Map & Elevation
About this Route
This circuit links the rounded northern end of the Helvellyn range with a long valley return. From Stanah, the climb reaches Sticks Pass before turning north onto Stybarrow Dodd. Watson’s Dodd and Great Dodd follow across broad grassy ridges, with Calfhow Pike marking the turn towards Clough Head. The character is open and spacious, but the height and distance make it a proper full day.
Beyond Clough Head, the route crosses White Pike and descends to the Old Coach Road. The return heads west towards Wanthwaite before following lanes and paths through St John’s in the Vale. This avoids using the very steep Fisher Gill line as a direct descent. Four Wainwrights are included, together with the smaller tops of Calfhow Pike and White Pike. The valley section is part of the advertised distance, not a lift or bus transfer.
The attached GPX measures 19 km with approximately 903 m of ascent. Allow 7–8 hours in good, snow-free summer conditions, with spare time for rests and difficult ground. Distances and terrain elevations are estimates.
Come forth into the light of things, Let Nature be your teacher.
William Wordsworth, Poet and walker, reflecting on learning from nature
Route Waypoints
Walk up the Stanah approach and take the signed hill path. Climb the zigzags above Stanah Gill, then continue beside Sticks Gill towards Sticks Pass.
At Sticks Pass turn north for Stybarrow Dodd. Do not continue east down towards Glenridding or south onto Raise.
From Stybarrow Dodd follow the broad ridge northwest towards Watson’s Dodd, checking your direction across the open grass.
Continue northeast to Great Dodd on the established fell paths. Several trods meet here, so confirm the summit and onward bearing in cloud.
Leave Great Dodd on the northwest sweep towards Calfhow Pike. Avoid dropping directly down the steep western fellside.
From Calfhow Pike continue north to Clough Head, keeping to the connecting ridge.
Take the northeast descent towards White Pike. This GPX does not descend Fisher Gill.
Continue down the mapped path to the Old Coach Road, then turn west on the broad track.
Follow the Old Coach Road west towards Birkett Bank and Wanthwaite. The track can carry authorised vehicles and cyclists.
Continue towards Wanthwaite Bridge and use the mapped road and lane connections for St John’s in the Vale. Take care at traffic crossings.
Follow the church-lane and valley-path connections south. Keep to signed rights of way through fields and close gates.
Pass Low Bridge End on the established valley path. The terraced sections above St John’s Beck need care when wet.
Use the mapped final lane connections back to Stanah. Watch for traffic on the short road links.
Finish at the Recreation Hall walking start.
Essential Tips
The Dodds have few obvious landmarks in poor visibility. Carry OS Explorer OL4 and OL5 coverage, a compass and an offline GPX. Check each departure rather than assuming the most worn trod is your route.
The full circuit includes the long valley return after Clough Head. Carry food, water, warm waterproof clothing and a headtorch, and allow a generous daylight margin. Times assume snow-free summer walking.
Use the White Pike and Old Coach Road descent shown in this file. Fisher Gill is steep, rough ground and is not a shortcut included in this guide. Strong winds, snow and ice alter the difficulty of the open fells.
Use permitted parking near the start without blocking the hall or residents. Follow current rights of way, livestock notices and diversions. The return includes short road links and crossings, so stay alert even after the hill section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which four Wainwrights does this include?
Stybarrow Dodd, Watson’s Dodd, Great Dodd and Clough Head. Calfhow Pike and White Pike are additional smaller tops.
Does the GPX descend Fisher Gill?
No. It descends by White Pike to the Old Coach Road and returns through St John’s in the Vale.
Is transport needed at the end?
No. This is a complete walking circuit back to Stanah, including the valley return.