The Eastern Fells

Dollywaggon Pike

858m | 2815ft

Dollywaggon Pike is a fell in the English Lake District. It stands on the main spine of the Helvellyn range in the Eastern Fells, between Thirlmere and the Ullswater catchment.

Popular Routes

Grisedale Tarn and Dollywaggon Pike via Dunmail Raise
Distance: 8.5km
Difficulty: Moderate
Starting from Dunmail Raise, this scenic route ascends via Raise Beck, reaching Grisedale Tarn before climbing steeply to Dollywaggon Pike's summit. Offers spectacular views towards Fairfield and Helvellyn.
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Dollywaggon Pike via Grisedale Valley
Distance: 12.5km
Difficulty: Moderate
A beautiful route from Patterdale ascending gently through Grisedale Valley to Grisedale Tarn, followed by a steeper ascent to Dollywaggon Pike. Excellent views of the eastern fells and Ullswater area.
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Dollywaggon Pike from Glenridding via Helvellyn
Distance: 14.5km
Difficulty: Challenging
A longer and more demanding route starting in Glenridding, climbing over Helvellyn and descending towards Dollywaggon Pike via Nethermost Pike. Offers magnificent ridge walking and stunning panoramic views.
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Parking

Dunmail Raise Layby
Roadside layby providing limited parking spaces at the start of the Raise Beck ascent route.
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Glenridding Car Park
Main pay-and-display car park in Glenridding offering easy access to eastern routes via Helvellyn.
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Patterdale Hotel Car Park
Pay-and-display car park situated near Patterdale village providing direct access to routes through Grisedale Valley.
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Public Transport

Bus services (508) operated by Stagecoach connect Penrith railway station to Glenridding and Patterdale, providing access to the eastern side of Dollywaggon Pike.
Check timetables at Stagecoach website for current schedule information.

Closest Towns

Glenridding
A popular village at Ullswater, providing essential facilities and convenient access to routes via Helvellyn.
Patterdale
Village providing amenities and direct access to Grisedale Valley and surrounding eastern fells.
Ambleside
A lively market town situated to the south, offering a wide range of services, accommodations, shops, and eateries.

Pubs & Restaurants

The Travellers Rest
Traditional pub serving hearty meals, ideal for a relaxed post-walk meal or drink.
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White Lion Inn
Cosy local inn with pub classics and ales, well-situated for walkers in Patterdale.
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The Inn on the Lake
Lakeside hotel with excellent dining options, ranging from casual pub food to fine dining.
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The Golden Rule
Traditional Lakeland pub serving local ales in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
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Lucy’s on a Plate
Popular restaurant offering seasonal dishes made from local ingredients, perfect for an evening meal after a day in the hills.
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Good to know

The weather on Dollywaggon Pike can quickly deteriorate; always check detailed mountain forecasts and be prepared for sudden changes.
Paths can be unclear around Grisedale Tarn area, particularly in poor visibility. Ensure you carry a map, compass, and know how to use them.
Mobile phone reception can be unreliable in this region; consider carrying an emergency whistle or signalling device.
The route around Grisedale Tarn is scenic, especially in late spring and early summer when wildflowers and birdlife are abundant.
Always adhere to the countryside code—leave no trace, respect wildlife, and keep dogs under control, particularly near sheep and other livestock.