Dodd Wood Circular Walk

Starting near the picturesque village of Dodd Wood in Cumberland, England, the Dodd Wood Circular Walk is a delightful 7 km (4.3 miles) loop trail with an elevation gain of approximately 400 meters (1,312 feet). This medium-difficulty hike offers a blend of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and opportunities for wildlife spotting.

Getting There To reach the trailhead, you can drive to the Dodd Wood car park, which is well-signposted from the A591 road. For those using public transport, the nearest significant landmark is Keswick, a charming market town. From Keswick, you can take a bus towards Carlisle and alight at the Dodd Wood stop, which is a short walk from the trailhead.

Trail Overview The trail begins at the Dodd Wood car park, where you can find information boards and maps to help you get oriented. From here, the path ascends gradually through a dense forest of conifers and native broadleaf trees. The initial 1.5 km (0.9 miles) of the trail is relatively gentle, making it a good warm-up for the steeper sections ahead.

Landmarks and Points of Interest As you continue, you'll reach a viewpoint known as The Old Sawmill, approximately 2 km (1.2 miles) into the hike. This spot offers panoramic views of Bassenthwaite Lake and the surrounding fells. It's a great place to take a break and soak in the scenery.

Further along, at around the 3 km (1.9 miles) mark, you'll encounter the Osprey Viewing Platform. This area is renowned for its osprey population, especially during the breeding season from April to August. Bring binoculars for a closer look at these magnificent birds.

Historical Significance The region around Dodd Wood is steeped in history. The nearby Mirehouse, a historic house and gardens, dates back to the 17th century and has connections to famous literary figures like William Wordsworth and Alfred Lord Tennyson. While not directly on the trail, it's worth a visit if you have time.

The Ascent The trail then begins its steepest ascent, climbing towards the summit of Dodd Fell. This section covers about 1.5 km (0.9 miles) with an elevation gain of 200 meters (656 feet). The path can be rocky and uneven, so sturdy hiking boots are recommended. As you near the summit, the forest opens up, offering stunning views of the Northern Fells and the Solway Firth.

The Summit Reaching the summit of Dodd Fell, at an elevation of 502 meters (1,647 feet), is a rewarding experience. The 360-degree views are breathtaking, encompassing Skiddaw, Blencathra, and the distant Scottish hills. This is an ideal spot for a picnic and some well-deserved rest.

Descent and Return The descent follows a different path, looping back towards the car park. This section is less steep but still requires careful footing. Along the way, you'll pass through more mixed woodland and might spot red squirrels, deer, and a variety of bird species.

Navigation For navigation, it's highly recommended to use the HiiKER app, which provides detailed maps and real-time GPS tracking to ensure you stay on the correct path.

Final Stretch The final 2 km (1.2 miles) of the trail are relatively flat and take you through serene woodland, eventually leading back to the car park. This section is a pleasant cooldown after the more strenuous parts of the hike.

Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a nature enthusiast, the Dodd Wood Circular Walk offers a rich tapestry of natural beauty, wildlife, and historical context, making it a must-visit trail in the Lake District.