 12.

Carry a map and compass and know how to use them. The fading summit path needs particular attention in mist; do not rely solely on a phone. Navigation advice.

Check the mountain forecast and allow enough daylight for the return. Leave your route and expected finish time with someone. Carry food, water, warm clothing and waterproofs. Turn back if conditions deteriorate, and do not attempt a swollen beck crossing. Snow, ice, strong winds and storms can make this walk unsuitable; winter conditions require appropriate skills and equipment. Walking safety; What to pack.

Explore routes near Great Dodd

Public walks starting within 80 km of this hill. Nearby does not mean a route reaches the summit; check its map and access before setting out.

Helvellyn via Striding Edge

11.2 km 3h 45m–5h 40m Hard

View route

Striding Edge, Helvellyn and Catstye Cam

12 km 4h–6h Hard

View route

Derwentwater Walk: full lakeside circuit from Keswick

15.9 km 4h–5h 20m Moderate

View route

Bannerdale Crags from Mungrisdale Wainwright

6.9 km 1h 45m–2h 20m Moderate

View route

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches, not verified navigable routes or permission to cross land. Check current paths, local access rules and conditions before setting out.

High Row via Randerside

Follow the Old Coach Road, Groove Beck and Randerside; return the same way to High Row.

Strenuous
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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

Unmarked ground at NY 34204 20529, about 30 metres SSE of the large cairn; separate shelter cairn to the southeast.

Terrain & Geology

Rough track wet moorland and fading grassy summit paths.

Thirlmere Tuff Member, Lincomb Tarns Tuff Formation, Borrowdale Volcanic Group: Ordovician volcanic tuff.

Views & Scenery

Northwest towards Grasmoor, Skiddaw, Derwent Water and Bassenthwaite Lake.

History & Heritage

Historical Significance

Great Dodd is included among Wainwright’s Eastern Fells.

Getting There & Facilities

Check current local access restrictions, parking rules and transport timetables before travelling. These notes do not confirm public access to the summit.

Parking

Small off-road parking area at High Row, around NY 380 219. Follow current signs and keep access clear.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Bruts Moss can be very wet; the summit approach becomes faint.
  • Do not attempt swollen beck crossings.

Seasonal Hazards

Snow, ice, storms and strong winds can make this walk unsuitable. Winter conditions require appropriate skills and equipment.

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?

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Location

Great Dodd location map

Grid reference: NY342205

View on OpenStreetMap

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

Hills within 30 km

Straight-line distance, not a walking route or confirmation of access.

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Helvellyn

950m

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868m

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841m

Fairfield

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See 5 more nearby hills

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