A gentle giant, Great Dodd is a huge, flattened, green dome that rises to an impressive height on the northern end of the Helvellyn range. It shares its rounded character with its siblings, Watson’s Dodd and Stybarrow Dodd, the three fells often referred to as a collective: ‘the Dodds’.

There’s nothing technically challenging in the slightest about these fells, though their summits can be exposed to harsh weather conditions and there is little by way of shelter up there.

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Lake District National Park

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Location: St John'S Castlerigg And Wythburn, Allerdale, Cumbria, North West England, England, United Kingdom

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Tips

Alex Foxfield

April 29, 2021

Hiking

Great Dodd, at 2,812 feet (857 m) is a gentle giant. The 19th highest Wainwright, it is probably the fell that will pose the least technical challenge of the top 20. However, in low visbility it could give you a stern navigational test.

Its great height means that the distant views from the top are grand. Foreground interest is hampered by the broad nature of its summit plateau. If you're after dramatic precipices, you are better served by Catstycam, Striding Edge and Dollywaggon Pike to the south.

Ellie Owens

October 7, 2020

Hiking

Parked at the bottom of Dockray's old coach Road and ascended via Clough Head. Great views of Thirlmere from Calfhow Pike on the way up to Great Dodd.

September 26, 2021

Hiking

If approaching from East (ish) near Red Moss, beware some patches of bog that aren't always easy to dodge

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Best routes to Great Dodd

4.7

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1. Great Dodd & Clough Head loop from High Row — Lake District National Park

13.3km

04:19

580m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

4.5

(15)

234

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2. Great Dodd – Watson's Dodd Summit loop from High Rigg

18.3km

06:38

1,070m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Hard

4.5

(11)

188

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3. Clough Head summit – Watson's Dodd Summit loop from Legburthwaite

17.8km

06:17

940m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Hard

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Informations

Elevation 860 m

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Family Friendly

yes

Wheelchair access

Dog Friendly

yes

Weather

Today

Sunday 8 February

8°C

4°C

71 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h

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Location: St John'S Castlerigg And Wythburn, Allerdale, Cumbria, North West England, England, United Kingdom

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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Waterfalls on Birkhouse Moor

Great Dodd

1. Great Dodd & Clough Head loop from High Row — Lake District National Park

2. Great Dodd – Watson's Dodd Summit loop from High Rigg

3. Clough Head summit – Watson's Dodd Summit loop from Legburthwaite

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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