Harter Fell Eskdale:
“Not many fells can be described as beautiful, but the word fits Harter Fell, especially so when viewed from Eskdale”.
Alfred Wainwright
I, for one, can attest that not only is Harter Fell beautiful, but its location between Eskdale and the Duddon Valley provides the most magnificent views. I have posted some pictures below of a recent overnight camp on Harter Fell in Eskdale.
Travelling through the glorious Duddon Valley, I parked overnight just along from Birks Bridge and headed up the South East path to the summit.
Although March, the summit temperature was so mild you could walk about with just a base layer on. The wind was nonexistent. True silence. Not noisy silence. Genuine stillness. Had I shouted over to Wasdale Head Inn for a pint, I’m quite convinced they would have heard me, so calm was the evening. The contrast to the previous March couldn’t have been more distinct.
A great deal of sea mist made for an appealing atmospheric sunset. Subtle colours added to the mix. In places, the low mist resembled the sea sweeping gently over a rocky shoreline.
There was a great little bivi sight just below the summit of Harter Fell. The Scafell range was a sublime sight to take in from the comfort of my sleeping bag. I don’t think I slept much that night; however, with such a panorama, how could I?
Drunken Buffoon:
I always find the most dangerous time on a mountain is scouting about for a composition upon waking from an overnighter. My balance is that of a drunken buffoon for about 20 minutes, and it’s just pure luck I don’t break a leg. The mist and cloud diffused the Sunrise, so there was no reflected light on the Scafell range; nevertheless, a great view all the same.
An impressive cloud formation fashioned itself upon the Coniston range at sunrise. Colours gradually transcended into a wonderful splendour of reds, oranges, and yellows. Against this contrasted a blue hue of which dominated the breaks in the cloud. Such natural beauty is the abode of majestic mountains at the break of dawn, a sensation that all should experience.
The wind picked up on the tops as I packed the tent away, in complete contrast to the previous evening. Taking the South West path off Harter Fell (quite a boggy route, I can assure you), you bear down to, and through, Hardnott Forest. I passed Kepple, and Brandy Crag. Impressive sight!
In a short time, I was back at Birks Bridge. I contemplated a shot of the bridge in conjunction with the striking turquoise waters gracefully flowing beneath its span; however, dense fog within the valley put paid to that, so maybe another time.
#LakeDistrictPhotographyWalks
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Fragmented Memory 🙂
I would love to use this photograph – or a higher resolution of it – for the cover of a novel. I would gladly donate to Sightsavers, I already donate to RNIB. This is my website.: https://jillclough.live
Hello Jill,
Of course, and good luck with the novel! Just let me know which one it is and what size/resolution you require and I will send it over to you.
Best wishes