From the wide summit of Red Screes a narrowing ridge curves northward, passing around the rim of a cove on the Kirkstone side.

The ridge, named Smallthwaite Band, narrows to a fine grassy promenade and then throws up the summit of Middle Dodd.

Middle Dodd dacite forms the crest of the ridge, lying above the volcaniclastic laminated claystones and siltstone of the Esk Pike Formation.

[3] There are also the remains of a trial for copper on the eastern flank of Middle Dodd, a 120 feet (35 m) level being driven into the fell from close to the modern road.

[4] The view is remarkably good given the looming presence of Red Screes, with a distant vista of the Scafells completing the picture.