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Harter Fell (Eskdale)

From the top of Wrynose Pass, Harter Fell stands framed by the hills of either side, a triangle of almost mountain perfection. Close up it seems to have its fair share of bog too, especially in the wet summer of 2012.

If you contemplate climbing it from Duddon side, Birks Bridge, be aware the bridleway is a veritable feast of bog, tree roots, bog, slimy wet rock, bog, and it's steep, with little boggy holes just so you watch your feet the whole time. It's not pleasant.

From Eskdale, on the other hand, it is a pleasure, although not completely dry as you'll see. In very wet weather the crossing of Dodknott Gill may be too deep for dry feet. It would be dangerous in spate. The bridleway from Jubilee Bridge traverses the fell side climbing steadily. Then, with all your muscles nicely warmed up, branch away from the bridleway to climb a narrow sometimes uncertain path up alongside the crags of the north west ridge. This is no engineered path with steps. Just a few cairns set to confirm you are still on the path and most of them are hard to spot amongst the rocks. Not that it matters greatly.

There is a small parking area beside Jubilee Bridge just above the cattle grid. Alternatively there are a few spaces on the verge before then.