“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.

Summits included on this route:
Clough Head726 metres / 2382 feet
Great Dodd6857 metres / 2812 feet
Watson's Dodd789 metres / 2589 feet
Stybarrow Dodd843 metres / 2766 feet
Hart Side756 metres / 2480 feet

“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

Each participant is expected to bring suitable personal equipment for the event.
This should include the following:

Summer Events:
(November - March)

Walking shoes / Boots
Waterproof clothing (Jacket and trousers)
Suitable clothing for walking (no jeans)
Warm tops
Packed lunch
Spare clothing
Water
Hat
Gloves

Winter Events:
(April - October)

Walking Boots
Waterproof clothing (Jacket and trousers)
Suitable clothing for walking (no jeans)
Warm tops
Packed lunch
Spare clothing
Water
Hat
Gloves
Torch (preferably a headtorch)
Spare batteries for the above
Spare Gloves
Flask & Hot Drink

The Following equipment may also be useful if owned:

Snow Goggles
Gaiters

The following equipment will be provided by The Lake District Walker should winter conditions require:

Ice Axe
Crampons

The Dodds and clough head Review by Angela

Overall Experience

An excellent walk . I really enjoyed this walk on quieter fells , some amazing views, once the mist lifted . Thanks to Arnold for his excellent guiding ,We set of in the rain and mist finished in glorious sunshine . recommend this walk to all . (Posted on 19/09/2016)

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Questions:

1 Answer

What is the minimum age for children on this event?

Posted by , Thursday, 12 October 2017 on product The Dodds and Clough Head

Question:

What is the minimum age for children on this event?

Answers:

Posted by John Scadding on Thursday, 12 October 2017

We do not have a set minimum age for this event, however, you know your child best, therefore please bear in mind this is an open event of varying ages, if you are not confident your child can complete this event then hiring a private guide could be a more suitable option.

As this is an open event all under 18's must be accompanied by an adult.

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1 Answer

What happens if the weather is bad?

Posted by , Thursday, 12 October 2017 on product The Dodds and Clough Head

Question:

What happens if the weather is bad?

Answers:

Posted by John Scadding on Thursday, 12 October 2017
We plan to walk whatever the weather, unless it is dangerous to do so.

Mountain weather can be a little unpredictable, but we do keep an eye on the forecasts leading up to walks, should the forecast mean that the walk is not possible then we will contact you as soon as we have the forecast and offer you the following options:
- A more suitable walk on the same date taking into consideration the weather conditions
- A transfer to the same walk on another date
- A full refund

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1 Answer

Are dogs allowed on this walk?

Posted by , Monday, 18 September 2017 on product The Dodds and Clough Head

Question:

Are dogs allowed on this walk?

Answers:

Posted by John Scadding on Monday, 18 September 2017

Yes, dogs are allowed on all our walks.

However we do cross farmland and common land where animals will be grazing, there will be large sections of the walk, if not all, where dogs will be required to be on a lead.

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The Dodds and Clough Head

Only £25 PER PERSON

Private Guiding also available daily

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Directions

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Each participant is expected to bring suitable personal equipment for the event.
This should include the following:

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The Dodds and Clough Head

Only £25 PER PERSON

Private Guiding also available daily

Quantity / Group Size:

Directions

Bus Services

Each participant is expected to bring suitable personal equipment for the event. This should include the following:

Questions:

Question:

Answers:

Question:

Answers:

Question:

Answers:

High Raise from Borrowdale

Helvellyn from Wythburn

Lingmoor Fell & Cathedral Quarry

Each participant is expected to bring suitable personal equipment for the event.
This should include the following: