This 8.2km circular walk in the Lake District starts along the edge of Ullswater and ascends to a trio of peaks with some of the best views of the area. Sheffield Pike, Heron Pike, and Glenridding Dodd on the eastern side of the Lake District overlook the village of Glenridding and Ullswater. Glenridding Dodd rises steeply above the village, offering superb low-level views, while Heron Pike and Sheffield Pike offer a sweeping panorama across the Helvellyn range. Together, they make a rewarding circuit that combines dramatic scenery, varied terrain and a true sense of Lakeland character. Get the full guide below as well as downloadable walking routes from Ordnance Survey and Komoot.
😮Difficulty: moderate – good paths all the way, easy to follow route but some trickier, rocky descent from Heron Pike and steep down to Ullswater
⛰️Terrain: a mix of good paths, bog areas, a rocky descent, steep woodland path
↔️Distance: 8.2km/5miles
⌛Time taken: 4-5 hours
📈Ascent: 611m
🗺️Click here for the OS downloadable route.
🗺️Map needed is OS Explorer Map OL5
🗺️Click here for the Komoot downloadable route
📖You can find this route, and others, in the Outstanding Walks Lake District book
Car parking for Sheffield Pike, Heron Pike and Glenridding Dodd Circular
This route starts from Glencoyne Bay car park next to the edge of Ullswater.
This is managed by the National Trust so if you’re a member, just scan your card for free parking.
If not, parking costs £9 for the full day (correct November 2025)
Sheffield Pike, Heron Pike and Glenridding Dodd walk route
The walk starts from Glencoyne Bay and follows the footpath along the road before turning right down a tarmac road towards farm buildings. The footpath is signposted here infront of the buildings and you quickly rise to cross a boundary wall with incredible views of Ullswater behind you. This path rises steeply at the beginning before turning more gentle. It is rocky underfoot but nothing technical.
The path then continues away from Ullswater and up alongside the valley bottom. Glencoyne Beck flows below you to the right and the path eventually brings you out at Nick Head. In front, you’ll see some quarry workings but follow the path around to the left. This will lead you onto Sheffield Pike.
From here, the path takes you along the top of the two peaks of Sheffield Pike and Heron Pike. The path is obious and there are plenty of places to stop for lunch on a nice day and the views over Ullswater are sublime. This also happens to be an incredible sunrise spot…
On a wet day, expect this section to be very boggy. Be sure to stop at the viewpoint on Heron Pike!
Glenridding Dodd is your next point of call. Take care on the path down Heron Pike; it is scrambly and rocky and gets very slippery in wet weather. When you are at the base of Glenridding Dodd, it’s a short 5 minute walk to the summit.
Retrace your steps down Glenridding Dodd, go through the gate and follow the path downhill, through the woods to Ullswater once again. You can then follow the path alongside Ullswater to get back to your car at Glencoyne Bay.
Sheffield Pike, Heron Pike and Glenridding Dodd route on the Ordnance Survey App
Click here to download the route
