Middle Dodd from its parent fell

Middle Dodd

Height654m (2,146ft)

Prominence14m (46ft)

RegionEastern Fells

Climbed1 Time

"To the traveller starting the long climb up to Kirkstone Pass from Brothers Water the most striking object is the steep pyramid ahead; it towers high above the road like a gigantic upturned boat, its keel touching the sky, its sides barnacled and hoary. This pyramid is Middle Dodd." — A. Wainwright

Middle Dodd acts as the abrupt and dramatic northern terminus of the long, plunging ridge falling away from the massive whaleback of Red Screes. Geographically, its summit registers a mere 14 metres of prominence above the shallow dip connecting it to its parent peak. Despite these modest credentials, Alfred Wainwright firmly elected to grant it full independence as a distinct fell in his classic guides, justifying the decision by praising the peak as one of the most striking objects in a fine array of Cumbrian mountain scenery.

The name reflects its specific location when viewed from the foot of Hartsop valley. It stands as the middle vanguard of a trio of 'Dodds', flanked on either side by Hartsop Dodd and High Hartsop Dodd. This nomenclature serves strictly as a map layout indicator for valley placement rather than an accurate ranking of their physical summit elevations.

The cairn that marks the summit

The actual summit features a rugged rock cairn perched atop a neat, grassy mound. Tucked immediately alongside the stone pile is a small, linear earthen trench whose exact historical purpose remains an intriguing Cumbrian mystery. Because the fell is thrust far out into the spectacular basin of the Hartsop valley, the high vintage point yields a surprisingly sweeping and magnificent panoramic overview, looking straight down over the shimmering mirror of Brothers Water and the rocky arêtes lining the skyline beyond.

Trip Reports

Red Screes, Middle Dodd, Little Hart Crag & High Hartsop Dodd12/01/2014

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