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Great DoddGreat Dodd is a fell that is located in the English Lake District and like some of the other mountain ranges within this region, it is located on the main spine of the Helvellyn range. More specifically it is located within the Eastern Fells with the Vale of St John and Dockray on either side. The Helvellyn range is approximately seven miles long, travelling in a north-south direction. They have an altitude that consistently remains about 2,000 feet, and Great Dodd is situated close to the northern end of the ridge.Great Dodd has the typical “Dodd” characteristics which include a smooth and round profile with mostly grass and bracken atop of it. It includes an abundance of land located to the north east that descends for five miles until it reaches the Troutbeck vicinity. Great Dodd connect to Watson’s Dodd via a short grassy area that runs south westerly with very little need to ascend at the far end. No matter in which direction you travel the ridge path is broad and clear and for those in a hurry there is a shortcut the contours to the west of the summit. Great Dodd’s western flanks flow into Beckthorns, Ladknott and Mill Gills, all short streams that at one time fed St. John’s Beck. When the Thirlmere reservoir was completed in 1894 a water race was completed in order to divert Ladknott and Mill Gills in a southward direction to the lake. You will find some outcropping rock at the bottom of the slope coming mostly from Lad Knott. Prior to the opening of the railways Old Coach road was the main road leading from east to west ends of Great Dodd. Even though it is no longer needed for that purpose, it provides an excellent walking route that begins at Dockray and proceeds around the north end of the Helvellyn range on to the Vale of St. John and provides a close up view of Wolf Crags. Some recent damage caused by the overuse of off-road vehicles has led to changes in legislation to eliminate the problem. Historical enthusiasts will find evidence of some mining activity in two locations in the Great Dodd area. On the western slope you will find Fornside Mine where you can see evidence of miners driving for copper deposits. On the north east ridge at the bottom of Wolf Crags you will find remains of a quartz vein. There is no supporting documentation, but it is assumed both of these were commercial ventures that were unsuccessful. You can reach Great Dodd from Dockray, Aira Beck or Downthwaitehead although reach Great Dodd from Downthwaitehead can create parking problems since there is limited space. Follow the guidebooks that are available in order to determine the best ways to view and walk Great Dodd without having to park a great distance from the best viewpoint. Planning ahead for your adventure trip to Great Dodd can provide you with the best route, least amount of parking problems and shortest walk. Visiting the ridges of Great Dodd can provide the mountain walker or climber with a great deal of adventure, picturesque scenery and exercise. Some parts of Great Dodd may have rather long distances to walk, so be careful of the outdoor temperatures and your own general health before you begin your walk. |
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