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Harter Fell, Eskdale from foot of Hard Knott Pass

Start/Finish

Car park about 200 m up Hard Knott Pass on the Eskdale side.. At the foot of the pass is an old red telephone box and a warning sign about the steepness of the pass. If there is no space in this small car park then drive back down and park as close as possible.

Distance/Time

8 km     About 3 hours

Peaks

Harter Fell, 653 m, NY 219 997.     OL6 South Western Lakes

Introduction

Harter Fell dominates the south side of Hard Knott Pass. It is quite a rocky hill and its highest point is on an outcrop which needs care in ascending. Views are excellent especially to Scafell, Scafell Pike, Esk Pike, Bow Fell and Crinkle Crags.

Route

(1) From the car park, take the path signed for Dunnerdale. Almost immediately, cross a stream by a miniature stone bridge. Continue on the good path which slants across the hillside passing through a few gates and crossing a stream. About where the wall is joined by Spothow Gill, the main path can be left and a more direct path followed which, higher up, passes above the end of a wall. Continue on the path which leads into the summit area and to the trig point. This is not the summit which is about 50 m E on a sizeable outcrop which is most easily ascended from its E side although care will be needed on the rock. There is no cairn but this is the summit of Harter Fell, 653 m.

(2) The path to the top of Hard Knott Pass goes NE. It is grassy and not particularly distinct. In clear weather, the Hard Knott peak, on the far side of the pass, is a good guide. There is an undulating rocky ridge well to the left of this path; stay away from this ridge and stick to the path which gradually drifts right towards the far N corner of Dunnerdale Forest. En route, a fence will be crossed by a small stile. From the edge of the forest, a bridleway leads to the top of Hard Knott Pass. Walk down the road to the first signed path on the right. Follow this, wet in places, down to Hard Knott Fort, then down to the road just above the car park, crossing a wall by a tall stile just before the road.

Notes

(a) This walk took place on 15^th October, 2014.