Harter Fell

This past weekend we took a trip to the top of Harter Fell. Sadly this is only the 3rd Wainwright that we have managed to do this year despite attempting a number more over our holiday in June however the British weather has been against us this season. Harter Fell is a lovely walk and although there as some cloud at the top we managed to enjoy the views that the top offers. The weather conditions were mixed there was a bit of cloud and it was also a little bit windy which meant that the cloud kept coming and going throughout the afternoon. The walk to the top is quite steep and passes through some lovely looking crags on the way up. the view behind takes in Seathewaite Tarn and some large waterfalls on the other side of the valley. The view from the top too in the old roman fort at Hardknott, views of the surrounding landscape including the southern peninsula and had it been a little less cloudy Scafell Pike (to the north) also. We descended the fell down the western slope and walked back through the forest on very wet trails. About half a KM from the car park at the end there is one of the Wild Swim sites from Daniel Start's book and therefore we both took a plunge into the river under the old packhorse bridge right on the roadside. The river is quite deep set there so it is not overlooked from the road by passing drivers. It was quite fast flowing and a tad refreshing to be jumping in in just a pair of shorts. However it was definitely a great experience that we both agreed that we should do again as its so refreshing to have a swim after a long walk.

We ate an evening meal at the Farmers Arms and I had a pint of Cumbrian Ale. The food was delicious and worth the stop. I started with some Pate this is one of the few occasions where the quantity of toast and also pate was perfect for each other. I had two large pieces of pate along with about 2 slices of granary bread (quartered) I followed this with a piece of rump stake that was delicious this was served with a choice of potatoes (I choose chips, others included boiled and mashed) and seasonal veg (this was carrots, beans, red cabbage and cauliflower). I felt that the chips were out of a packet rather than being there made from fresh potatoes that I think would have been a much nicer and more rustic feel to the meal. The quantity especially after a starter was too much for me and I had to leave a lot of the chips however I did finish everything else. I'm afraid to say that I wasn't overly impressed with the ale as I was getting close to the bottom I noticed an unusual taste to it that suggested there was something wrong however I cannot place what it was or where it had come from. The restaurant/pub seemed quite nice although when asking if there was a table for two there was a intake of breathe to say Ill have to check as we are fully booked despite the fact that there were only about 4 of the 20+ tables occupied when we arrived (and most remained empty for our meal).