Selside Pike, Branstree & Harter Fell (Mardale)

Tuesday 4th January 2022

Walking Diary (All Walks) Lakeland Wainwrights Far Eastern

A New Year (2022) and all the celebrations are over. We've had a busy couple of weeks with Christmas, 60th Birthday Parties, New Year Parties and a host of other family celebrations - all with the backdrop of Covid. I've consequently managed to put on a stone in weight and am already feeling aches and pains due to my excesses. So, a new campaign of healthy eating and exercise starts today - Fortunately, one of the things I love will help me get back in shape.

Today's walk was selected as the weather was forecasted to snow on the Pennines later on in that day and I wanted to get back home before the sun went down and driving conditions deteriorated. I also love the Far Eastern Fells, especially this area and it's been a while since I visited these fells. It was a good choice, the weather was superb with fresh snow and clear sunny skies being a great combination for a lovely walk.

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Distance: 8.3 miles
Duration: 5:00 hours
Ascent: 3422 ft
Difficulty: Moderate/Hard
Accompanied By: On my Own
Weather: Snowy, Dry & Windy

Wainwrights Visited

Branstree Harter Fell (Mardale) Selside Pike

3D outline of route

Parking

Parked up early at the Mardale Head Car Park (09:15am)

I headed back along the Haweswater road to pick up the Old Corpse Path to Selside. The car would be ideally situated for my return.

A look back to see the iconic feature that is 'The Rigg'

A right turn from the lakeside road, and it's time to start the ascent via the 'Old Corpse Road' which links Mardale with Selside.

Harter Fell, Mardale Ill Bell and High Street all overlook Haweswater.

A cluster of charming old stone buildings adorn the fellside as height is gained.

Day for the camera with view like this !

Still heading upwards, but the gradient eases and the gentle ridge to Selside Pike summit can be seen to the right

A farewell to the 'Old Corpse Road' as I turn right and continue upwards.

Selside Pike summit

Heading South West towards Branstree

Impressive Cairns on Artle Crag

Branstree summit

Heading down to Gatesgarth Pass, the wind was really whipping up the spindrift - took loads of videos, really impressive - but nothing really showing up that well on the photos. Certainly a day for goggles.

The path up to Harter Fell from Gatesgarth Pass can be seen as I head towards the Pass.

I've noticed that there are very few signs present at higher levels on the fells (just about none) - you get plenty at ground level. I assume the authorities think if you're walking this high up you should know where you're going ? Or more likely they never venture up here or can't be bothered to do so. Anyway, worth a photo if nothing else.

Soft snow and a headwind - a tough climb up Harter Fell - especially carrying all that extra weight !

As I near the top, Branstree can be seen to my right.

And a glimpse back down to Haweswater

High Street and Blea Water

Harter Fell summit, the wind was so strong it blew my iphone out of my hand whilst taking this shot

Looking down to Small Water (will be there soon)

Yoke, Ill Bell and Froswick - One side of the Kentmere horseshoe (I'm on the other at the moment). Got me thinking... time to do another Kentmere round, been a while.

Heading down towards Nan Bield Pass (with spikes on)

Nan Bield Pass

A winding route can be taken down from Nan Bield Pass to Small Water (on the far side of the tarn). I decided to have a late lunch in the sheltered surroundings.

Almost back at the car park as another excellent lakeland walk nears it's end.

A final glance back up to Gatesgarth Pass as I head back to the car and try and beat the snow coming down from the North and reaching the A66 Pennine crossing.