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A Hazy half day on Harter Fell

A Hazy half day on Harter Fell


Postby johnkaysleftleg » Tue Aug 14, 2012 7:47 pm

Wainwrights included on this walk: Harter Fell (Southern Fells)

Hewitts included on this walk: Harter Fell (Southern Fells)

Date walked: 26/07/2012

Distance: 6 km

Ascent: 590m

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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.


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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.

IMG_0335.jpg
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.

IMG_0334.jpg
Bow Fell and Crinkle Crags

IMG_0338.jpg
Eskdale Skyline

IMG_0339.jpg
Grace and Hughie

IMG_0341.jpg
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.

IMG_0342.jpg
Harter Fell from the path

IMG_0344.jpg
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).

IMG_0348.jpg
Hardknott Fort

IMG_0352.jpg
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.
Last edited by johnkaysleftleg on Sun Aug 19, 2012 8:32 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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johnkaysleftleg
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Re: A Hazy half day on Harter Fell

Postby garyhortop » Tue Aug 14, 2012 8:29 pm

Lovely report JK and cracking family shot on the summit! :D
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Re: A Hazy half day on Harter Fell

Postby SusieThePensioner » Wed Aug 15, 2012 9:15 pm

A great report John and some lovely views despite the haze :thumbup:
Good to see all four of you in the summit photo :D
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Re: A Hazy half day on Harter Fell

Postby johnkaysleftleg » Fri Aug 17, 2012 11:06 am

garyhortop wrote:Lovely report JK and cracking family shot on the summit! :D


SusieThePensioner wrote:A great report John and some lovely views despite the haze :thumbup:
Good to see all four of you in the summit photo :D


Thanks folks
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Re: A Hazy half day on Harter Fell

Postby ChrisW » Fri Aug 17, 2012 4:38 pm

That's a little cracker JK, shame about the haze but as you say, better that than the damn rain :wink: :D
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Re: A Hazy half day on Harter Fell

Postby L-Hiking » Fri Aug 17, 2012 8:13 pm

Superb JK, still got this one to do, it looks good for a half day job

Cheers
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Re: A Hazy half day on Harter Fell

Postby johnkaysleftleg » Fri Aug 17, 2012 9:59 pm

ChrisW wrote:That's a little cracker JK, shame about the haze but as you say, better that than the damn rain :wink: :D


Good to hear from you Chris, hope the bruises are healing.

L-Hiking wrote:Superb JK, still got this one to do, it looks good for a half day job

Cheers


It's a gem of a fell and given the quality of ale and food (the Tattle Pot is amazing) at the Woolpack Inn It would make an excellent top to complete on.
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johnkaysleftleg
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Location: County Durham

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