TEN Lakeland Fells bear the name Dodd, which means is a compact rounded summit, writes JOHN EDMONDSON. This walk visits the highest three of them. Starting from an altitude of 1,350 feet, the main summit can be climbed in a couple of hours of moderate walking on grassy slopes. From there onwards, while not downhill all the way, the views become more spectacular and interesting, but care is needed in negotiating narrow paths around steep-sided valleys.

To drive from Ullswater, take the A5091 to Dockray and turn left at the Royal Hotel onto the road signed High Row and Dowthwaite Head. Park in the large parking area at High Row opposite the T-junction. (Map reference, NY 380219, nearest postcode CA11 0LG).

Information:

Distance: 9.5 miles, ascent: 2,900 feet

Time: 5 hours

Terrain: mostly grassy fell paths, boggy in places. Some narrow paths on the edge of steep slopes.

Map: OS Explorer OL5

Route:

1 From the car park walk into Matterdale Common along the Old Coach Road (signed St Johns in the Vale) for half a mile. Cross Groove Beck via the ford or footbridge then turn left onto a footpath signed Great Dodd 2.5 miles. The grassy path rises steadily, curving left around Deepdale to Randerside and the summit of Great Dodd. This ascent to 2,800 feet is one of the easiest in the Lake District and although the scenery doesn’t change much it is satisfying to reach the highest point of the walk at an early stage.

2 Follow the ridge ahead in a south-westerly direction to the summit of Watson’s Dodd. This fell affords great views over High Rigg to Skiddaw, with Bassenthwaite Lake at its foot. Continue along the grassy ridge, now heading southeast and then south to Stybarrow Dodd.

3 Follow the straight downhill stony path to Sticks Pass. At the col, there is an optional excursion to the summit of Raise, otherwise turn left and follow the stony path, which is now orange coloured, down the left of Sticks Gill, past waterfalls and along the heather-covered valley side. Part of the path is a disused leat (former water channel) and passes a huge collapsed cave where care is required crossing a narrow ridged path. Near the disused quarry tips bear left along an indistinct path to climb out of the valley. A view of Ullswater down Glencoyne valley suddenly appears to the left of Sheffield Pike.

4 Follow the contour path below Glencoyne Head. Just before reaching a small waterfall in Deepdale Slack the path passes above a disused mine tip. This is an excellent place to stop and admire the U-shaped valley, and see why the name Glencoyne may have been derived from an old Irish word (cdin), meaning beautiful. Continue to follow the contour path round the steep north side of the valley to a left fork climbing up to a wooden wall stile. The left turn is 250 yards before a wall, so if you meet the wall before starting to climb follow it uphill to the stile. After the stile, follow the boggy path northwards descending into Dowthwaite. The parking area at High Row, where the walk began, is visible in the distance. The path, which is vague in parts, continues to a wicket gate, signed Dowthwaite Head, and descends to Dowthwaitehead, crossing Aira Beck via a wooden footbridge.

5 Just before reaching the hamlet turn right through a gateway onto a footpath with a fingerpost pointing back to Watermillock Common. The path goes over a boggy field so after wet weather it may be preferable to carry straight on and walk the last mile along the quiet road. If using the path, when you reach the buildings at Crookwath, turn left to go through a gate onto a road past the cottage. The road ascends to pass a former filter house with an inscription on the front gable that reads 'Penrith RDC Waterworks 1932.' The pipeline, which is still operational, was constructed to provide water for Penrith. At the road junction, keep straight on and return to the parking area where the walk began.

Next week: Alcock Tarn and Nab Scar

NB: Restrictions on space mean that this article provides a general summary of the route. It is advisable for anyone who plans to follow the walk to take a copy of the relevant Ordnance Survey map.