Route: Lorton Dodd
Area: Western Lake District
Date of walk: 6th June 2014
Walkers: Andrew
Distance: 3.5 miles
Weather: wall to wall sunshine
Lorton Dodd has all the appearance of a separate fell but in reality it’s a bump at the end of a long ridge leading down from Whiteside. Our house is at the foot of Dodd so we have a special affection for it – and it commands great views from the top
It was a glorious morning as I set off from home along the lane to join the valley path which runs along the side of the fell. A full frontal assault would be possible, but it would be very hard going. It’s much easier to sneak in via the back door, which is what I did today. Although the walk started from home, it can be enjoyed by anyone – just park in the small space near the gate on the road to High Swinside
After admiring the views from the top – including a clear view of the Solway Firth and Scotland, I retraced my steps for a short distance, then forded Hope Beck to join the lane back to the start
It was a wonderful short walk in almost perfect weather
Scroll down – or click on any photo to enlarge it and you can then view as a slideshow
Mellbreak and the Loweswater Fells on a glorious morning
Meadow just before Miller Place
The track leading to Miller Place
Low Fell
The outgang leading to the fellside path, with Dodd straight ahead
Start of the path along the foot of Dodd
Looking back along Lorton Vale from the same spot
Bonnie
Looking across the valley to Low Fell and Fellbarrow
Dodd
Lorton - and Criffel in Scotland in the distance
Ladyside Pike and Hopegill Head
Ascending a gully before turning off the the right to the top of Dodd
A welcome party of Herdies as I reach the top of the gully
Summit of Dodd looking towards the Solway Firth
The true nature of Dodd is revealed, as a spur of Whiteside
Lorton Vale and the Loweswater Fells
Zooming in St Bartholomew’s Church and the Kirkstile Inn
And zooming in the other way over Cockermouth, the Solway Firth and Scotland
Having retraced my steps back down, I cross Hope Beck
Walking towards High Swinside
A view back to Dodd
The parking space on the road to High Swinside
The gated road leading down to Hopebeck - numerous satnavs have been trashed at this point
The lane to Hopebeck
Not far to go now
Back to the start
……where a red squirrel welcomes me back home
