Dodd Fell Hill and Wether Fell

Dodd Fell Hill and Wether Fell (he summit is known as Drumaldrace) are two Dales 30 mountains to the south of Hawes. The walking here is generally straightforward amidst rolling moorland. The climb to the first peak is via the Pennine Way path and the return over Wether Hill.

The Walk

Walks from Hawes have a tendency to be short. However heading south up the Pennine Way and a circuit of Dodd Fell Hill and Wether Fell is not. Despite its length the majority of the walk is on excellent paths/tracks making it quick to travel on. The peat hags over Dodd Fell Hill are an exception but recently a feint track has grown up which make it more straightforward.

Initially I headed up the Pennine Way (my natural instinct is always to go anti clockwise – someone told me it was because I am right footed) towards Dodd Fell Hill. Its not easy to decide when to leave the track and take to the slopes of Dodd Fell Hill but I feel the best is at roughly 841856 and join a faint path on the broad shoulder. On arrival it appears that the O/S pillar has been planted on the driest rather than highest spot! A faint path heading just south of south east through some peat hags meets a wall, turn left and follow it until it meets an estate road. This is the Cam road, the gateway to some very inaccessible land between Wensleydale, Ribblesdale and Langstrothdale.

The second summit of the day is Wether Fell which is much more interesting. However the highest point is again trackless with only the odd grouse for company! The views on the descent to Hawes and east along Wensleydale are superb and complete an excellent day on the high, less well known hills of the Yorkshire Dales.

Dodd Fell Hill and Wether Fell (Drumaldrace) are 2 of the Dales 30 Mountains

Recommend

In the last few years some faint tracks have appeared on Dodd Fell Hill. This makes the climb easier from the Pennine Way. Leave the track soon after the last wall where the slopes are least steep.

Navigation Tips on the Fells above Hawes

Both summits are not on public rights of way but are in access land. Faint paths lead through the summit areas making access easier. Access Land offers us, the walker, the Right to Roam. However it is usually easier if there is a path to follow as much of the access land makes for heavy going.