Sheffield Pike and Glenridding Dodd

England · Unknown · 2.9 miles (round trip)

Discover Sheffield Pike and Glenridding Dodd from Glencoyne, offering breathtaking Lake District views and a rewarding adventure through varied terrain.

Cairn, Sheffield Pike

Photo by Michael Graham — Geograph

On Sheffield Pike

Photo by Michael Graham — Geograph

Sheffield Pike Summit

Photo by Shaun Ferguson — Geograph

Looking over Glencoyne

Photo by Michael Graham — Geograph

Looking over Glencoyne Dale

Photo by Michael Graham — Geograph

On Sheffield Pike

Photo by Michael Graham — Geograph

Route and Terrain

When we tackled this route, we found it offered a fascinating mix of surfaces, keeping us on our toes! Starting off, you'll encounter some steep sections, with paths comprising both grassy stretches and loose stones. As we ascended, there were moments where a bit of optional clambering over short rocky steps added to the adventure, which I rather enjoyed. Around Sheffield Pike's summit, we navigated a rather boggy plateau, which can be particularly squelchy after rain, so good waterproof boots are a must. The path here isn't always well-defined, and we had to rely on our navigation skills. The descent, especially coming off Heron Pike, can be quite rugged and uneven, a mix of rocky and loose scree, requiring careful foot placement. We certainly appreciated our trekking poles here! Expect to weave through areas of heather and bracken, which are lovely, but sometimes obscure the path. While parts of the trail, especially lower down by the old mine buildings, are surprisingly well-engineered, other sections, like the zigzag descent through juniper bushes, are a very rough collection of loose stone.

Sights & Experiences

This walk truly spoiled us with spectacular views at every turn. From Glenridding Dodd's summit, we were treated to incredible panoramic vistas across Ullswater and the surrounding fells – a perfect spot for a break. Continuing on, Heron Pike opened up to even more expansive views of the Lake District, including the majestic Helvellyn range, which was simply breathtaking. For me, Sheffield Pike's summit offered some of the best overall views, giving us a clear sight of Ullswater stretching out below and the imposing peaks all around. We passed several small cairns marking the summits, a testament to those who’ve trod these paths before us. We were lucky enough to walk in mid-August when the heather was in full, vibrant bloom, adding glorious splashes of purple to the landscape. Lower down, the Glencoyne Park section was a real treat, with ancient trees framing picturesque views of Ullswater. We also enjoyed the gentle murmur of Swart Beck, with its charming cascades. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife; we spotted some red deer and various bird species on our journey. And if you're visiting in spring, Glencoyne Bay is transformed by a stunning carpet of daffodils, reminiscent of Wordsworth’s famous poem.

Hidden Gems

We realised that Sheffield Pike and Glenridding Dodd are often overlooked in favour of their loftier neighbours, which meant we experienced a wonderful sense of quiet solitude in places, especially higher up. Descending towards Glencoyne, we passed the former Greenside Mine buildings, now a Youth Hostel, which felt like stepping back in time. On Sheffield Pike's summit, we discovered a peculiar oblong-shaped stone with the inscription 'H, M, ER, 1830' carved into it – a fascinating, almost secret, boundary marker. The sheltered path through Glencoyne Woods, particularly near the cottages at Seldom Seen, felt like a peaceful hidden detour, a lovely contrast to the open fells.

History & Heritage

This area is steeped in history, particularly its industrial past. We walked past the remains of Greenside Mine, which was once the largest lead mine in the Lake District, operating from the late 18th century until 1962. It was fascinating to learn how its shafts stretched deep underground, beneath Helvellyn and Sheffield Pike itself. We also discovered that Glenridding village owes its very existence and growth to this mine. You can still see remnants of the old dams built to power the mining machinery at places like Red Tarn and Kepple Cove, though a dam burst here in 1927 caused significant devastation to the valley below. Intriguingly, during the Cold War, 'Operation Orpheus' experiments were carried out in the mine, testing how to obscure underground nuclear explosions.

Seasonal Changes & Best Time to Visit

The best time to experience this walk really depends on what you're hoping for. We found that mid-August offers a spectacular display with the heather in full, vibrant bloom across the fells, truly enhancing the views. However, it's worth noting that the boggy sections on Sheffield Pike can become particularly challenging and waterlogged after heavy rain.

Parking & Public Transport

We started our walk from the National Trust Glencoyne car park, conveniently located right by Ullswater. It's a pay and display car park, so remember your coins or be ready to use the Pay by Phone App. If you're a National Trust member, you can scan your card for free parking, which is a nice bonus. For non-members, we found the full day parking costs around £9, though shorter durations are also available. There are approximately 35 spaces, so it can fill up on busy days.

Safety & Preparation

This walk presents some genuine Lakeland challenges, so preparation is key. We certainly wouldn't recommend tackling the higher sections in poor conditions without excellent navigation skills, as the boggy plateau on Sheffield Pike lacks clear landmarks and dangerous terrain (including old mine work

Difficulty & Alternatives

We rated this as a moderate to difficult walk, making it suitable for those with some hiking experience. The initial ascent towards Glenridding Dodd is steep, gaining elevation quickly, which really gets the heart pumping. Moving onto Sheffield Pike, the path becomes more rugged, with rocky sections and occasional scree underfoot. The descent from Heron Pike is particularly challenging, being scrambly and rocky, especially in wet weather. We also found sections of the path, like the Rake, to be quite tricky with loose gravel and stones.

Insider Tip

When we tested this route, I realised that arriving early and hitting the trail before the main rush was an absolute game-changer. We truly savoured the quiet majesty of Ullswater in the morning light, and those unbroken sunrise views from Heron Pike were simply unforgettable!

Recommended Shops & Pit Stops

After a good day on the fells, Glenridding village offers some excellent options for refreshments and supplies. We loved The Travellers Rest, a proper dog-friendly pub with a fantastic beer garden boasting the best Ullswater views in the area, serving real ales and hearty food. The Ullswater Inn (formerly the Glenridding Hotel) offers a slightly more formal dining experience with lovely lake views.