Striding Edge

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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.

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A room with a view - Grey Friar from Birks.

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Autumn turning to winter.

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Hardknott Forest is being returned to native woodland.

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This is the steep way up!

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Fletcher heading for the summit.

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Cockley Beck and Wrynose Bottom from Maiden Castle.

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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.

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

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The summit of Harter Fell.

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

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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.

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

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Sun over the Duddon Estuary.

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Looking across Eskdale with Eel Tarn and Burnmoor Tarn visible.

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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.

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

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Little Stand and the River Duddon .

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

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