Pottering around the Dodds

[johnkaysleftleg]

With hill walking ground to a complete halt due to various reasons I thought I'd finish off the report for my last day out in the hills. Like my last trip over to Lakeland I wasn't feeling like much of a challenge so decided to do another straightforward simple walk that required little thinking and therefore much time for quiet contemplation.

Although the fells of Watermillock Common looked tempting I decided to keep it simple and leave them for another day and set off from the elevated start of High Row down the quiet road to Dowthwaite Head. All was indeed quiet (apart from a shouty collie dog at the farm) and I was soon well on my way up Birkett Fell as the muted dawn was turning into a beautiful morning.

Soft morning at High Row by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Approaching Dowthwaite Head by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Morning light on the wall by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Dowthwaite Panorama by Anthony Young, on Flickr (click to see bigger size)

Looking back along the trod by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Through the wall to Catstyecam by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Pennines across the Eden Valley by Anthony Young, on Flickr(click for bigger version)

Superb views opening up behind me by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Across the Helvellyn by Anthony Young, on Flickr

You Take My Breath Away by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Cairn on Birkett Fell by Anthony Young, on Flickr

I didn't pause for long on Birkett Fell (as one would hope, a Birkett) and carried onto Hart Side to have breakfast hunkered down out of the chill breeze in the strange Dyke which runs across the summit. Feeling good I was soon on my way again (missing out the newly demoted Hewitt of Green Side) and enjoying the ever changing light as the clouds came and went providing some spectacular views towards the Far Eastern Fells.

Hart Side Summit by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Dyke across Hartside summit by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Forward to Stybarrow Dodd by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Locals by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Looking Down Deepdale by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Skyfall by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Looking back to Hartside by Anthony Young, on Flickr

By the time we reached Stybarrow Summit it was obvious the Western side of the ridge wasn't quite enjoying the same conditions as the Eastern but the constant change was very entertaining if difficult to capture on camera. Watson's Dodd was quickly visited before heading off towards Great Dodd. Having visited Watson's Dodd in fine conditions I am aware that the view is wonderful, with the clag down however it is amongst the most pointless of all Wainwrights.

Bit of a View on Stybarrow Dodd by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Sunshine and mist on the way to Watson's Dodd by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Dramatic Skies over Stybarrow Dodd by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Nothing to see on Watson's Dodd by Anthony Young, on Flickr

It looked touch and go for a while but we were afforded tremendous views to the East on Great Dodd before dropping down following the first other walker of the day who had appeared ahead of me. As they continued on we stopped at Calfhow Pike to consume some rations and enjoy the views which were quite splendid. Calfhow Pike is a fine top and far better than just about any other in the immediate vicinity. Hughie and I had an extended break before starting on the gentle rise up to Clough Head.

Ever Changing Light by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Stybarrow Dodd clearing by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Views from Great Dodd Shelter by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Hughie by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Great Dodd Summit by Anthony Young, on Flickr

A Glimpse down Rowantree Gill by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Calfhow Pike catches the light by Anthony Young, on Flickr

North Western Fells from Calfhow Pike by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Northern Fells from Calfhow Pike by Anthony Young, on Flickr


Thirlmere from Clafhow Pike by Anthony Young, on Flickr

By this time I'd seen a few other walkers and a paraglider floating about in the skies but it remained largely quiet as I reached Clough Head's fine summit affording fantastic views over the Vale of Keswick. I wandered over to White Pike, a Stony little summit which looks quite prominent from below and made a bee line (a drunken bee admittedly) down towards Mariel Bridge.

Up by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Clough Head Summit by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Clag coming in again by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Vale of Keswick from Clough Head by Anthony Young, on Flickr

White Pike by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Rust Belt by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Looking back to White Pike by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Being unsure of the stile situation I managed an ungainly crossing of the fence and ditch (for future reference the is a stile closer to the bridge) to reach the Old Coach Road to enable a simple walk back to High Row. 4x4s are allowed along here but unlike other tracks where motor vehicles are allowed it seems to being maintained OK (better condition than my memory suggested from last time I was wandering along it) and we pottered the last few miles of a really nice walk back to the car.

Wolf Crags by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Old Coach Road by Anthony Young, on Flickr

The Dodds.gpx Open full screen  NB: Walkhighlands is not responsible for the accuracy of gpx files in users posts

[dav2930]

Nice one JK. The Dodds are great value when a relatively easy day is required. Lovely walking and superb views.

[Alteknacker]

Fantastic portraits of these hills. Though I am reassured to see that even you and your camera found Watson's Dodd a bit of a challenge to make interesting!!!

I guess the only justification is the quality of the views ....

[johnkaysleftleg]

Nice one JK. The Dodds are great value when a relatively easy day is required. Lovely walking and superb views.

Cheers Dav, the miles just seem to disappear beneath your boots on these hills.

Fantastic portraits of these hills. Though I am reassured to see that even you and your camera found Watson's Dodd a bit of a challenge to make interesting!!!

I guess the only justification is the quality of the views ....

Thanks Alte, it was by in large great photography conditions, Watson's Dodd apart.