Harter Fell (Mardale)

Harter Fell (Mardale)

Harter Fell

Height778m (2,555ft)

Prominence149m (489ft)

RegionFar Eastern Fells

Climbed3 Times

Harter Fell lies at the critical meeting point of three ridges, forming the natural headwaters for three distinct valleys: Mardale, Longsleddale, and the upper valley of the River Kent. While its western slopes present a moderately steep incline broken by an ancient landslip area around Dry Gill, the mountain dramatically shifts characters on its northern face.

"A broad wedge of lonely upland country rises from the valley of Kent at Burneside and continues north, narrowing for nine miles. Having very gradually attained its maximum height on Harter Fell, the ground suddenly collapses in a tremendous wall of crags, falling swiftly to the head of Mardale. One of the noblest mountain scenes in the district." — A. Wainwright

Here, extensive crags plunge an impressive 1,300 feet to the valley floor below, offering a wild, rocky aspect when viewed from the depths of Riggindale. Historically, the high mountain passes of Nan Bield and Gatescarth served as essential packhorse trade routes linking the communities of Mardale and Kentmere. While the flooding of the valley to create Haweswater Reservoir in the 1940s brought an end to their original purpose, these historic tracks remain classic paths for fellwalkers today.

The cairn on Harter Fell

The true summit high point rests on a prominent rocky outcrop, marked by a substantial stone cairn intricately woven with old fence posts and scrap ironwork left behind by early boundary builders. Good panoramic views stretch across the eastern districts, though the finest vistas are uncovered by walking to the very edge of the northern crags, where the entire length of Haweswater opens up below.

Trip Reports

The Kentmere Horseshoe30/06/2019

Mardale Head12/11/2016

The Kentmere Horseshoe18/07/2013

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