“But, midmost of the vale, a mound
Arose with airy turrets crown'd,
Buttress, and rampire's circling bound
And mighty keep and tower;”
Sir Walter Scott on The Castle Rock of Triermain
The northern end of the Helvellyn Ridge, above Threlkeld and St John's in the Vale has more in common with the Pennines which can be seen to their east across the Eden Valley than the higher summits a short distance to the south, they are rounded gentle grassy moorlands with few rocks in sight, but this northern edge of the Eastern Fells gives plenty of good walking, a gentle walk well away from the crowds to the south.
“Whoever Mr. Watson may have been, it is a very odd Dodd that has been selected to perpetuate his name”
A Wainwright
From Legburthwaite the route will follow the stream north, along the St John's in the Vale valley north to Wanthwaite Bridge and the start of the 'Old Coach Road' climbing east from the valley, a climb past the quarries will lead us to an old mine track, climbing over Wanthwaite Bank and over Threlkeld Knotts and across a good path climbing over Red Screes onto the grassy slopes above a short distance from the summit of Clough Head.
The ridge south from Clough Head descends to the rocky outcrop of Calfhow Pike before climbing to the summit of Great Dodd.
The ridge continues on fine grassy slopes with stunning views across the Lake District crossing the summit of Watson's Dodd before climbing to the summit of Stybarrow Dodd. A Short detour from Stybarrow Dodd will bring us down to Hart Side, the eastern shoulder of Stybarrow Dodd, a heavily mined area overlooking Ullswater.
The route will then take us back to the main ridge, at Sticks Pass from where we will descend west back down to Stannah and Legburthwaite.
Each participant will be required to bring suitable equipment for their chosen event, please see Kit List tab above.
Where to meet: Legburthwaite Car Park, St John's in the Vale
Postcode: CA12 4TQ
Grid Reference: NY 318 195
Directions
Legburthwaite can easily be found on the A591 between Grasmere and Keswick, just to the north of The King's Head Inn and Thirlmere, turn off the main road onto St John's In The Vale road, pass the Lodge in the Vale and the car park will be seen on the left.
Bus Services
Legburthwaite is well served by buses, the bus stop is 5 minutes walk away from the meet point.
The 555 bus runs between Kendal and Keswick, passing throughAmbleside, Windermere and Grasmere.
Stagecoach bus timetables can be viewed here
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