Explore Dodd Wood this Summer
Escape the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre this summer and head out to the ever so beautiful Dodd Wood and hike to the Summit of Dodd
A few miles north of Keswick is Dodd Wood, an area of woodland managed by the Forestry Commission, where you'll find a network of waymarked trails through some huge Douglas firs.
The routes range from short trails of 1 and 1.5 miles ideal for younger children to the longer and steeper Dodd summit trail.
If you follow the track up to the top of Dodd you'll be rewarded with fabulous 360 degree views.
The Dodd Wood Summit Trail is only a little over three miles and it is steep in places.
The waymarked route takes you along forest paths and past waterfalls and streams with glimpses through the trees of Bassenthwaite Lake.
As you round the corner you come to a magnificent panorama over Keswick and Derwentwater and a welcome bench on which to catch your breath and enjoy the view.
From there it's not far to the summit from where there are 360degree views towards Keswick, Derwentwater and the surrounding fells, over Bassenthwaite Lake and on a clear day to the Solway Firth and the hills of Dumfries and Galloway.
Dodd Wood Summit Trail :
Distance - 3 miles
Time - 2-3 hours
How to get there by Bus
Take the X4 or 554 bus from Keswick
The bus station is located at Booths
Don't forget all single journeys are only £2
Getting the bus to Dodd wood is cheaper than driving, due to the car parking charges being more than the bus fare.
Facilities:
The Old Sawmill Tearoom is located at the car park, with inside and outside seating, serving up delicious meals, cakes and an assortment of drinks.
Toilet Facilities are also available (free to use)
Dodd wood
How to get there by Car
Postcode for car park - Keswick CA12 4QE
From Keswick take the A591 road to Dodd Wood, it is about 4.2miles from the centre of Keswick
Parking and prices
The car park is on a 'Pay on Exit' system. There is one pay station beside the toilet block. The car park is open 24 hours
Up to 20 minutes: No charge
First hour: £1.95
Additional time £0.45 per 15 minutes
All day maximum charge: £10.00
Parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders. The machines take credit and debit cards (contactless payment is available) or you have up to 48hrs after your visit to pay online at Park with Ease.
Mirehouse & Gardens
Directly opposite the Dodd Wood car park is the entrance to Mirehouse & Gardens
It is a beautiful family run historic house with gardens, lakeshore, and woodland playgrounds open for visitors to enjoy whatever the weather.
The gardens are open from April through to the end of October, and the house is open Wednesday and Thursday afternoons as well as Sunday afternoons in August.
Dogs are welcome but they must be kept on leads.
Tickets for the house and gardens can be purchased online or from The Sawmill Café is located at the Dodd Wood Car Park.
So why not make a full day of it?
Hike up to Dodd Summit, have lunch at The Old Sawmill Tearoom, and then head to Mirehouse before returning home.