Buttermere to Bleaberry Tarn & Dodd (Buttermere)
Begin the walk in Buttermere and head to the gate on the left-hand side of the Fish Inn, through the gate there is a path that leads down to the lake. Follow the path between farm fields before taking the sharp left. Continue straight again until reaching another turn and go past the gate, turning right and staying on the same track. There will be another gate ahead of you that leads to the shore of Buttermere.
At the lake, turn right to face the falls of Sourmilk Gill. Cross over the large footbridge across Buttermere Dubs. Then, veer left to go over a second, smaller footbridge and through a gate that leads onto the lower lakeside path before immediately veering right to join the higher path.
Take the turning right on this path. This will take you through woodland on a steeply rising path, the path here can be slippery. At around 300-metres you will reach the end of the woodland and go through a gate. Turn right onto the path.
The path continues to rise here, allowing spectacular views of Buttermere. The path here is rocky and can be slippery. After a steep climb, the path will veer to the right and level out and Sourmilk Gill will soon come into view.
The path continues straight on but can be muddy at times. You will soon reach Sourmilk Gill and be able to cross via some boulders. Over a small mound, you will then find Bleaberry Tarn. From here, take the path leading towards Red Pike by crossing the remains of a dry stonewall. The path ascends steeply with Red Pike in the distance on your left and the summit of Dodd ahead on the right.
After 200-metres or so, look out for a path on your right. This path leads towards Dodd. Take the path as it leads you along the side of the fell and to a junction in the path, turn right here and walk the grassy track to the summit.
At the summit, you can take in spectacular views of Crummock Water, Loweswater Fells, Cockermouth and the Solway Coast. Retrace your steps to head back to Buttermere.
Come and enjoy this hike to remember…