The Eastern Fells

Great Dodd

857m | 2812ft

Great Dodd is a mountain or fell in the English Lake District. It stands on the main ridge of the Helvellyn range, a line of mountains which runs in a north-south direction between the lakes of Thirlmere and Ullswater in the east of the Lake District.

Popular Routes

Great Dodd from High Row (Dockray)
Distance: 9.5km
Difficulty: Moderate
This straightforward ascent begins from High Row near Dockray, following a gentle track over Matterdale Common before climbing more steeply to the expansive summit of Great Dodd. Excellent views of Blencathra and the Helvellyn range.
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Great Dodd via Clough Head from Threlkeld
Distance: 14.5km
Difficulty: Challenging
Starting from Threlkeld, this route ascends steeply via Clough Head before traversing south across the Dodds ridge to reach Great Dodd. Offers stunning panoramic views over the northern and eastern Lake District.
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Great Dodd Circular via Watson's Dodd and Stybarrow Dodd
Distance: 12.0km
Difficulty: Moderate
A rewarding circular walk from High Row (Dockray), ascending Great Dodd and continuing along the ridge to Watson's Dodd and Stybarrow Dodd, offering fantastic views throughout the Eastern Fells.
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Parking

High Row Car Park
Small, free car park located near Dockray, ideal for accessing the quieter northern approaches to Great Dodd.
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Threlkeld Cricket Club Car Park
Pay-and-display parking in Threlkeld village, providing access to routes via Clough Head and the northern Dodds.
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Legburthwaite Car Park
Pay-and-display car park off the A591, suitable for alternative southern routes into the Helvellyn range and the Dodds.
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Public Transport

Stagecoach bus service X4/X5 connects Keswick to Penrith, with stops in Threlkeld providing access to routes via Clough Head and the northern approach to Great Dodd.
Check current schedules on the Stagecoach website before planning your journey.

Closest Towns

Dockray
Small, quiet village providing limited amenities but excellent access to routes on the northern side of Great Dodd.
Threlkeld
Village at the northern edge of the Helvellyn range, offering pubs, cafés, and convenient access to Great Dodd via Clough Head.
Keswick
Bustling market town with comprehensive services, accommodations, outdoor gear shops, and dining options.

Pubs & Restaurants

The Royal Hotel
A traditional inn providing welcoming accommodation and tasty home-cooked meals, popular with walkers.
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Horse & Farrier Inn
Historic Lakeland pub with excellent food, local ales, and a warm atmosphere, ideal after a day in the hills.
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The Salutation Inn
Cosy pub renowned for its hearty pub meals and local beers, perfect for walkers returning from Great Dodd.
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Fellpack
Popular Keswick café and restaurant specializing in nourishing, adventurous dishes catering specifically to hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
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The Wainwright
Well-loved pub celebrating Lakeland walking culture, serving excellent food and local ales.
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Good to know

Great Dodd and surrounding fells are exposed, making them particularly susceptible to strong winds and sudden weather changes; always consult mountain-specific forecasts before setting out.
The expansive, featureless summit area of Great Dodd can become disorientating in poor visibility; map, compass, and GPS skills are recommended.
Keep an eye out for local wildlife including red deer, peregrine falcons, and mountain hares, particularly in quieter northern areas around Dockray.
Mobile phone reception can be patchy; ensure you have emergency communication alternatives.
Be mindful to respect local farmland boundaries, gates, and livestock, especially on lower approaches around Dockray and Threlkeld.