Harter Fell & Hard Knott

Friday 26th June 2020

A long drive over to the Southern Fells for me today - but a very enjoyable walk was the reward. Harter Fell (Eskdale) commands lovely views all round with many of the big fells in full view such as the Scafells round to Bowfell and Esk Pike.

A hot & sultry start to the day in very calm conditions was followed by light rain for the most part. The weather didn't offer the greatest photogaphic clarity although reasonable views were to be had for most of the day.

A commitment on the evening meant a four hour walk was my limit today, otherwise I would have included a walk down into Upper Eskdale, but I'll save that treat for another day.

Another slip up at the end though - missing Hard Knott summit again ! I've done this a few times in the lakes over 10 years of walking, two of these occasions being on Hard Knott !

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Distance: 6.6 miles

Duration: 4:00 hours

Ascent: 2303 ft

Difficulty: Moderate

Accompanied By: On my Own

Weather: Warm with showers

Wainwrights Visited

Hard Knott Harter Fell (Eskdale)

3D outline of route

Parking

9am and all quiet at the Jubilee Bridge parking area on the western side of Hard Knott pass. A long journey for me - these fells are some of the hardest for me to get to - a 5am alarm call and a few hours of driving, but a lovely feeling to be all the way here and it still being early.

A scenic start to the day as I cross Jubilee Bridge and head towards the fells

Through the gate and onto the flanks of Harter Fell

A lovely view back over to the Scafells, Esk Pike and Bowfell with Hard Knott on the far right.

Eskdale in the direction of Wha House Farm

Looking back at a very hazy Eskdale and the Southern Fells - It was very sultry today, I expected to get a good soaking before the day was over - as some pretty impressive downpours were encountered on the drive here, but for now it was shorts and a base layer.

Gradually climbing - but the first part of the walk skirts around Harter Fell. It was about here that I got bitten by something on my neck. It always seems bad for Horseflies in Wasdale during later summer months - but I've not had a problem before in Eskdale. As a precaution, the 'Avon Skin So Soft' had been sprayed all over before I set off - with the exception of my neck unfortunately. Not totally sure it was a Horsefly this time, but nevertheless I've got a painful lump now !!

The left hand side path I took (for the ascent of Harter Fell) is just before the tree line.

Starting the climb proper - but looking back down in the direction of Green Crag

The path meanders its way up the fell all the way to the summit

Green Crag in the distance as the first spots of rain appear

Harter Fell summit with views to the magnificent array of bad boys in the distance.

Green Crag, Devoke Water and Morecambe Bay in the distance

A feint path can be followed on the descent down to Hard Knott Pass - Hard Knott can be seen on the other side of the winding pass road.

Heading towards Hard Knott

Looking up at the next climb - an easy path is present on the right hand side of the photo

A view back up to Harter Fell and its waterproofs on in the rain that I was expecting - not too heavy though.

Time to cross the road - much easier to walk here than drive over. I tend to drive the long way round to Eskdale and go back home via the passes - Not sure that its any quicker, but it's certainly more entertaining. Todays return journey was great as there were no other cars on Hard Knott and just a couple on Wrynose.

Shucks !! Thanks - It was nothing really !

Border End summit with a view over to where I should have been ! Hard Knott summit - How many times !!

The grassy descent down from Hard Knott to the pass

Strolling down the roadside from the pass, the remains of Hardknott Fort, or Mediobogdum, come into view. The Roman garrison (built 2000 years ago) was located on the main road linking the Roman settlements at Ambleside and Ravenglass. Pretty impressive - It was home for a garrison of 500 Roman soldiers and remained so for a period of about 400 years, I would take Eskdale and it's rainy weather over Rome any day - they must have loved this assignment.