Highlight • Viewpoint
Hiking
5.0
(111)
Mountaineering
5.0
(2)
Glenridding Dodd Summit is a modest yet highly rewarding viewpoint nestled in the heart of the English Lake District. Rising to an elevation of 442 meters (1,450 feet), this small fell stands proudly at the end of a ridge descending from the Helvellyn range in the Eastern Fells. It overlooks the picturesque village of Glenridding and offers spectacular vistas across the western shore of Ullswater, making it a prominent landmark in the Lake District National Park in Cumbria.
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Tips
April 28, 2021
Hiking
October 17, 2022
Hiking
October 17, 2022
Hiking
Nearby routes
Best routes near Glenridding Dodd summit
4.5
(78)
417
hikers
8.33km
03:04
520m
520m
4.7
(17)
280
hikers
21.7km
07:56
1,170m
1,170m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
4.8
(24)
316
hikers
8.18km
03:02
520m
520m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 500 m
Good to know
Family Friendly
yes
Wheelchair access
no
Dog Friendly
yes
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Glenridding Dodd is considered a modest and charming fell, making it an ideal hike for beginners or those seeking a shorter, scenic outing. The walk from Glenridding village to the summit and back is approximately 3-4 miles (5-6 km) and can be completed in about 2 hours to the summit, though it involves a steep ascent. Hikers should be prepared for rocky knolls and patches of heather.
A popular approach is directly from Glenridding village. Many hikers enjoy the route that ascends alongside Mossdale Beck. For a longer adventure, the summit can be combined with ascents of nearby fells like Sheffield Pike, often utilizing paths such as 'the Rake', which leads to the col between the two.
Yes, Glenridding Dodd is generally considered family-friendly due to its modest length and rewarding views. For dogs, it's also a good option, but always ensure they are kept under control, especially around livestock, and be mindful of the steep sections and rocky terrain. Remember to carry water for your pet.
Parking for Glenridding Dodd Summit viewpoint is typically available in Glenridding village. There are several car parks, but they can fill up quickly, especially during peak season or on weekends. Arriving early is often recommended to secure a spot.
Glenridding village is well-served by public transport, making it accessible without a car. Buses operate to Glenridding from various locations in the Lake District, including Penrith (which has a train station) and other towns along Ullswater. Once in Glenridding, the trailheads are within easy walking distance.
The best time of year to hike Glenridding Dodd is often during the drier months for clearer views and easier underfoot conditions. While accessible year-round, winter hikes require extra caution. The terrain can become slippery with ice or snow, and weather conditions can change rapidly. Appropriate winter gear, including sturdy boots and possibly microspikes, is advisable.
Despite its relatively low elevation, Glenridding Dodd offers spectacular panoramic views. From the summit, hikers can enjoy expansive vistas of almost the entire Ullswater lake, the village of Glenridding, Birkhouse Moor, Keldas, and the fells clustered around the valleys above Patterdale. Place Fell is also clearly visible across Ullswater, providing unique perspectives of familiar Lakeland fells.
The summit ridge features patches of heather, rocky knolls, and marshy hollows. Geologically, Glenridding Dodd is part of the Borrowdale Volcanic Group, formed approximately 450 million years ago. The rocks are predominantly andesitic lavas from ancient volcanoes, with some dacitic lavas on the lower slopes.
Glenridding village, located at the base of Glenridding Dodd, is a popular tourist hub offering numerous amenities. Visitors can find cafes, pubs, and various accommodation options, making it a convenient base for exploring the area or for a post-hike refreshment.
Absolutely. Glenridding Dodd is often combined with ascents of nearby fells like Sheffield Pike and Heron Pike for a longer and more varied hiking experience. Many routes, such as those utilizing 'the Rake', connect these fells, offering extended views across the Helvellyn range.