Harter Fell

Walked on 25/11/2021

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

Harter Fell from Birks Bridge

Distance: 4.9 miles Total Ascent: 477 metres Time Taken: 2 hours Start Time: 09:30

Clear                 
Temperature      3 ℃ 
Felt like        0 ℃
Wind Speed       8.6 mi/h
Wind Direction   NNW

It was the calm before the storm weather-wise today with it being cold, crisp and settled for one day only. I managed to get out for a walk to Harter Fell in the Duddon Valley, I know this offers some of the finest views of the Scafells and today did not disappoint. I felt sure I would be alone today in this remote fell at the head of a hidden valley – it didn’t quite turn out that way in the end but the day was enjoyable nevertheless.

On the top the conditions were baltic with a cold northerly wind blowing which meant we didn’t hang around for too long but I did manage to shelter from the wind and enjoy lunch looking across to the Scafells. Today I was with both furry companions as Dougal had an outing alongside Fletcher.

A room with a view - Grey Friar from Birks.

Autumn turning to winter.

Hardknott Forest is being returned to native woodland.

This is the steep way up!

Fletcher heading for the summit.

Cockley Beck and Wrynose Bottom from Maiden Castle.

I was thinking on the way up, you hardly see a soul up here. In fact I was thinking I don't think I have ever seen anyone up here apart from Chris Jesty who I bumped into one time. That thought was shattered when we reached the top - there was easy a dozen people up there, not sure where they all came from but I guess the day was too good to miss, like this fantastic view of the Scafells from the top.

A panoramic view - Scafell, Scafell Pike, Esk Pike and Bowfell.

The summit of Harter Fell.

Looking across to the rocks that are the true summit of Harter Fell.

The daring duo back together - Dougal and Fletcher. I think this is about the limit for Dougal now as he was flagging a bit towards the end.

Looking to the west coast from the summit along the Eskdale valley, Devoke Water visible.

Sun over the Duddon Estuary.

Looking across Eskdale with Eel Tarn and Burnmoor Tarn visible.

The south-west descent from Harter Fell. This was the steep way and I followed the wall - my recommendation for anyone thinking of it is...don't bother! It is too steep and rough to be enjoyable.

The forest road on the return to Birks. This soon changed into a boggy mess of a path.

Little Stand and the River Duddon .

The River Duddon below Birks Bridge, the perfect place for Dougal and Fletcher to have a dip at the end of the walk.

Harter Fell

Walked on 07/06/2016

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

Harter Fell from Birks Bridge

Distance: 3.9 miles Total Ascent: 477 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 15 minutes Start Time: 09:30

Weather: Warm and hazy. 24C

The warm weather has continued for a couple of weeks in Cumbria and the Lakes and this was a fantastic opportunity to get out for a walk to local Harter fell and then have a dip in the River Duddon at the end of the walk – the perfect icing on the cake!

Beautiful Birks Bridge at the start of the walk - perhaps I will pay a visit at then to those inviting cool, clear waters.

Approaching Birks.

Looking along the Duddon Valley from Birks, Bowfell and Little Stand in view.

Grey Friar from the steep climb, Birks visible centre right.

Hot dogs! Good job they have had a new haircut in this heat.

Harter Fell summit.

Harter Fell true summit from the official.

Looking across to Green Crag, Devoke Water just about visible beyond.

The Scafells and Upper Eskdale from Harter Fell, Hard Knott and the Roman fort in the centre ground.

Descending the south-western slopes of Harter Fell, Green Crag and Crook Crag across the way.

The forest road back to the start - and yes, we did enjoy a dip in the River Duddon at the end!

Harter Fell (Eskdale)

Height: 653 metres / 2142 feet Grid reference: SD 21881 99718 Category: The Southern Fells

The true summit of Harter Fell

Scafell, Scafell Pike, Esk Pike and Bow Fell from Harter Fell

Harter Fell from the Duddon Valley

Harter Fell

Walked on 04/06/2010

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

Harter Fell from Birks Bridge

Distance: 3.25 miles Total Ascent: 538 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 30 minutes Start Time: 09:50

Weather: Sunny. 16C

It was another cracking morning so I headed up to Harter Fell at the head of the fantastic Duddon Valley. I think Harter Fell has the best view of all of the Scafells and especially on a day like today. It was really warm on the climb and that had the dogs looking for any scrap of moisture they could find. We did manage to find plenty for all of us at the end of the walk though, pure heaven.

Harter Fell route map.

Birks Bridge Rapids.

Birks Bridge always brings back lots of happy memories of swimming here with family and friends. Hmm, that cool clear water looks inviting - maybe later.

Bowfell, Crinkle Crags and Little Stand from Birks.

Birks.

Grey Friar from the climb, Birks is centre right.

Caw, Stickle Pike and the Duddon Estuary.

The head of the Duddon Valley.

The summit of Harter Fell - I'm not sure what those two are up to. Rolling around in...something!

There is a great view of the Scafells from here.

Devoke Water beyond Green Crag and the West Cumbrian coast in the distance.

Harter Fell - the true summit from the official.

Upper Eskdale from the summit of Harter Fell.

Eel Tarn and Burnmoor Tarn in view and looking further to Illgill Head, Seatallan and Haycock.

Eskdale, the scene of some of this weeks tragic events and the West Cumbrian coast with Sellafield on the skyline.

The Scafells with Hardknott Roman Fort towards the bottom of the photo.

Casper and Dougal say it's hot at the top!

Scafell and Scafell Pike.

Hardknott Castle Roman Fort.

Esk Pike and Bowfell.

Bowfell and Crinkle Crags.

Looking across the Duddon Valley to Seathwaite Tarn.

Casper and the sky.

Following the ancient lane from Birks.

The River Duddon above Birks Bridge. I told you that water looked inviting and doubly so seeing as it was so hot after the walk, so the three of us had a swim down at Birks Bridge.

Drying off in the sunshine looking back along a low level River Duddon towards Birks Bridge.

Harter Fell from the Duddon Valley.

Harter Fell

Walked on 22/05/2009

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

Harter Fell from Birks Bridge

Distance: 3.25 miles Total Ascent: 538 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 45 minutes

Weather: Overcast. 13C.

Harter Fell from the Duddon Valley is a great walk and a relatively easy ascent (if you like them straight up that is!). The views weren’t really there today as the tops were clouded in but it was nice to be back in the Duddon Valley, our families favourite.

Harter Fell route map.

The River Duddon.

Birks Bridge Falls.

Birks Bridge, a reminder of many happy summer days spent swimming here.

Grey Friar from Birks.

The view along the Duddon Valley to Wrynose Bottom. All the fells are clouded in this morning.

The back of the Coniston fells from the climb to Harter Fell.

Caw and Stickle Pike from Maiden Castle on Harter Fell.

The Duddon Valley and Wrynose bottom again, this time from higher up.

Climbing to the clouded top of Harter Fell.

Seathwaite Tarn and Tarn Beck across the Duddon Valley.

Casper can't contain his excitement (or his tongue!) on the summit of Harter Fell.

The true summit of Harter Fell from the official as the sunshine is trying to break through the cloud.

Below the cloud layer on the descent with a peep to Wrynose.

Stickle Pike and the Duddon Estuary.

There are brief spells of sunshine now, here with Caw and the Dunnerdale fells lit up by it.

Grey Friar and the River Duddon.

Harter Fell

Walked on 14/11/2007

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

Harter Fell from Birks Bridge

Distance: 3.25 miles Total Ascent: 538 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 45 minutes

Weather: Overcast but clear. 5oC.

It was dull and grey this morning in the Duddon Valley for my ascent of Harter Fell, yet at the same time it was very clear. Over to the east I could see the blue sky moving across and of course as soon as I came down to valley level, it was everywhere – a lovely day. My camera suffered a few further battle scars as well today as near the beginning of the walk, Angus pulled at the lead when I had the camera in my hand and sent it crashing to the floor. Now it has a big crack in the screen and on the case, looks like I’ll have to get the tape out to keep it together! At least it still works (for now) though…

The River Duddon - Birks Bridge Rapids.

Grey Friar from Birks...and whoops! There goes my camera.

A colourful Dunnerdale Forest with a backdrop of Dow Crag and White Pike.

Stickle Pike with Duddon Sands and Barrow-in-Furness beyond.

Black Combe. The angular fell with the wall running along its spine is The Pike.

Esk Pike, Bowfell and Crinkle Crags from the summit of Harter Fell. Hard Knott is in the centre.

Angus and Casper at the summit of Harter Fell.

You handsome devils!

Upper Eskdale from Harter Fell. It's a lovely view of the Scafells from here.

Casper checks out the view, Wrynose Bottom and Wrynose Pass above him on this photo.

A dark looking Scafell Pike, Broad Crag and Ill Crag with Pen hanging over Great Moss.

Casper, what's that on your nose?

Esk Pike.

Seathwaite Tarn nestling below Dow Crag.

It's brightening up a bit now across Morecambe Bay.

Harter Fell

Walked on 18/04/2007

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

Harter Fell from Birks Bridge

Distance: 3.25 miles Total Ascent: 538 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 45 minutes

Weather: Overcast but clearing. 12oC.

It seems like an age since I have been out on one of the higher fells, but things are back to normal now after the Easter holidays and the roads and fells were a lot quieter today – there was no-one around! It has been very dry of late and this is evident in the levels of the Lakes and rivers in the area. I wonder if we are in for a hot, dry summer?

he River Duddon - where has all the water gone?

Birks Bridge, the clear water of the River Duddon looks very inviting at this popular swimming place.

Bow Fell, Crinkle Crags and Little Stand at the head of the Duddon Valley.

The route through Birks to Harter Fell.

Warm work for Casper.

Angus and Casper at the summit of Harter Fell, Devoke Water beyond.

A panoramic view of the head of Eskdale - the Scafells, Esk Pike, Bow Fell and Crinkle Crags over Hard Knott.

The true summit of Harter Fell from the official.

Looks like they are firing a salvo out to sea from the Eskmeals testing range, here seen across Devoke Water with the Eskmeals Viaduct between them.

Stickle Pike and the Duddon Estuary with Barrow-in-Furness beyond.

Seatallan, Caw Fell and Haycock over Illgill Head with Burnmoor Tarn visible.

Scafell, Scafell Pike and Slight Side.

Esk Pike.

Hard Knott catches the sun with Esk Pike, Bow Fell and Crinkle Crags behind.

Scafell Pike, Broad Crag and Ill Crag.

Old and new - an aeroplane flies over Hardknott Castle Roman Fort.

Seathwaite Tarn across the Duddon Valley.

The now disused Walna Scar Quarries on the western face of White Pike.

Angus.

Bow Fell.

Looking back to the summit of Harter Fell, the sky rapidly clearing now.

Grey Friar - the felled conifer plantation has now been replanted with deciduous, broad leaf trees.

The head of the Duddon Valley from Birks.

Harter Fell

Walked on 24/11/2006

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

Harter Fell from Birks Bridge

Distance: 3.25 miles Total Ascent: 538 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 45 minutes

Weather: Rain. 6oC.

The weather worsened throughout the walk today, starting off as rain with the cloud quickly closing in on the summit. There was a stiff breeze on the top too and it felt decidedly wintry. Shame about the lack of views!

Birks Bridge rapids. The distant pyramid is Bow Fell, visible for the only time today as the cloud soon came in to cover it. Some more shots of the rapids...

Looking to a misty Wrynose Bottom, Castle How centre.

Looking down on Birks from the climb up to Harter Fell.

Angus.

Casper.

A misty summit of Harter Fell - Casper certainly seemed to enjoy it rolling around up there!

A grey Grey Friar on the descent.

Autumn colours in the decimated Dunnerdale Forest.

Birks Bridge.

Harter Fell

Walked on 22/03/2006

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

Harter Fell from Birks Bridge

Distance: 3.25 miles Total Ascent: 538 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 15 minutes

Weather: Sunny and clear. 3oC.

Well, what a difference a few days make! The extreme weather of last Friday seems like a distant memory now as the sky was clear blue and the sunshine was warm today. The snow lingers on, still knee deep in places, but quite soft and slowly melting away. I wished I could have been out longer in these perfect conditions; the views were magnificent.

Birks.

Clear blue skies above Harter Fell today.

Looking to the head of the Duddon Valley with Bow Fell, Crinkle Crags, Little Stand and Cold Pike in view.

Grey Friar.

Angus - his nose is well and truly thawed out now!

The troops gather on the ascent of Harter Fell.

Approaching the rocky summit.

Black Combe and Whitfell from the summit with Devoke Water visible centre right.

The Scafell range from Harter Fell.

A panoramic view of the Scafell range from Harter Fell. Select on the image for a larger version.

Wrynose Pass.

Bow Fell.

Esk Pike.

Scafell.

Scafell Pike.

Angus.

Black Combe.

Stickle Pike, the Duddon Estuary beyond.

Dow Crag.

The Coniston fells.

A sunny snowscape. All the footprints in view belong to one A.Beardie Esq.!

Caw.

Grey Friar and the Duddon Valley from the descent.

The River Duddon.

Harter Fell from the Duddon Valley.

Harter Fell

Walked on 15/11/2005

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

Harter Fell from Birks Bridge

Distance: 3.25 miles Total Ascent: 538 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 30 minutes

Weather: Cool, mainly clear. 9oC.

Today turned clear with blue skies again – I had a short walk up to Harter Fell from the Duddon Valley, starting from Birks Bridge. The view turned out to be good, much better than I expected earlier. The ascent was made more interesting when I bumped in to Chris Jesty, the man responsible for updating the Wainwright Pictorial Guides, who stopped for a chat.

Harter Fell from the Duddon Valley.

Birks Bridge.

Chris Jesty - doing the Wainwrights.

Approaching the summit of Harter Fell.

Angus.

Looking across Hardknott to Upper Eskdale and the Scafells, the Pillar group beyond to the left of the photo. Burnmoor Tarn is just visible centre left.

Closing in on Scafell, Scafell Pike, Esk Pike and Bow Fell.

The Coniston fells across the Duddon Valley. Select on the image for a larger version.

Grey Friar across the Duddon Valley.

Birks Bridge rapids.

A swim in the River Duddon.

Harter Fell

Walked on 06/05/2005

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

Weather: Dull and overcast. 10°C.

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.

Harter Fell route map.

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.

Harter Fell

Walked on 02/12/2004

Start point: Hardknott Pass (Jubilee Bridge) (NY 214 011)

Hardknott Pass (Jubilee Bridge) – Kepple Crag (230) – Great Whinscale (231) – Crook Crag (232) – The Pike – Green Crag (233) – Ulpha Fell – Harter Fell (234) – Demming Crag (235) – Horsehow Crags (236) – Hardknott Pass (Jubilee Bridge)

Weather: Cold, clear skies.

Today’s walk is a circuit of Harter Fell, taking in some minor tops en-route including Green Crags. There are great views of Upper Eskdale from Harter Fell, especially Scafell and Scafell Pike which looked lovely today as it was so clear.

A frozen Upper Eskdale from the path on Birker Fell; the Scafells to the left, Esk Pike and the pointy summit of Bow Fell to the right.

The Moon over Kepple Crag.

Looking through the gap on Eskdale Fell to Scoat Fell and Pillar from Kepple Crag.

Devoke Water and Birker Fell from Great Whinscale.

Sellafield and the West Cumbrian coastline from Crook Crag.

Harter Fell from Ulpha Fell.

The view from Harter Fell, see below for an annotated version of this photo.

Grey Friar with the Swirl How ridge behind from Demming Crag.

The Scafells from Demming Crag. See below for an annotated version of this photo.

Looking along Eskdale from Horsehow Crags.

The Scafells on the descent.

Hard Knott.

Harter Fell

Walked on 06/04/2004

Start point: Seathwaite (Dunnerdale) SD 22761 96012

Seathwaite (Dunnerdale) – High Wallowbarrow – Grassguards – Green Crag (203) – Ulpha Fell – Harter Fell (Eskdale)(204) – Birks Bridge – Fickle Steps – Seathwaite (Dunnerdale)

Weather: Showery, in and out of the cloud.