Harter Fell from Hardknott Pass

About

Harter Fell might be small but it's perfectly formed and it's situated in a stunning 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.

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Grade: Easy (but the path is vague on the ground).
Start/Finish: Hardknott Pass (NY229014)
Distance: 3.1 miles (5km)
Time: 2-3 hours
Height gain: 284m
Terrain: High road pass, craggy fellside and craggy summit.
Maps: OS Landranger 90, OS Outdoor Leisure 6, Harveys' Superwalker (1:25000) and Walker (1:40 000) Western Lakeland.

1. From the roadside follow the bridleway/path South East then South West round the back of Peathill Crag. The path/bridleway then turns South towards the edge of the forestry plantation and hits a junction. The bridleway forks left and heads into the plantation, ignore this, instead take the right fork and follow the path as it climbs South West towards Horsehow Crags.

2. The path skirts the East side of Horsehow Crags and then turns South to towards Demming Crags. As the path passes Demming Crags it steepens and turns South – South East.

3. Above Demming Crag the gradient eases and the summit cone comes into view, continue South – South East to gain the East side of the summit cone then turn West and make the short steep climb over rocks to the summit.

4. To get back to Hardknott Pass return via the same route.