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We were a bit late out of bed on Thursday but as there had been a few early showers this was probably no bad thing. In fact as we approached our modest target for the day it was nice to see some grey rainy looking cloud disappearing away from the summit. The summit in question was the fine pyramidal peak of Eskdale’s Harter Fell.
Harter Fell may only reach a fairly modest 2,129feet but it is by Lake District standards quite an individual hill. Only the high pass of Hardknott gives it any real ridge to other fells and even then a substantial ascent is required.
We managed to park in one of the many spots possible along the road to the Hardknott pass and walked along the road to Jubilee Bridge and the start of the route.
- Hardknott Beck
One of the delights about lesser walked fells is the lack of erosion on the paths. This route up Harter Fell is for most of the way on a springy green path that is a joy to walk on.
The weather was very hazy but clear enough to get views of the Scafells around to Bowfell.
- Bow Fell and Crinkle Crags
- Eskdale Skyline
- Grace and Hughie
- Looking Westwards
We followed the path marked on OS-maps which is cairned. It’s worth noting however that a very clear path continues to traverse around the fell while the OS shown path (far less clear) makes a fairly steep ascent.
- Harter Fell from the path
- Getting Very Hazy towards Green Crag
The chance of some decent views looked good when we started walking but the haze had increased as we made our way up so summit views were seriously restricted. Given the weather early in the week however we weren’t going to complain too much and Harter Fell has a really interesting summit even without views.
We completed the enjoyable scramble up the highest summit tor (if only all mountain tops could be like this!) before returning the way we came (didn’t fancy the bogs on the way to Hardknott pass).
- Hardknott Fort
- Family summit pic
We had some nice food and a top pint in the woolpack before heading back to the cottage after an enjoyable short outing.