Stybarrow Dodd

Stybarrow Dodd

Stybarrow Dodd is an 843.7-metre Wainwright in the Eastern Fells. Summit record.

Its grassy dome rises immediately north of Sticks Pass on the Helvellyn range. Watson’s Dodd and Great Dodd are its northern neighbours, while the western shoulder divides Stanah Gill from Sticks Gill. The rounded skyline gives little warning of how easily landmarks can disappear in cloud. Landscape.

Finding the high point

The true summit is unmarked ground at NY 34308 18907, about 15 metres southeast of the cairn. The ground is recorded as 20 centimetres higher than the cairn’s position. Survey details.

The cairn at NY 34296 18923 is the Wainwright top. Its northwestern outlook takes in Grasmoor, Grisedale Pike and Bassenthwaite Lake. Stybarrow Dodd appears in Book One, The Eastern Fells, of Wainwright’s guides. Summit photograph and guidebook.

From Legburthwaite via Sticks Pass

From Legburthwaite car park, around NY 318196, walk south along the B5322 to Stanah. Take care with traffic on this road section. Starting point.

Follow the lane towards Stanah Farm, then the Sticks Pass bridleway around the cottages and through the fields. Cross the water leat and Stanah Gill bridge. Continue uphill at the Swirls path junction, climbing steeply to a sheepfold before easier ground leads towards Sticks Pass.

At the pass turn north, away from Raise, and climb to Stybarrow Dodd’s south top. Continue northeast to the higher summit area rather than following the main ridge path, which bypasses it. Photographic ascent guide.

Return over the south top to Sticks Pass. Turn west and retrace the path past the sheepfold, down beside Stanah Gill and through the fields to Stanah. Turn north along the B5322 to return to the same car park. Descent through Stanah.

Geology

The summit is mapped as Thirlmere Tuff Member, part of the Lincomb Tarns Tuff Formation within the Borrowdale Volcanic Group. This Ordovician volcanic rock includes lapilli-tuff and glass-rich tuff, with weathered surfaces that can look white or pink. Tuff forms from material thrown out during eruptions. The grassy summit hides much of the bedrock. Summit geology; BGS rock definition.

Access and facilities

Legburthwaite has pay-and-display parking and seasonal toilets. Check current signs and opening arrangements before relying on facilities. Official parking information.

Preparation and safety

Allow enough daylight for the return. Carry a map and compass, food, drinking water, waterproofs and warm layers. Check the mountain forecast and leave your route with someone. Wet paths can be slippery; avoid exposed ground in storms or strong winds. Snow and ice require winter skills and suitable equipment. Walking safety.