4.8/5)Towering high above Bassenthwaite Lake, Dodd Wood provides unrivalled views from Derwent Water to the south and to the hills of Dumfries and Galloway. These are especially enjoyed by those prepared to make the journey to the summit.
Walking trails
Dodd Wood offers attractive and varied waymarked trails from a central carpark with picnic areas and toilets.
Dodd Summit trail 4.75km (3 miles) Allow 3 hours
Sandbed Gill trail 2.5 km (1.5 miles) Allow 2 hours
Skill Beck trail 2.5km (1.5 miles) Allow 2 hours
Douglas Fir trail 1.5km (1 mile) Allow 1 hour
Wonderful Wildlife
In the spring each year Dodd Wood becomes the focus of attention for bird lovers waiting for the arrival of the Bassenthwaite Ospreys who can be seen from viewpoints in the forest.
The lower viewpoint is open April to September between 10am and 5pm daily, and it is suggested that all visitors should make their way here first. From this viewpoint excellent views of the ospreys fishing over the lake can be seen, as well as the resident red squirrels, and a host of woodland birds. On visiting the lower viewpoint, the staff and volunteers will give you the information you require to get you safely to the upper viewpoint.
Over the course of most days the Ospreys can be seen fishing, sitting, feeding, flying and washing. High powered telescopes and binoculars are provided but by all means bring your own.
Food and drink
The Old Sawmill tearoom stands beside the car-park. The tearoom specialises in homemade Cumbrian cooking.
Cakes, scones, sandwiches, soups and hot dishes are made on the premises. Among the favourites are:
The Old Sawmill Special (a large Cumberland sausage in a roll with apple sauce served with salads), welsh rarebit muffin, luscious lemon cake, date slice and warm sticky gingerbread with rum butter and cream.
The tearoom was originally a working sawmill until 1970 and it was converted to its present use in 1981. The history of the building and the area is outlined on the walls of the tearoom along with a display of old photographs and forest tools.
In summer the cafe is open daily from 10am until 5pm.
In winter the cafe is closed from early December until early February.
Please call for more information, 017687 74317.
Mirehouse
Opposite the car park is the entrance to Mirehouse. Set in beautifull grounds it was once the home of James Spedding, a noted literary figure of the nineteenth century. Still in the Spedding family, the house is delightfully unspoilt and harks back to the heyday of the English country manor house. Open from April to October tickets are available from the tearoom
Please tell us about your visit
Please email us at whinlatter@forestry.gsi.gov.uk if you have an enquiry or would like a reply to your comments.
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