The Path Less Travelled to Stybarrow Dodd Over Watermillock Common
Begin your Stybarrow Dodd walk at the small car park located on the south side of Dockray, directly across the road bridge beside the A5091. From there, head south-west, ascending from Dockray to Common Fell. Proceed across Watermillock Common to Swineside Knott. Next, travel west, circumnavigating the Glencoyne valley along the path beneath Scot Crag and Glencoyne Head.
Continue further west below the steep slopes of Green Side, following Sticks Gill. You will reach a crossroads known as Sticks Pass, a crucial waypoint on your journey to Stybarrow Dodd. From Sticks Pass, take a northerly route to ascend to the summit of Stybarrow Dodd, a significant peak in the Lake District.
After reaching Stybarrow Dodd, carry on in a north-east direction across the fells towards Hart Side. Proceed from Hart Side to Birkett Fell, then make your descent to the quaint hamlet of Dowthwaitehead. This part of the walk offers a gradual descent and provides changing scenery with some excellent views.
Finish your walking adventure by heading north-east from Dowthwaitehead, passing through Crookwath and Beckbottom. This final leg traces the course of Aira Beck, guiding you back to the starting point. The complete route is a satisfying 10-mile walk through the picturesque terrain of the Lake District.
Stybarrow Dodd Walk: Maps and Tools
Visit either the OS Maps website or the Outdooractive website to view this walking route in greater detail. Both platforms offer a range of features, including the ability to print the route, download it to your device, and export the route as a GPX file. You can also watch a 3D fly-over and share the route on social media.
Stybarrow Dodd Walk: Distance, Duration, Statistics
Distance: 10 miles
Distance: 16 kilometres
Duration: 5¼ hours
Ascent: 2561 feet
Ascent: 781 metres
Type: Circular walk
About Stybarrow Dodd
Stybarrow Dodd is a delightful mountain situated in the heart of the English Lake District. Its name, believed to mean ‘the hill of the steep path’, reflects the challenging terrain that has enthralled walkers and climbers for generations. This fell is part of the eastern fells of the Lake District and proudly lies between Thirlmere and Ullswater, two of the area’s most beautiful lakes.
The summit of Stybarrow Dodd is distinguished by its smooth, grass-covered dome, a feature it shares with its neighbours, Watson’s Dodd and Great Dodd. Together, these fells are endearingly referred to as ‘The Three Dodds’. Standing at 843 metres, the summit is impressive, not least because of the volcanic rock from which it is formed.
For explorers, the topography of Stybarrow Dodd is full of variety. From its peak, ridges extend outward in all directions. The western slope descends into valleys shaped by historic streams, now harnessed to supply the Thirlmere Reservoir. The fell’s eastern side is more intricate, with ridges that divide and encompass stunning valleys leading towards Ullswater.
There are two distinct summits atop Stybarrow Dodd. The more frequented south-western summit sits on the ridge path, marked by a cairn. The true summit, however, is to the north-east; a serene spot marked by a small cairn with an upright piece of slate. From the north-eastern summit, the panorama of the Lake District fells is unobstructed and truly breathtaking.
Access to Stybarrow Dodd is straightforward as it sits on Open Access land. Western routes begin at Stanah, following the bridleway to Sticks Pass. Eastern approaches start from Glenridding, leading up diverse trails to the summit. For those approaching from the north-east, the Hart Side ridge or Deepdale valley offer rewarding ascents.
The geological story of Stybarrow Dodd is as fascinating as its landscape, formed approximately 450 million years ago during a time of intense volcanic activity in the Ordovician Period. This fell is a part of the Borrowdale Volcanic Group, with its rocks bearing testimony to a past filled with volcanic eruptions and significant geological transformations.
The name ‘Stybarrow Dodd’ has evolved through the centuries, originating as ‘Stibarro’ in 1589 and undergoing various changes until the early 1800s. The suffix ‘Dodd’ is a local dialect term for rounded summits, which are typical in the Lake District. Ranking 21st in height on Alfred Wainwright’s list of 214 Lake District fells, this mountain is not only a geological wonder but also a historical landmark in the study of place names.
For adventurers wishing to visit, Stybarrow Dodd can be located using grid reference NY 343 189. It is charted on the OL5 Explorer map and the 90 Landranger map. Alfred Wainwright’s ‘Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells’ provides an in-depth look at this and other fells for those seeking guidance on their journey.
Recommended Ordnance Survey Map
The best map to use on this walk is the Ordnance Survey map of the Lake District North-Eastern Area, reference OS Explorer OL5, scale 1:25,000. It clearly displays footpaths, rights of way, open access land and vegetation on the ground, making it ideal for walking, running and hiking. The map can be purchased from Amazon in either a standard, paper version or a weatherproof, laminated version, as shown below.
Standard Version
Stybarrow Dodd Walk: My Photos
The view west towards Glencoyne Head from the footpath below Brown Hills.
Looking east over to Place Fell from the footpath below Brown Hills. Ullswater is just visible.
Mike and Keith fooling around against the backdrop of Glencoyne Head.
Walking along the path beneath Scot Crag.
The Glencoyne valley as seen from the path beneath Scot Crag.
Looking over to Sheffield Pike from the footpath below Glencoyne Head. Glencoyne Head is located about one mile to the east of Stybarrow Dodd.
The footpath below Glencoyne Head is comfortable to walk along and easy to navigate.
Glencoyne Beck can clearly be seen meandering its way through the valley on course for Ullswater.
The view back to Scot Crag on the steep southern slopes of Hart Side. The path we had walked along can be seen about half way down the mountainside.
A larger portion of Ullswater becomes visible as we make our way around the Glencoyne valley.
One of several disused quarries and tips south of Glencoyne Head.
Walking through the Sticks Gill valley on the way up to Sticks Pass and Stybarrow Dodd.
Sticks Gill flowing through the valley, with Sheffield Pike in the background.
Sticks Pass and the path leading to Stybarrow Dodd.
The summit of Hart Side, height 756 metres (2480 feet).
Keith at the top of Birkett Fell, height 725 metres (2379 feet). Birkett Fell lies approximately 1½ north-east of Stybarrow Dodd.
The view north-east down to the Dowthwaitehead / Aira Beck valley.
The hamlet of Dowthwaitehead can be seen nestled below Dowthwaite Crag on the south-eastern flanks of High Brow.
Heading along the farmland track towards Dowthwaitehead.
Dowthwaitehead beneath Dowthwaite Crag.
Belted Galloways, a traditional Scottish breed of beef cattle, on farmland near Crookwath.
The path near Lucy’s Wood west of Dockray.
Entering the village of Dockray at the end of our superb walk to Stybarrow Dodd.
We meet Dockray resident Barrie Quinney, stood outside the house where he was born and has lived in for his entire life of over 80 years.
Amazon’s Top Walking Boots: Four Standout Choices for Men and Women
For walking and hiking, the right boots are essential for both comfort and safety. While Amazon boasts a wide range, certain boots emerge as top-sellers. From those, here are four I personally favour. As an Amazon affiliate, I may earn a small commission from any purchases made through the links provided. This helps support the upkeep of this website. Rest assured, you won’t pay a penny extra, but your purchase will contribute to keeping my site running smoothly. Happy walking!
Berghaus Men’s Hillmaster II Gore-Tex Walking Boots
These fully waterproof leather walking boots feature a Gore-Tex lining, ensuring no water enters whilst allowing feet to breathe and stay cool. Made from full-grain leather, they promise unmatched durability and comfort. The boots come with memory foam tongues and cuffs that mould to your feet for a tailored fit, and the Vibram Hillmaster outsoles offer confidence on challenging terrains.
Salewa Men’s Mountain Trainer Mid Gore-Tex Walking Boots
Made from durable suede and abrasion-resistant textile, these men’s hiking boots are both lightweight and sturdy. The upper material is enhanced by a 360° full rubber sheath. Their dual-layer midsole with Bilight technology ensures ergonomic cushioning and grip, especially on extended hikes. The Vibram Wrapping Thread Combi outsoles allow a natural walking feel, and the Gore-Tex lining provides waterproofing, breathability, and optimal weather protection. Furthermore, the patented Salewa 3F system ensures flexibility, a secure heel grip, and a blister-free fit.
Berghaus Women’s Supalite II Gore-Tex Walking Boots
Specially designed for women, these hiking boots offer waterproofing and breathability, thanks to their Gore-Tex lining. Crafted from full-grain abrasion-resistant leather, they’re durable enough for the toughest hikes. The Supalite soles ensure stability and traction, and the EVA midsoles add comfort for extended walks.
Merrell Women’s Moab 3 Mid Gore-Tex Walking Boots
These hiking boots incorporate a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane, blending breathability with superior waterproof performance. The combination of pigskin leather and mesh on the uppers, along with the suede outer material, ensure durability and style. Enhancements include 100% recycled laces, webbing, and mesh lining. Additionally, bellows tongues, protective toe caps, and Vibram TC5+ rubber soles ensure protection and ease on any terrain.