How long does Harter Fell (Eskdale) and Green Crag take?

Most walkers take 4–5.5 hours for the 12.2 km route, which has 660 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.

Where does the walk start, and where can I park?

It starts at Hardknott Pass (grid reference NY 233 014). Use a car park if there's one nearby; otherwise park considerately and don't block gates, passing places or farm tracks.

Can I get there by public transport?

Not easily: there's no regular bus or train to the start, so you'll need a car, a lift or a long walk in.

It's graded moderate. Fell paths for most of the way: steep, stony or boggy in places.

Which hills does it climb?

Harter Fell (Eskdale) (653 m, Wainwright, Hewitt); Green Crag (489 m, Wainwright).

Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Before you go: Sheep graze the lower slopes: keep dogs on a lead, especially during lambing (April and May).

Michael Graham · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Hardknott Pass Moderate

Harter Fell (Eskdale) and Green Crag

Bagging route 2 Wainwrights Circular

2 Wainwrights in the southern Lake District, climbed together from Hardknott Pass.

Distance: 12.2 km
Ascent: 660 m
Time: 4–5.5 h
Grade: Moderate
Route: Circular
High point: 653 m

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Route mapped on 24 Oct 2026 from OpenStreetMap paths, with heights from EU-DEM terrain data; not yet checked on the ground by TRXO. Added to TRXO on 22 Oct 2026. For planning only: always navigate with an up-to-date map such as OS Explorer or Harvey. How we make our routes.

About this walk

Harter Fell (Eskdale) and Green Crag is a moderate 12.2 km circular walk with 660 m of ascent, taking 4 to 5.5 hours. It starts at Hardknott Pass (grid reference NY 233 014). It climbs 2 listed hills, the highest Harter Fell (Eskdale) at 653 m.

Harter Fell (Eskdale) and Green Crag are 2 of Wainwright's 214 fells, close together in the southern Lake District. The highest, Harter Fell (Eskdale), reaches 653 m (2,143 ft).

This route starts from Hardknott Pass and follows paths for most of the way. It links the summits by the easiest line between them, then returns to the start.

Great views Dog friendly

Route

1
The approach

From Hardknott Pass, follow the path towards Harter Fell (Eskdale).
2
The summits

Climb Harter Fell (Eskdale), then continue to Green Crag.
3
Return

Descend and return to the start.

Summits

Harter Fell (Eskdale)

653 m

Wainwright Hewitt Marilyn

Green Crag

489 m

Wainwright

Plan your day

Start Pace Day

Time needed: 4 h 33 min
Back by: 13:33
Sunset: …
Turn back by: …

Based on Naismith's rule plus short breaks. Allow extra in winter or poor weather.

A link with the route, your start time and when you expect to be back, to send to someone at home.

Summit forecast

–

Forecast at Harter Fell (Eskdale) summit (653 m). Always check a mountain forecast too.

Getting there

Start: Hardknott Pass
Grid ref: NY 233 014
Parking: Use a car park if there's one nearby; otherwise park considerately and don't block gates, passing places or farm tracks.

Directions to start

Bothies and hostels nearby

Coniston Holly How YHA Hostel · 7.6 km
YHA Black Sail Hostel · 11.6 km

Distances are from the start. Check with whoever runs it before relying on one.

Terrain

Fell paths for most of the way: steep, stony or boggy in places.

Bog factor

Suitable for dogs.

Access & seasonal notes

Sheep graze the lower slopes: keep dogs on a lead, especially during lambing (April and May).

Land and access

In England you can walk on public rights of way and open access land. The Countryside Code sets out how to do so responsibly.

Leave gates and property as you find them, and follow paths unless there's wider access.
On open access land, keep dogs on a short lead from 1 March to 31 July, and at any time near livestock.
Take your litter home, and bag and bin dog poo.
Plan ahead and check for signs and local advice.

The Countryside Code

What to take

Weather on the tops can be far worse than in the valley, and navigation is hard in cloud. Expect winter conditions from November to April.

Nothing out of the ordinary, so the usual kit below.

✓Map and compass (and know how to use them)
✓Waterproof jacket and trousers
✓Warm layer, hat and gloves, even in summer
✓Food, water and a head torch
✓Charged phone; register for emergency SMS (text 'register' to 999)

Hill safety guide

Questions about this walk

How long does Harter Fell (Eskdale) and Green Crag take?: Most walkers take 4–5.5 hours for the 12.2 km route, which has 660 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.
Where does the walk start, and where can I park?: It starts at Hardknott Pass (grid reference NY 233 014). Use a car park if there's one nearby; otherwise park considerately and don't block gates, passing places or farm tracks.
Can I get there by public transport?: Not easily: there's no regular bus or train to the start, so you'll need a car, a lift or a long walk in.
How hard is it?: It's graded moderate. Fell paths for most of the way: steep, stony or boggy in places.
Which hills does it climb?: Harter Fell (Eskdale) (653 m, Wainwright, Hewitt); Green Crag (489 m, Wainwright).
Can I take my dog?: Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Before you go: Sheep graze the lower slopes: keep dogs on a lead, especially during lambing (April and May).

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