Glenridding Dodd: Height, Walks and Views of Ullswater

Glenridding Dodd rises directly above Glenridding, a compact fell whose modest height belies its steep sides and rewarding outlook over Ullswater. At 442m, it is easily overshadowed by neighbouring Sheffield Pike and the higher Eastern Fells, but its rocky summit gives it a character of its own. Walkers value it for a shorter outing that still feels properly among the fells, with village and lake close below.

A small fell above Ullswater

Glenridding Dodd occupies a prominent position above the western side of Ullswater, immediately north of Glenridding village. Its wooded lower slopes and rough, rocky upper ground rise sharply from the valley, giving it more presence than its height might suggest. This is not simply a gentle rise beside the lake: the steep flanks and craggy ground are important parts of its character.

The summit stands at 442m (1,450ft), at grid reference NY380175. A cairn marks the top, where the outlook brings together Ullswater, the settlement below and the surrounding fells. Place Fell rises across the water, while the higher ground inland provides a much closer backdrop. The appeal is in that contrast between the open lake and the enclosing fell country, rather than an unrestricted panorama in every direction.

Its place in the Eastern Fells

Glenridding Dodd belongs to Alfred Wainwright’s first volume, The Eastern Fells. It ranks 193rd by height among the 214 Wainwrights, placing it towards the lower end of the list. Its position beside Ullswater makes it a useful reminder that the character of this group is not confined to the high ridges around Helvellyn.

Sheffield Pike is its immediate higher neighbour, linked to it by a distinct saddle. The two are often considered together for a walk, though Glenridding Dodd also has a clear identity as a separate summit. Birkhouse Moor lies across the Glenridding valley, while Birks and Arnison Crag belong to the nearby fell country around Patterdale. Together, these lower and middle-height fells frame the approaches to the higher Eastern Fells.

Walking interest and local character

The main attraction here is the relationship between summit, village and water. Glenridding Dodd offers a close view of the Ullswater landscape without requiring an ascent to one of the district’s highest tops. Its proximity to Glenridding also makes it a familiar option for walkers staying around the southern end of the lake.

Its modest elevation should not be confused with uniformly easy ground. Steep slopes, rocky paths and exposed fell terrain still call for suitable footwear and attention to conditions. For anyone choosing between a standalone ascent and a longer outing including Sheffield Pike, a dedicated walking guide is the right place to check route details.

Where Glenridding Dodd stands

Summit at grid reference NY380175 · open full map

The real Glenridding Dodd

Walking Glenridding Dodd

We make artwork, not route guides — these are the guides we'd point a friend to:

• 10 Best walking trails in Glenridding (alltrails.com)
• Sheffield Pike and Glenridding Dodd (wainwrightwalking.co.uk)
• Glenridding Dodd (walklakes.co.uk)

Weather on Glenridding Dodd

Conditions estimated at summit height (442 m) via Open-Meteo. For a walker's forecast, use the Mountain Weather Information Service.

Glenridding Dodd on your wall

A painting of Glenridding Dodd can recall more than the summit: the wooded slopes above the village, the rough fell edge and Ullswater beyond. On a wall at home, that familiar meeting of water and fell keeps a well-loved corner of the Lakes in view.

Own “Sunlit Glenridding Dodd Crags” — our painting of Glenridding Dodd → or browse all Fells & Mountains artwork

Neighbouring Wainwrights in The Eastern Fells

• Sheffield Pike 676 m
• Birks 624 m
• Birkhouse Moor 718 m
• Arnison Crag 433 m

Part of our guide to all 214 Wainwrights — see the full index.