Summit elation after a hard hike and scramble up from the River Esk, initially following Spothow Gill uphill. Harter Fell trig point is on an outcrop at 649 m., the true summit is a higher outcrop at 653 m. altitude, which is reached after a tricky scramble.
Great views of Eskdale, Hardknott Pass, its Roman Fort and the central peaks in the spring sunshine but a bitter wind chill.
The lightly-used paths on the fell below the summits are less distinct after the snow over the winter, which made a lot of the climb difficult as we were bushwhacking over, on and round grass tussocks. Our stop for a midday picnic turned out to be closer to the summits than we expected so even greater summit elation when we reached the top, despite the fierce wind. The route down was much clearer to spot from above but still slippery. A tiring but rewarding day.
Thanks to Samuel for another fine hike together in the Western Lake District
Spothow Gill
