The Dodd Summit trail is a fantastic walk and a great Wainwright to bag with kids. The 6.5km route is very easy to follow with clear markers and stunning views.

Distance: The trail map declares the circular route just short of 5km, but presumably this was without the stretch to the summit, given we exceeded that. Our circular route measured 6.5km

Time: With our 5 year old daughter, and a couple of snack stops it took us just under 2.5hours.

Terrain: Rocky/ rubble forest tracks. Some parts a little slippery in wet weather.

Pushchairs: This walk is not suitable for pushchairs, there are steep sections. No stiles.

Parking and facilities: Park at Dodd Wood carpark (Pay for parking). The carpark has a cafe (The Old Sawmill Tearoom) and free toilets.

Route: Trail information and a route map is available from the Forestry Commission website.

We set off from the carpark, following the green markers in an anti-clockwise direction to take advantage of the views on the ascent. As our daughter was tiring at the end of the walk, it also allowed us to cut out the final section of the walk- on the descent we jumped onto the red route to walk straight back to the carpark!

The walk up to Dodd summit was spectacular (even in drizzly weather), passing through beautiful woodland and enjoying great views over Bassenthwaite and Derwentwater.

Just before summit there was a viewpoint with a bench, it was more sheltered than on the top, but still with great views so a better place to pause and enjoy on a colder day!

The summit is absolutely worth the extra steps, with views right over to the West Coast. Totally breath taking. Once you’ve had your fill of views the descent to the car park is pretty steady going and you get to see the other side of the woodland.

We just loved this walk, despite the height, climbed it seemed much more manageable than some of the other fella in this area. And I hate to bang on…. But ohhhh the views!! If you decide to go for it, I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!!