Harter Fell (Mardale)

Harter Fell (Mardale)

Harter Fell (Mardale) Group Walks | Join a Walk

779m Elevation
149m Prominence
England Country

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Classifications

Hump Sim Hewitt Nuttall Sub-Marilyn Wainwright Birkett Sy Fellranger

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Elevation

779m

2,556 ft

Prominence

149m

Coordinates

54.4764, -2.8353

NY459093

OS Map

90

Explorer: OL5S OL7N

At the Summit

The summit boasts a prominent trig point and a small stone cairn, making it a perfect backdrop for a celebratory selfie after the climb.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky with sections of grass and heather; muddy paths can be found after rain.

Harter Fell is primarily composed of volcanic rock, particularly andesite, which lends to its rugged terrain. The rock formations are a fascinating result of ancient volcanic activity, and the area is part of the larger Borrowdale Volcanic Group.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can see the stunning expanse of Haweswater Reservoir, the towering peaks of the surrounding fells, and on a clear day, even the distant shape of the Pennines.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Harter' is believed to derive from the Old Norse word 'herta', meaning 'to herd'. The area surrounding the fell has a long history of sheep farming.

Historical Significance

Harter Fell is part of the traditional walking routes in the Lake District and provides insight into the region's natural and agricultural heritage.

Popular Routes

Mardale Head Route

Moderate

This route takes you from Mardale Head up through delightful pastures, leading to a steep but rewarding ascent to the summit of Harter Fell. A great way to experience the picturesque lakes and lush valleys.

6.5 km 3.5 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Mardale Head car park provides ample space, but it can fill up quickly during sunny weekends; arrive early or risk having to park down the road, which is not ideal.

Public Transport

While public transport options are limited, the nearest bus stop is in the village of Shap, followed by a scenic (and hilly) walk to Mardale Head.

Nearby Facilities

There are no facilities on the mountain itself, but the nearest village of Shap offers a few cafes and shops, including options for a hearty brew and a slice of cake after your hike.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Loosely piled rocks near the summit may be unstable, and be cautious of sudden weather changes typical in mountainous regions.

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

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Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Harter Fell (Mardale)?

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

Are there other walkers around Harter Fell (Mardale)?

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 (Mardale) search or of course create your own walk for Harter Fell (Mardale)

Can I organise a walk to Harter Fell (Mardale)?

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 (Mardale).

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 (Mardale)?

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 (Mardale) 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