The Dodds and Clough Head via Sticks Pass

The payoff is the middle third: three summits linked by high, open ridge with very little reascent between them.

• From Thirlmere Recreation Hall, turn onto Stanah Lane and pass Stanah Farm on the signed access.
• Climb the steep zigzags beside Stanah Gill, then continue alongside Sticks Gill to Sticks Pass.
• Turn along the ridge for Stybarrow Dodd, Watson's Dodd and Great Dodd, broad and grassy walking with easy miles if the visibility is good.
• Cross the rough rocky knoll of Calfhow Pike and continue to Clough Head, with its trig point and shelter and views toward Blencathra and the valleys around it.
• Descend by White Pike to the Old Coach Road, then drop through Wanthwaite and St John's in the Vale, crossing Wanthwaite Bridge and taking the path above St John's Beck before a short link past the A591 and Stanah back to the hall.

Underfoot ranges from soft grass to rough mountain stone, with boggy ground in places and no maintained stone pitching to smooth things out. There is no shelter on the ridge if the weather turns. On the return, a short terraced path runs high above St John's Beck where a fall would be serious, so keep children and dogs close there.

The ascent and the ridge are straightforward in clear conditions. In mist the grassy tops of the Dodds have few landmarks and the paths become indistinct, so carry a map and compass and be able to use them, and keep your navigation accessible rather than buried in a pack. The descent from Clough Head goes over White Pike to the Old Coach Road; do not be tempted to retrace the ridge.

Start at Thirlmere Recreation Hall on Stanah Lane, at the junction of the A591 and B5322 in Stanah (CA12 4TH). The hall has only a small parking area, and an alternative is the national park authority car park at Legburthwaite farther along St John's Road. Space is limited, so park safely and never block lanes, gates or farm access.

The circuit uses public footpaths, bridleways and mapped access land, all open to walkers with dogs. Keep dogs under close control, and on a short lead near livestock, horses and other users. There are stiles and other obstacles that some dogs will need help with, and little reliable water for them on the high ground.

Raven Crag and Castle Crag beside Thirlmere make a more concentrated outing from the same corner of the valley, and are a sensible swap when the tops are clagged in or you are short on daylight.