High Hartsop Dodd

High Hartsop Dodd

High Hartsop Dodd is a 519-metre Wainwright in the Eastern Fells. Fell record.

Its steep northern face gives it a striking outline above the valley, but the fell is really the northeastern end of Little Hart Crag’s ridge. Caiston Glen lies to the east and the Dovedale side to the west. Wainwright gave this small outlier its own chapter. Landscape.

Summit and outlook

A small cairn marks the summit near NY 393 107. The ridge continues uphill towards Little Hart Crag beyond it. Summit record.

Dove Crag and Hart Crag fill the nearby skyline; St Sunday Crag appears beyond Hartsop above How. Brothers Water is visible from just below the summit. Photographic views.

From Cow Bridge and back

Leave Cow Bridge car park at its southern end. Follow the lakeside track beneath Low Wood beside Brothers Water, continuing to Hartsop Hall. Valley approach.

Beyond the hall, take the signed footpath for Kirkstone Pass and Scandale Pass across the small bridge. Pass through the wall gate and cross the pasture towards the barn below the fell. Go through the gate beside the barn and climb the north ridge. Cross the fence by its stile. Higher up, follow the path around the right side of the crags, then cross the ruined wall and climb the final rise to the cairn. Ascent photographs.

Turn back at the cairn and retrace the ridge path, including the crag bypass and stile. At the ruined wall, stay on your ascent route: following the wall sideways leads towards crags. Descend to the barn, cross the pasture and bridge, and return past Hartsop Hall and Brothers Water to Cow Bridge. Descent and valley return.

This out-and-back stops at High Hartsop Dodd; Little Hart Crag and the larger Dovedale circuits are separate outings. Out-and-back route.

The north ridge is steep, especially on descent. Choose dry, unfrozen conditions; wet or icy ground can make the return hazardous. Cattle may be present near Hartsop Hall, and the stile is an obstacle for dogs. Route cautions.

Geology

The summit bedrock is Ordovician Middle Dodd Dacite Formation within the Borrowdale Volcanic Group. Summit geology. BGS identifies it as a lava flow with banding and visible crystals. Rock description.

Access and preparation

Cow Bridge has a small car park. Charges apply to non-members of the National Trust; check current signs and terms. Parking information.

The Brotherswater Inn at Sykeside is off this route and has customer-only toilets. Check opening and current bus services to Cow Bridge before travelling. Visitor information.

Check the mountain forecast and allow daylight for the descent. Carry navigation equipment you can use, warm waterproof clothing, food and water. Avoid steep ground in strong winds or storms. Leave your route with someone and be prepared to turn back. Walking safety.