If you are looking for a lovely, little winter hike to do, or want to tick off a little Wainwright, this is the one to do!
Dodd, standing at 502 metres (1,646 feet) above sea level is one of the smaller fells in the Lake District. It’s less challenging than many of the big fells, making it great for a morning walk, or a family day out!
The walk starts in Dodd Woods, in the Northern Lakes. There is a good, well-marked footpath through the woods and up the summit. The full route is 4 miles long, but the climb is steep, so it will certainly test your endurance! But the one thing I love about this route, it’s a great one to do in the winter! The footpath doesn’t seem to get too muddy, like some trails can get!
Location
Dodd is located in the Northern Lake District, just a 10-minute drive north from the town of Keswick.
Parking
There are two different places you can park. You can park in the Dodd Wood National Trust car park at a charge. However, if you drive on for a tiny bit further, north along the A591, there is a small, gravel area on your right-hand side where you can park for free.
SatNav address for the free car park: A591, Keswick, CA12 4QE ( or for the exact location: l54.6445, -3.1869 (lat, lng)
N 54°38’40.128” W 3°11’12.7572”)
SatNav address for the Dodd Wood National Trust Car Park: Dodd Wood Car Park, A591, Keswick, CA12 4QG
The Route
Follow this map, as you walk the route, and you shouldn’t get lost! Make sure your location is turned on and you should be able to see exactly where you are, on this map. Or if you prefer, download the GPX file and use it on your choice of route tracker.
This walk starts from the free car park.
Walk the route anti-clockwise!
1.
Starting at the free car park, take the path travelling south, through Dodd Wood. Follow the path as it climbs steeply up the woods. Eventually, you will reach a path junction, with a signpost.
2.
Take the footpath travelling off to your right-hand side, following the green arrow, marking the way to Dodd Summit. The footpath will lead you down to the stream. Cross over the wooden bridge, and follow the footpath until you reach a path junction.
3.
At the path junction, take the path going off to your left-hand side and follow it as it climbs up through Dodd Wood. Shortly, you will see a footpath going off to your right-hand side, with a signpost, marking the way to Dodd Summit.
4.
Take the footpath and follow it as it travels upwards, leading you out of the woods, and to the summit of Dodd.
5.
Once you’ve enjoyed having your summit selfies taken at the top, and admiring the view (if you are lucky enough to get a view), start making your way back down. Follow the same footpath down off the summit, until you reach a path junction.
6.
At the path junction, turn towards your left-hand side onto the wide path. Very shortly, you will see another path forking off to your right-hand side.
7.
Take the path and follow it back down through Dodd Wood, back to the free car park, where you started the walk from.
Enjoyed this walk? Why not have a go at one of my other favourites in the Lake District: Lake District National Park
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