Dunnerdale from Birks Bridge up Harter Fell: route map, distance and time
653 m · Cumbria
Harter Fell is a 653m rocky cone between Eskdale and the Duddon valley, a Wainwright and Hewitt with a craggy summit and a view to the Scafell range.
A path climbs through the forestry and out onto open fell to the summit towers.
Dunnerdale from Birks Bridge at a glance
| Distance | 2.2 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 465 m |
| Time up | 1h 15m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 1h 40m, down the same way |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Start | Birks Bridge, Duddon valley |
| Start grid reference | SD 234 993 |
| Summit grid reference | SD 218 997 |
Dunnerdale from Birks Bridge map
The start (green) and the summit (blue). Peakify has no GPX track for this route yet, so follow the description and your map.
Height profile and getting to the start
How long Dunnerdale from Birks Bridge takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 1h 0m | 1h 20m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 1h 15m | 1h 40m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 1h 30m | 2h 0m |
Times leave out stops. Coming down the same way, the table counts the ascent once; steep descents on rough ground can be as slow as the climb.
- Today: sunrise 07:06, sunset 16:46. Start by 14:06 to be down before dark, allowing 1h 40m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 07:08, sunset 16:44. Start by 14:04 to be down before dark, allowing 1h 40m for the walk and an hour for stops.
Harter Fell summit weather for this route
There is no recent summit forecast cached for Harter Fell right now. The main Harter Fell page loads the live forecast when you open it. Open the live Harter Fell forecast.
Before you go, also check: MWIS Lake District forecast · Met Office mountain forecast · Weatherline fell top conditions.
About Harter Fell
Harter Fell is a 653m rocky cone between Eskdale and the Duddon valley, a Wainwright and Hewitt with a craggy summit and a view to the Scafell range. More about Harter Fell, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Wainwright, Hewitt, Nuttall, Marilyn, Birkett.
Extend the walk: tops near the summit
- Hard Knott (550 m), 3 km north-east
Challenges that include Harter Fell
Other routes up Harter Fell
| Route | Distance | Ascent | Time up | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eskdale via Spothow Gill | 3.4 km one way | 545 m | 1h 35m | Moderate |
In an emergency
Call 999, ask for the police and then mountain rescue. Give your location (the start is at SD 234 993, the summit at SD 218 997), what happened and how many are in your group. If you have no signal for a call, a text to 999 works once you have registered your phone with emergencySMS: text "register" to 999 before you go.
Dunnerdale from Birks Bridge: questions and answers
How far is Dunnerdale from Birks Bridge?
Dunnerdale from Birks Bridge is 2.2 km one way to the summit of Harter Fell, with 465 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 4.4 km.
How long does Dunnerdale from Birks Bridge take?
About 1h 15m to the summit of Harter Fell and 1h 40m there and back by Naismith's rule (5 km/h plus 10 minutes per 100 m of ascent), before stops. A relaxed group takes nearer 2h 0m for the round trip.
Where do you park for Dunnerdale from Birks Bridge?
Dunnerdale from Birks Bridge starts from Birks Bridge, Duddon valley. The grid reference is SD 234 993.
Is Dunnerdale from Birks Bridge suitable for beginners?
Yes, for fit walkers on a clear day. Peakify grades it Moderate: a long climb on a made path, but the top is high, exposed and colder than the start. Turn back if the cloud comes down and you can't navigate.
What time should I start Dunnerdale from Birks Bridge today?
By 14:06 at the latest. Sunset on Harter Fell today is 16:46, Dunnerdale from Birks Bridge takes about 1h 40m there and back, and that leaves an hour for stops. Start earlier in winter or if the forecast turns.
Is there a GPX for Dunnerdale from Birks Bridge?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).