A shot looking up to the Hartsop Over How ridge
A shot looking up to the Hartsop Over How ridge
hiking | Hartsop above How
What and where is Hartsop above How?
A three mile ridge of high ground that branches off the Fairfields fell in the Lake District, Hartsop above How contains some dramatic views across multiple valleys in the Lake District, flanked by Deepdale to the north and Dovedale to the south.
​
The nearby cave of Priests Hole makes for a good spot to stop for lunch (if you can make it) and there are plenty of other fells nearby if you want to extend your route out to take in a few more peaks.
​
Remember The Rules and have fun!
3-5 hours
7 miles
Lake District
Get this route
Download our route and follow this yourself from either OS Maps or ViewRanger. OS Maps requires a subscription, which luckily you can get 10% off with Northern Stroll on any 12 month subscription. Check out our blog post for the code.
​
ViewRanger is free and much like OS Maps doesn't require any data to work. All you need is a GPS signal, especially if you have downloaded your maps beforehand. It also has OS Maps available as a layer inside the app.
​
Don't have ViewRanger on your phone yet? See our guide, or download it in your app store.
Before you go...
The weather can change often in this area and phone batteries can struggle to hold charge in the cold. In addition, a sudden onset of fog can mean you lose your sense of direction. Always carry a paper map (find yours here), make sure you know how to use it and note down the number for mountain rescue. Better safe than sorry.
Route overview
A reversed walk over Hartsop above How, taking in Brothers Water and the Dovedale first before ascending onto Hart Crag and coming back down Hartsop above How.
​
This is a fairly straightforward but challenging walk including a very sharp climb to the top of the fell. The paths however are fairly well trodden and relatively easy to follow if you have a good sense of direction. However, don't just rely on your phone alone as you will lose signal during your climb.
Key things to know:
​
Time: About 3-5 hours depending on your speed. Take your time.
​
Distance: 7 miles round trip
​
Elevation: 2,324 feet
​
Safety: PLEASE take the time to read this leaflet from Mountain Rescue and also note down the important contact numbers.
​
How to get here:
​
Postcode: CA11 0NZ
​
Google Maps link - it says permanently closed, it isnt!
​