Lake District Hiking Wainwrights - Raise, Stybarrow Dodd, Watson's Dodd, Great Dodd, Clough Head, Hart Side, Sheffield Pike, Glenridding Dodd
On the 19th of March 2025, I embarked on a hike covering eight Wainwright fells in the Lake District: Raise, Stybarrow Dodd, Watson's Dodd, Great Dodd, Clough Head, Hart Side, Sheffield Pike, and Glenridding Dodd. The journey spanned 15.13 miles and took 8 hours and 33 minutes to complete. This account details each fell's characteristics, including their elevations, locations, and insights from Alfred Wainwright.
Raise
Raise stands at 2,897 feet (883 metres) and is situated in the Eastern Fells of the Lake District, north of Sticks Pass. Wainwright described Raise as a notable summit along the Helvellyn range, offering expansive views towards Ullswater. The ascent from Sticks Pass is straightforward, leading to a summit marked by a cairn. From here, the panorama includes the surrounding fells and valleys, making it a rewarding climb.
Stybarrow Dodd
Stybarrow Dodd reaches an elevation of 2,766 feet (843 metres) and lies immediately north of Sticks Pass. Wainwright depicted it as a smooth, rounded, grassy summit, part of the Helvellyn range's main ridge. The summit offers a sense of openness and tranquillity, with gentle slopes extending in various directions. The ascent is relatively gentle, making it accessible for many hikers.
Watson's Dodd
Watson's Dodd stands at 2,589 feet (789 metres) and is located north of Stybarrow Dodd. Wainwright noted that Watson's Dodd is often traversed en route to other fells, with a broad, grassy top that lacks distinct features. Despite its unassuming appearance, the summit provides clear views towards the surrounding valleys and fells. The approach from Stybarrow Dodd is straightforward, with a gentle descent followed by a modest climb.
Great Dodd
Great Dodd is the highest of the group, reaching 2,812 feet (857 metres), situated north of Watson's Dodd. Wainwright described it as a broad-topped fell with extensive grassy slopes, offering wide-ranging views. The summit is marked by a cairn and provides a vantage point for observing the Northern Fells and beyond. The approach involves a steady climb, but the gradient is generally moderate.
Clough Head
Clough Head rises to 2,382 feet (726 metres) and is positioned north of Great Dodd. Wainwright highlighted its prominence as the northernmost outpost of the Helvellyn range, with steep western slopes. The summit offers commanding views over St John's in the Vale and towards Blencathra. The ascent can be steep, particularly from the west, but rewards with expansive vistas.
Hart Side
Hart Side reaches 2,480 feet (756 metres) and lies to the east of Stybarrow Dodd. Wainwright noted its position as part of the eastern ridge extending from Stybarrow Dodd, with gentle grassy slopes. The summit provides views towards Ullswater and the surrounding Eastern Fells. The approach from Stybarrow Dodd is a pleasant walk over undulating terrain.
Sheffield Pike
Sheffield Pike stands at 2,215 feet (675 metres) and is located to the south-east of Hart Side. Wainwright described it as a rugged fell with a distinctive profile when viewed from Glenridding. The summit offers views over Ullswater and towards Helvellyn. The ascent involves some steep sections, particularly from the Glenridding side, but is rewarding with its varied terrain.
Glenridding Dodd
Glenridding Dodd is the smallest of the group, at 1,450 feet (442 metres), situated directly above the village of Glenridding. Wainwright appreciated its position as a viewpoint over Ullswater and the surrounding area. Despite its modest height, the summit provides excellent views and is a popular shorter walk from Glenridding. The ascent is relatively steep but short, making it an accessible climb.