We're thinking of riding from Patterdale over to Thirlmere, using either Sticks or Great Dodd climb from Dockray. Descend to Thirlmere on Sticks. South on the road on the west of Thirlmere, then from Dunmail Raise to Grisedale Tarn back to Patterdale.
Is the Sticks Pass descent to Thilmere any good? Better alternatives.
To much wind to climb Helvellyn today, maybe snow too.
Cheers.
Great Dodd from dockray is a crap push in anything like moist conditions.
Ok, so push carry up Sticks after the Youth Hostel....
Why not leave Patterdale up Deedale to Grisedale tarn
Then hike up onto Dollywagon pike and across to Helvellyn summit
Then onto Raise and down to the Sticks junction
After that it's down Sticks to the Hostel, then back down to Glenridding.
Not sure what snow is left so you'll need to check.
The sticks descent to Thirlmere us totally epic. You have been warned.
When you say epic how does it rate compared to nan bield into Kentmere or gatesgarth to Mardale?
Sounding interesting Paul...
It's better when drier. Quick and mostly grassy at first, then pretty steep, which is harder when wet. Dodd climb painful when wet too. Sticks west to East all good.
Great Dodd is ok in dry conditions but the climb from green side up and over sticks pass would be my choice.(I prefer Sticks West to East tho)
I've not done west to east, so can't compare the two. East to west stays off not so step, quite fast and good fun, but gets gradually steeper all the way to the bottom. It's not a classic rock descent, but is quite grassy, while still being very technical. Great fun.
Thanks all. Ended up coming off High Street using the Angel Tarn footpath to Boredale Hause instead, very nice! Followeb by Ullswater singletrack back to Brotherswater.