Far Eastern Fells · Book 2

Rest Dodd

Rest Dodd is a Wainwright, one of the 214 Lake District fells in Alfred Wainwright’s Pictorial Guides. At 696 m (2,283 ft) it is the 93rd highest of the 214 and the 16th highest in the Far Eastern Fells.

Height: 696 m; 2,283 ft
Rank: 93; of 214
In area: 16; of 36
Difficulty: Easy

Rest Dodd in the Far Eastern Fells of the Lake District — Photo: Mick Knapton via Wikimedia Commons

About Rest Dodd

A rounded Far Eastern top rising above Martindale. Easy grassy lines make for a relaxed ascent. Often paired with The Nab or High Raise (Far Eastern).

Rough grass covers the big rounded dome of Rest Dodd. It stands on the rim of the Martindale valleys, between The Knott to the south east and Brock Crags to the north west, and sends a long ridge north to The Nab.

Hartsop is the shorter start, about 3.2 km each way. There is free parking in the village and at Cow Bridge by Brothers Water. Follow the bridleway up Hayeswater Gill towards Hayeswater, then climb to the ridge and follow the wall across a slightly boggy dip to the top. It is steep but straightforward, with no scrambling. From Patterdale the route is longer, about 5.6 km, going up to Boredale Hause and past Angle Tarn, then following an old stone wall to the summit.

There are two cairns on top, because of the old walls that meet close by. To the west you see the whole Helvellyn range, and to the north you look down into Ramps Gill.

Deer country

The east flank drops steeply in fans of coloured scree into Rampsgill, and below you is the Martindale deer forest. Its red deer herd is the oldest native herd in the country, and the Dalemain Estate asks walkers to keep well away from the animals, especially at calving time. If you carry on to The Nab, expect peat hags on the col, some of them deeper than a person is tall. You can skirt most of the wet ground on the east side.

In winter

The climb from Hartsop by Hayeswater Gill is short but steep, and the grass above it gets slick and icy. On the way to The Nab the peat hags on the col hold snow and water, and the rounded top gives little to steer by in cloud apart from the old walls.

Quiet & Remote
Dog Friendly

Sources: Wikipedia: Rest Dodd, Lake District Walks: The Knott to Place Fell, Dalemain: Martindale and The Nab. Updated 24 September 2026.

Summit

OS grid ref: NY 432 137
Latitude: 54.51542° N
Longitude: 2.87779° W
Area: Far Eastern Fells

Walking up Rest Dodd

The nearest car park on foot is Hartsop, 3.2 km (2.0 miles) from the summit along mapped paths. Directions to the car park

Route from Hartsop

Distance: 3.2 km; 2.0 miles, one way
Ascent: 519 m; Total climb to the summit
Time up: 1 h 27 min; Allow 1 to 2 hours

Height in metres along the path from Hartsop to the summit.

Times use Naismith’s rule, 5 km/h on the flat plus extra time for the climb, with Langmuir’s corrections. It’s a rule of thumb for the way up only, so add stops, weather and the walk back down.

The route follows paths mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors and isn’t a guided line. Check the mountain forecast before you go and carry a map and compass.

Rest Dodd questions

Is Rest Dodd a Wainwright?

Yes. Rest Dodd is one of the 214 fells Alfred Wainwright described in his Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells, in Book 2, The Far Eastern Fells.

How high is Rest Dodd?

Rest Dodd is 696 metres (2,283 feet) high. That makes it the 93rd highest of the 214 Wainwrights and the 16th highest in the Far Eastern Fells.

Where do you park for Rest Dodd?

The nearest car park on foot is Hartsop, 3.2 km (2.0 miles) from the summit along mapped paths.

How long does it take to climb Rest Dodd?

From Hartsop it is 3.2 km with 519 m of ascent. Naismith's rule, with Langmuir's corrections, puts the climb at about 1 h 27 min, so allow 1 to 2 hours to reach the summit at your own pace, plus the walk back down.

How hard is Rest Dodd?

Upfell rates Rest Dodd as easy. Check the mountain weather forecast before you set out and carry a map and compass.

Which Wainwrights are near Rest Dodd?

The closest are The Knott (739 m, 1.1 km SE), Rampsgill Head (792 m, 1.3 km SE) and The Nab (576 m, 1.5 km N).

What is the grid reference for the summit of Rest Dodd?

The summit is at OS grid reference NY 432 137, or 54.51542, -2.87779 in latitude and longitude.