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.