Ridges over Dovedale

• High ridge walking at its best
• Oft ignored for more popular circuits
• Ever changing views

Lying between the Helvellyn range and  Kirkstone Pass lies a complex range of long ridges, deep valleys and high fells. These ridges are left alone by many walkers aiming for the better known fells nearby and as a result they are all the better for it; the paths are in much better condition and the opportunity for quiet exploration much easier. Only on Dove Crag and Hart Crag, where the route meets the Fairfield Horseshoe are there more people but with the views as good as they are this does not seem to matter. On my last visit the cloud was low over the southern and western half of the Lake District but cleared dramatically as I parked up at Brothers Water. The undulating 3 mile ridge over Hartsop above High was a delight as it gradually climbed away from Dovedale before exiting dramatically on Hart Crag. The clouds were still sitting to the south and west providing a blanket from which only the higher peaks poked through (Great Gable being particularly impressive) providing one of the best views I have ever seen. I just wish I was a better, more patient photographer. The cloud was creeping dramatically over the ridge as I headed for rocky Little Hart Crag and the perfect little ridge of High Hartsop Dodd and plunging back down to Brothers Water (Brotherswater?). A perfect day on the hills to enjoy a beautiful circuit.

Recommend: Take the Hartsop above How ridge on the ascent leaving the dramatic views from High Hartsop Dodd to the end of the day.

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© Crown copyright 2010 Ordnance Survey. Image produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service. Image reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey and Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland.

OS Map:	O/S 1.25,000. OL5 The English Lakes North eastern area
Start Point:	403133. Limited parking is available at Cow Bridge, alternatively park at Patterdale. From Cow Bridge walk north (away from the hills) and follow the path as it soon bends up on to the ridge.
Terrain:	Easy to follow paths which are not badly eroded at any point. In mist cut south east rather than south from the summit of Dove Crag
Eating & Drinking:	Look no further for the perfectly situated Brotherswater Inn, particularly on a sunny day.
Similar Walks Nearby:	Hayeswater and Angletarns Place Fell, Ukkswater Helvellyn by the Edges
Places to Stay: