This short and scenic Lake District hike offers stunning views of Ullswater and the surrounding fells, perfect for beginners or those seeking a manageable adventure.

Start: Glenridding Village

Distance: 4 miles out and back, with other routes available

Elevation: 1,700 feet

Duration: 2 hours

Difficulty: Easy-moderate with some steep sections

Navigation: Follow step-by-step on komoot, or download GPX file

About the route

If you’re new to hiking or simply looking for a gentler route with insane views, this hike up to Glenridding Dodd and Sheffield Pike offers beginner-friendly terrain, and the chance to tick off two Wainwrights in one short loop. It combines manageable elevation gains with stunning views over Ullswater and the surrounding fells.

The hike begins in Glenridding, a charming village on the shores of Ullswater. It offers an opportunity to summit two Wainwrights: Glenridding Dodd and Sheffield Pike. The shorter variation focuses on Glenridding Dodd, making it an excellent introduction to hiking in the Lake District, while the full loop adds Sheffield Pike for a slightly more challenging adventure.

Both routes reward you with sweeping views of Ullswater, the Helvellyn range, and the rolling fells, making it perfect for both first-time visitors and seasoned walkers looking for a shorter day out.

Route difficulty

Walk type: Beginner-friendly but includes some sustained uphill walking.

Parking: Find ample parking in Glenridding Village

Terrain: Clear paths with rocky sections, particularly on Sheffield Pike.

Best for: Beginners with moderate fitness or experienced walkers seeking a shorter route.

Route highlights

Glenridding Dodd

This compact Wainwright may be small in stature but delivers big on views. Sitting at an elevation of 1,450 feet, it provides incredible panoramas of Ullswater and the rolling fells beyond. It’s the perfect introduction for beginner hikers looking to summit their first Wainwright.

Sheffield Pike

If you’re wanting to push a little further, Sheffield Pike offers a rewarding ascent to 2,232 feet. With views of the Helvellyn Range and Birkhouse Moor, this fell combines moderate effort with stunning scenery, making it an achievable next step for beginners.

Options to extend the route

For a slightly more challenging route, add Birkhouse Moor or explore Glencoyne Bay for a longer adventure. Alternatively, consider descending via Seldom Seen Cottages, a charming historical detour.

Where is Glenridding Dodd?

Glenridding Dodd is located above the village of Glenridding in the Lake District National Park, Cumbria. Part of the Helvellyn range, it rises to 1,450 feet (442 meters) and is one of the smaller Wainwright fells, offering stunning views over Ullswater and the surrounding peaks. Its relatively short ascent makes it an ideal hike for beginners or anyone looking for a shorter, scenic outing.

Why it’s great for beginners

Short distance: The full hike is just 3.87 miles, while the shorter variation is only 2 miles.
Gradual climbs: The inclines are steady and forgiving, avoiding the steep and intimidating slopes of harder Lake District walks.
Clear trails: Well-trodden paths reduce the risk of losing your way.
Accessible starting point: Glenridding is a popular village with ample facilities and public transport links.

Longer route overview

Start in Glenridding: From the village, follow signposts pointing towards Glenridding Dodd. The initial stretch involves a gentle woodland climb.
Summit Glenridding Dodd: Enjoy the stunning views of Ullswater. For the shorter hike, retrace your steps back to Glenridding.
Continue to Sheffield Pike: For the longer hike, follow the trail toward Sheffield Pike. The path gradually climbs, offering a mix of grassy slopes and rocky terrain.
Descend back to Glenridding: Complete the loop by descending through scenic paths overlooking Glencoyne Bay.

Shorter route overview

Start at Glenridding: Begin your hike in the village, heading uphill following signs for Glenridding Dodd. The path starts behind the Glenridding Tourist Information Centre.
Ascend through the woodland: The initial section is a steady climb through a wooded area, with occasional openings offering views of Ullswater.
Reach the summit: After exiting the woodland, the trail becomes steeper but manageable. You’ll soon reach the summit of Glenridding Dodd, where stunning panoramic views await.
Return to Glenridding: Retrace your steps downhill to the village, enjoying a more relaxed descent.
For full navigation with komoot, click this link here.

Getting to the starting point

Arriving by car

Park at Glenridding Pier Car Park (CA11 0PD). Spaces fill up quickly, so arrive early. Charges apply for parking

Public transport

Glenridding is accessible via the 508 Ullswater Explorer bus from Penrith or Keswick, which connects with other major routes. Check timetables before you travel, especially in winter.

✔️ Good to knows

Dog friendly: Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leads near livestock.

Difficulty: Beginner-friendly but includes a steep segment.

Food and drink: Glenridding offers several cafes and pubs, including The Travellers Rest and Fellbites Café, perfect for post-hike treats.

Disclaimer: Always prioritise safety. Even beginner trails can become challenging in adverse conditions. Inform someone of your plans, and consider hiking in a group.

🧭 Following the route

I use komoot and OS Maps for offline navigation. To follow this walk step-by-step on komoot, simply click this link here or download the GPX file and upload it to your chosen app, such as OS Maps.

GLENRIDDING DODD AND SHEFFIELD PIKE, LAKE DISTRICT