Terrain Overview
Walk Overview
A perfect day weather wise for fell climbing was forecast and didn`t disappoint.
This walk from Glencoyne Woods near Glenridding is an absolute belter, however
be aware the so called ridge walk between the Pike and the Dodd is a tad adventurous
and it`s vital to find the correct way off the Pike. Wainwright described the walk as
"A rough but pleasant walk with fine views"
The first part of the journey towards Heron Pike is good enough if a little boggy,
however getting safely down to go onto Glenridding Dodd requires care
Travelling North out of Glenridding there are numerous laybys along the A592 in which
to freely park. This walk starts by the Bus stop entrance of a cart track that leads
towards Seldom Seen
At the start of the track, take the central path towards a Farm building
Within a few hundred yards the path passes over a Cattle grid
Ignore the sign pointing to Mossdale Bay and swing right
A bench with a view !! at the side of the track to Seldom Seen
The path approaches a row of terrraced cottages. Swing left behind the trees
to pick up a path that runs parallel with the wall
The old Miners cottages at Seldom Seen
First view of Sheffield Pike
The path skirts the edge of Glencoyne wood
At this point you have the option to carry on towards the Col at Nick Head OR take a
sharp left and climb steeply over pathless ground towards the base of Heron Pike.
Personally, it`s a no brainer to follow the gentle slope up to Nick Head
Looking back to Ullswater from the path
Further on, take the left hand gate in the wall
Through the gate and the path rises gently towards Nick Head.
Jones (the Bastard) waits patiently for us to catch up
We are too busy admiring the views
Approaching the Col at Nick Head where the path will swing left allowing for an
easy summit of Sheffield Pike from the Southern end
Shortly after the path has swung left, it splits. Take the left fork for an easy
climb to the summit ridge approach
The huge whale back ridge connecting Stybarrow Dodd, Great Dodd and Hart Side
from the ridge path to Sheffield Pike
Catstye Cam in the centre of the shot with Helvellyn in the background
The summit approach path
The summit cairn on Sheffield Pike
Click here for a 360 degree view
Team shot on Sheffield Pike
This summit really does have a wealth of views, here looking North along Ullswater
Jones is more bothered about whose food he will end up with
Ullswater close up
Looking towards the High Street range in the Far East
So Glenridding Dodd is pictured in the centre; however there is the small matter
of negotiating safely down Heron Pike. If you get to this marker post, then you
have come too far along the path, as after the post it is almost a sheer drop.
From this point back up a little and take a very faint grassy path to the right of
shot that leads to the Eastern slope of the Pike. This is still a tad precarious and
care is needed to get onto a better path below
After some steep sided scrambling on grass, we eventually reach a better foot
path that can be seen meandering down the rake
An idea of the steepness of the flank. Once the upper reaches have been
negotiated it does improve somewhat
Yes Sue, that`s what you have just come down from
Looking down onto Glenridding Dodd. The white stony track seen leading down
left towards Glencoyne Wood will not only be our route to the summit but also
the way back down to the road side
Looking towards Birkhouse Moor
Looking towards Catstye Cam
Nearly down from the descent of Heron Pike and a break in a boundary wall
gives access to the approach path to the Dodd
The way to the summit is to aim for the start of the stony track that is
just slightly right of centre in this shot
Approaching the summit of Glenridding Dodd
Summit cairn on Glenridding Dodd. Click here for a 360 degree view
Looking back to Heron Pike
The beauty of Patterdale
Coming down off the Dodd we follow the path that swings right and follows the line
of Mosedale Beck
The path drops gradually and the final part to the road side journeys through the dense
forest of Glencoyne Wood. Whilst the path is bona fide, prepare yourself for a few
awkward twists and turns through fallen trees and thick foliage, however nothing
too serious
Post walk debrief at The Lily in Ambleside
