Great Dodd and Clough Head

An warm very sunny day for this super trudge over moorland taking in 2 summits. We parked just beyond Dockray and High Row, a lot of mountain bikers around here, and took the old coach road to Groove beck before heading up the long path direct to Great Dodd. A long gentle climb with varying degrees of bog underfoot, in some places, from personal experience, ready to suck in any boot that tried to cross it. It was hard to believe that the sky was so clear with bright sunshine and having left my sun hat at home was thankful the suncream was still in the pack. Although quite out if the way at the end of the Helvellyn ridge there were several parties of people both ascending and descending.
It took a while to get to the top where we able to shelter from the strengthening wind to have lunch but still with crystal a clear sky and views.




An amazing contrast of vistas on this walk, initially looking back over the Ullswater hills and Place fell etc. and suddenly, on attaining the summit. the grand spectacle of all the northern hills open out to the west and Skiddaw and Blencathra majestically rising up to the north throughout the walk
From the summit we headed down to Calfhow Pike looking over the steep northern slopes, and the up to Clough Head, meeting, quite unexpectedly, a colleague coming the other way. After Clough Head the track took us down to White Pike where we left the path and headed sown the eastern slopes to joint the Old Coach Road and a nice stroll back to the car.

Time 5 hours 15 minutes

Grade Excellent

Memories

• Gorgeous weather and views
• Moorland walking

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