Harter Fell

Harter Fell

Harter Fell Group Walks | Join a Walk

521m Elevation
117m Prominence
England Country

Join group walks, find walking companions and friends, or organise your own!

Classifications

Hump Dodd Dewey

Looking for walking companions?

Don't walk alone! Find friendly walkers to explore Harter Fell together. Join scheduled group walks or start your own.

Elevation

521m

1,709 ft

Prominence

117m

Coordinates

54.3968, -2.4311

NY721002

OS Map

91

Explorer: OL19S

At the Summit

The summit features a small stone cairn and stunning panoramic views of the surrounding fells, including the iconic High Street and Rough Crag.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky and grassy with sections that can become boggy after rainfall.

Harter Fell is primarily composed of Skiddaw slate, showcasing interestingly folded layers and evidence of glaciation. The slate gives the mountain a rugged appearance that attracts geology enthusiasts.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, one can see the vast expanse of Haweswater, the surrounding Lake District peaks, and on a clear day, the outline of the Pennines.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Harter' is thought to derive from the Old Norse word 'Herta', meaning 'to chase or hunt', likely referencing the historical significance of hunting in the area.

Historical Significance

Harter Fell is part of the historic landscape that showcases the geological and natural beauty of the Lake District, making it a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers alike.

Popular Routes

Mardale Head to Harter Fell

Moderate

A well-trodden path offering a steady ascent with stunning views along the way, perfect for both seasoned climbers and leisurely walkers.

9.5 km 4.5 hours

Riggindale Route

Easy

This route follows a gentle incline along Riggindale, leading to the summit with magnificent views of Haweswater.

7 km 3.5 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Mardale Head car park, located near the start of the popular ascent to Harter Fell.

Public Transport

Limited public transport available; best accessed via car or organized walks. Local buses operate from Penrith to nearby villages.

Nearby Facilities

There are no facilities directly on the mountain; however, Mardale Head has a visitor centre with information and parking amenities. The nearest cafe can be found in Shap.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Keep an eye out for loose stones and wet ground, especially after rainfall, which can make the path slippery.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Find Walking Companions

Join friendly walkers exploring Harter Fell and surrounding area

Can't find a walk? Organise your own!

Create a walk and let others join you. It's free and easy!

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Harter Fell?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Harter Fell through the maps

Are there other walkers around Harter Fell?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Harter Fell search or of course create your own walk for Harter Fell

Can I organise a walk to Harter Fell?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Harter Fell.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Harter Fell?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Harter Fell here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible