Great Dodd

Great Dodd is a fell in the English Lake District, standing on the main ridge of the Helvellyn range. It lies between Thirlmere and Ullswater, with a height of 857 metres. The fell is the highest in its section north of Sticks Pass. Its name means ‘big round hill’, and the summit is a smooth, grassy dome. The summit and its two southern neighbours, Watson’s Dodd and Stybarrow Dodd, are sometimes called ‘The Three Dodds’. These three fells share the same sheet of volcanic rock, formed about 450 million years ago. The fell offers several routes for walkers and scramblers. From High Row near Dockray, the north-east ridge leads over Randerside and High Brow. From Legburthwaite to the west, paths follow Mill Gill or Ladknott Gill. Scramblers can tackle three gills on the western side with climbing skills. The fell also forms part of a circular walk around Deepdale known as The Dodds. The main ridge path runs north–south, with a shortcut that bypasses the summit. At the summit stands a cairn marking the highest point, though maps show slightly different heights. The rounded dome gives wide views across the Lake District and beyond. Better vantage points can be found by walking a short distance from the summit. The western slopes show small crags like Lad Knott and the ravine of Mill Gill. The fell drains into both the Eden and Derwent river systems, with streams like Aira Beck feeding Ullswater.