Friday 6th May 2005

Start point: Birks Bridge, Duddon Valley (SD 235 992)

Harter Fell from Birks Bridge

Distance: 3.25 miles     Total Ascent: 534 metres     Time Taken: 1 hour 30 minutes

Route Map

Weather: Dull and overcast. 10oC.

This morning's short walk was from the Duddon Valley up to Harter Fell, a sometimes boggy and pathless climb. The south eastern face of Harter Fell has been transformed over the last year or two with the deforestation of this part of the Dunnerdale Forest - Wainwright said there was no access to Harter Fell from the Duddon Valley, but of course that has all changed now.

Birks Bridge holds a lot of memories for me as I did a lot of swimming here during my youth and continue to do so with the family, who all love this place.

...and of course we have to climb Birks Bridge rapids just upstream.

Looking across the Duddon Valley to Grey Friar. To the right centre of the photo is Seathwaite Tarn nestling below Dow Crag, lost in the mist.

Hard Knott from the ascent of Harter Fell.

A misty and windy Harter Fell summit.

The sun shines on Stickle Pike and the Duddon Valley with the Duddon Estuary beyond.

 A close up of Seathwaite Tarn, its outlet is Tarn Beck.

The mist clears briefly from the higher tops. L-R: Bow Fell, Crinkle Crags and Little Stand.

What better way to finish the walk than a dip in the cool, clear water of the River Duddon. If it was a bit warmer I would have been in there myself!

Harter Fell from the Duddon Valley.

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