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Dodd from Dodd Wood car park

Start/Finish

Dodd Wood car park which is a pay on leave car park run by Forestry England. Expect to pay about £7 based on 2024 prices. There is free parking outside of the car park but it is limited. Dodd Wood car park is well signposted on the A591 Keswick to Carlisle road and is about 2.5 miles from the A591/A66 roundabout near Keswick.

Distance/Time

7 km    About 3 hours

Peaks

Dodd, 502 m, NY 244 273.   OL4 North Western Lakes

Introduction

This is a fine walk and has excellent views on a clear day. It can easily be accomplished on a short winter's day. The route is very easy to follow and Forestry England have signposted it well in both directions but this route goes clockwise. The paths and tracks are well made. The views from the summit are panoramic especially to Keswick, Derwentwater, Bassenthwaite and the surrounding hills. Skiddaw is largely hidden behind Carl Side but, on a clear day, there will be a glimpse of its summit.

Route

(1) From the car park, walk to the cafe and toilets then go up the track behind to cross the bridge over Skill Beck. From there, one just follows the waymarks (green) for Dodd Summit Trail. The path winds around but is waymarked all the way to the summit but just before the final part of the ascent there is a left turn which goes to a viewpoint and is also the descent route. Eventually reach the top where there is a memorial to mark the summit of Dodd, 502 m.

(2) Retrace back to the viewpoint path. The descent route goes right just before the viewpoint and is easily followed as it descends back to the car park.

Notes

(a) This walk took place on 13^th August, 2024 and many times previously.