The Eastern Fells occupy the region between the A591 Keswick to Ambleside road and the lake of Ullswater to the west. The Helvellyn range forms the main spine of the group. To the south across the depression of Grisedale Hause, is the Fairfield group of fells.
Beginning from a free car park at NY381219, I headed West along the bridleway to Groovebeck Fold at NY374222, then turned off the main track along a grassy path to follow Groove Beck over Bruts Moss (which was very boggy) to Randerside. I paused a while so’s not to disturb the sheep as the farmer was herding them down to his sheepfold below Wolf Crags. I continued to Lurgegill Head and onto the summit of Great Dodd, where there was a stiff but welcome breeze. I had lunch in the cairn/shelter here, watching a Kestrel hovering above the moors below me. The views were excellent, it was a glorious summer’s day. I packed up making sure I hadn’t left anything then continued down the eroded track to Little Dodd and over to Calfhow Pike. It was my first visit here and I enjoyed the rocks here and also the fine views to Thirlmere. Following the grassy but in places boggy path again, I headed North to Clough Head, where I saw a couple of men who were doing their Wainwrights. A thin path led from here to White Pike, where the path disappeared so I navigated my way carefully down the fellside to Mariel Bridge, where there is a gate to rejoin the bridleway at NY350227 (Old Coach Road). There was no breeze here and the temperature climbed to 24c. I passed the farmer again as I headed East along the bridleway, who told me he had lost one of his sheepdogs. I passed a group doing their Duke of Edinburgh Award before finally arriving back at Groovebeck Fold. I followed the bridleway to the East and returned to the car.
