Harter Fell from Hardknott Pass
Area: The Western Fells
Posted By: graham
Harter Fell might be small but it's perfectly formed and it's situated in astunning position. It separates the top end of Eskdale from the Duddon
Valley and is not hemmed in by other peaks. For these reasons and also
because it can be gained by a short but stiff walk from the road side
at Hardknott Pass it's an ideal introduction to walking in the Lake
District. From its crag circled summit you have unrestricted views of
the Scafell range to north and to the south and east the Coniston
range.
Although the walk to Harter Fell's summit is relatively easy, route
finding can be problematic, as the approach path is vague on the
ground. It generally follows a line on the east side of Harter Fell's
northeast ridge, but the crest of the ridge is rounded and intersected
with bits of scree and short crags which at a number of points the path
manages to loose itself amongst.
Terrain High road pass, craggy fellside and craggy summit.
1. From the roadside follow the bridleway/path SE then SW round the
back of Peathill Crag. The path/bridleway then turns S towards the edge
of the forestry plantation and hits a junction. The bridleway forks L
and heads into the plantation, ignore this, instead take the R fork and
follow the path as it climbs SW towards Horsehow Crags.
2. The path skirts the E side of Horsehow Crags and then turns S to
towards Demming Crags. As the path passes Demming Crags it steepens and
turns SSE.
3. Above Demming Crag the gradient eases and the summit cone comes into
view, continue SSE to gain the E side of the summit cone then turn W
and make the short steep climb over rocks to the summit.
4. To get back to Hardknott Pass return via the same route.
Route Grade Easy
Start Point Hardknott Pass
(Map Ref: NY 229014)
Finish Point Hardknott Pass
(Map Ref: NY 229014)
Distance 3.1 miles
Maps to Use OS Landranger 90,
OS Outdoor Leisure 6,
Harveys' Superwalker (1:25000) and Walker (1:40000) Western Lakeland
Approx Time 2 - 3 hours
