Home / Routes / Hartsop Fells and Hart Crag

Written and walked by Lee McCoy · Last reviewed July 2026

High Hartsop Dodd — a steep green cone rising straight from flat valley meadow and scattered trees, cloud sitting on the tops behind

Severe steepnessLoop

Hartsop Fells and Hart Crag

11.87 km

Distance

~3.5–5 h

Typical time

~765 m

Ascent

Summits

Photo: © Lee McCoy

Download GPX →Walked by Lee, July 2026

Key facts

Distance 11.87 km

Ascent ~765 m

Descent ~755 m

Time ~3.5–5 h

Difficulty Severe overall — hardest: Steepness

Type Loop

Start Cow Bridge

Six tops from Gale Crag over Hartsop Above How to Hart Crag — 11.9 km and 765 m, with one stage averaging 20%. Severe for steepness, moderate everywhere else; about 3.6 hours.

A planned line is a suggestion, not a guarantee — conditions change. Navigate independently and carry a map & compass. How to use this guide.

Difficulty profile

LengthModerate11.87 km round.

SteepnessSevereSteepest sustained pull about 43% around the 9.5 km mark.

TerrainModerateGraded on the ground.

NavigationModerateGraded on the ground.

ExposureModerateGraded on the ground.

Five independent axes, not one score — all field-checked on the ground here, with nothing left as a desk estimate.

Conditions on this route

We score every Lakeland Wainwright each morning on cloud, wind, rain and underfoot, and this route crosses 5 of them. The worst summit governs the verdict — a route is only as kind as its roughest top.

Modelled guidance — not a substitute for the mountain forecast or your own judgement. See how every fell ranks today →

Daylight & turnaround

Daylight is short from October to February — check today’s sunrise and sunset before you set off, and carry a head-torch and spare batteries. On short days, decide your turn-back time before you start.

Why this matters: 78% of Mountain Rescue call-outs come after midday — the day runs out on the way home, not on the way up. See also walking in bad weather and today’s conditions.

OpenTopoMap

Elevation profile, shaded by steepness

1 Gale Crag2 Hartsop Above How (Gill Crag - Hartsop Above How)3 Hart Crag4 Dove Crag5 Little Hart Crag (Little Hart Crag - West Top)6 High Hartsop Dodd

Easy 65%Moderate 17%Hard 7%Severe 11%

~765 m

Total ascent

814 m

High point

151 m

Start height

Free mapping: OpenTopoMap / OpenStreetMap (switch layers top-right).

This walk covers about 11.87 km with around 765 m of ascent, taking in 6 summits. The map above shows the line; the elevation profile and stage notes are below.

Access & barriers

Can a dog, a buggy or dodgy knees manage this route? A quick read from the gates and stiles mapped along the way.

Dog

Not dog-friendly

Buggy

Not buggy-able

Knees

Tough descent

Dog: 1 ladder/squeeze stile(s) a dog can’t get through.
Buggy: Stiles or rough going on the route.
Knees: A long, steep ~43% drop around the 9.4 km mark — hard on the knees.

On the line: 7 gates · 1 ladder stile · 1 step-over stile

These are mapped barriers, from OpenStreetMap — coverage in the Lakes is good but not guaranteed complete. Spotted a stile or gate we’ve missed? Tell us (opens in new tab) and we’ll fix it. Barrier data as of 2026-07-20. Access data © OpenStreetMap contributors (via Overpass).

Pacing

Summit	Cumulative	Ascent	Time (fast–steady)
1Gale Crag	1.7 km	345 m	0:54–1:12
2Hartsop Above How (Gill Crag - Hartsop Above How)	2.7 km	406 m	1:13–1:38
3Hart Crag	4.5 km	671 m	2:01–2:41
4Dove Crag	5.5 km	702 m	2:17–3:02
5Little Hart Crag (Little Hart Crag - West Top)	7.8 km	741 m	2:48–3:44
6High Hartsop Dodd	8.9 km	741 m	3:01–4:00
Finish	11.9 km	765 m	3:39–4:51

Naismith-based estimate — a fast/steady range. Your pace will vary. These use Naismith’s textbook constants (5 km/h, 600 m of ascent an hour). Measured against a pace fitted to 41 recorded Lakeland walks they run about 8% slow, and we have left them that way deliberately: a slow estimate strands nobody.

The walk, stage by stage

1
Start → Gale Crag (1.7 km, 345 m)
Climb of about 345 m over 1.7 km (around 20% average).
From the Hartsop valley bottom, cross the fields and immediately tackle the steep ascent up the northern nose of the Hartsop Above How ridge, navigating through lower vegetation to break out onto the open rocky outcrop of Gale Crag
Waypoints
Valley start (Hartsop / Brothers Water), Hartsop Hall junction, Gale Crag summit
Decision point
The ridge is well-defined from the bottom. Keep the deep trench of Deepdale to your right (west) and Dovedale to your left (east). The path naturally funnels upward along the spine
Easy to get wrong
A brutal 20% average gradient to start the day. The lower slopes can be choked with bracken in the summer, making the path humid and slippery. Once clear of the vegetation line, the ground becomes rockier and exposed to the prevailing weather
If you need to get off
Turn around and carefully retrace your steps down the steep grassy and wooded slopes directly to the valley floor
2
Gale Crag → Hartsop Above How (Gill Crag - Hartsop Above How) (1.1 km, 61 m)
Climb of about 61 m over 1.1 km (around 6% average).
Enjoy a much-needed reprieve as you walk south-west along the broad, rolling ridge line, steadily gaining height through a series of minor hummocks to reach the highest point of Hartsop Above How at Gill Crag
Waypoints
Gale Crag, ridge path, Gill Crag (Hartsop Above How summit)
Decision point
The ridge crest serves as a constant, reliable handrail. The imposing bulk of Hart Crag directly ahead is an unmistakable visual target
Easy to get wrong
A mechanically easy 6% climb on a fantastic vantage point. The ground can be quite boggy in the shallow dips between the rocky knolls, especially after heavy rain
If you need to get off
Retreat north-east back along the ridge to Gale Crag and descend to the valley. Do not attempt to drop directly into Deepdale or Dovedale from the ridge flanks, as the terrain is steep, craggy, and trackless
© Lee McCoy
3
Hartsop Above How (Gill Crag - Hartsop Above How) → Hart Crag (1.7 km, 265 m)
Climb of about 265 m over 1.7 km (around 16% average).
The ridge narrows and sweeps upward. Follow the increasingly rocky and eroded path as it climbs steeply up the eastern shoulder of Hart Crag, eventually joining the main Fairfield Horseshoe plateau at the summit
Waypoints
Hartsop Above How upper ridge, Hart Crag eastern shoulder, Hart Crag summit
Decision point
The path follows the distinct rocky spur directly into the crags. As you top out, you join the heavily trafficked and often cairned Fairfield Horseshoe path
Easy to get wrong
The gradient bites back significantly here at 16%. The final push onto Hart Crag involves loose rock, minor scree, and potentially the need to use hands for balance over simple rocky steps. The summit plateau is highly exposed to high winds
If you need to get off
Turn around and descend the Hartsop Above How ridge
4
Hart Crag → Dove Crag (1.1 km, 31 m)
Undulating section of about 1.1 km.
Turn south and walk along the broad, rocky plateau of the main ridge, crossing a minor depression before the gentle rise to the summit of Dove Crag
Waypoints
Hart Crag summit, Hunsett Cove edge (skirted), Dove Crag summit
Decision point
A ruined drystone wall acts as a highly reliable handrail for much of this section. In thick clag, follow the wall and keep well away from the corniced and craggy eastern edge
Easy to get wrong
A high-level, stony traverse. While the physical effort is minimal, the terrain is incredibly rocky, uneven, and can be punishing on the ankles. The eastern edge drops vertically into Dovedale
If you need to get off
If the weather turns violently on the high ridge, the safest retreat is to press on to Scandale Pass (the next dip) to find a safe valley exit, or retrace your steps to the Hartsop Above How ridge
5
Dove Crag → Little Hart Crag (Little Hart Crag - West Top) (2.3 km, 39 m)
Descent of about 156 m over 2.3 km.
Descend south-east off Dove Crag over rough, stony ground towards Bakestones Moss. Drop into the major crossroads at Scandale Pass, then climb the short, sharp slope to the rocky twin summits of Little Hart Crag
Waypoints
Dove Crag descent, Bakestones Moss, Scandale Pass, Little Hart Crag (West Top)
Decision point
Aim for the clear, deep depression of Scandale Pass. A prominent cairn marks the pass where the paths intersect. From the pass, Little Hart Crag is the obvious, rocky hump immediately to the east
Easy to get wrong
The initial descent off Dove Crag can be confusing in the mist as the plateau is broad and featureless. The lower ground at Bakestones Moss is notoriously wet and boggy
If you need to get off
Scandale Pass offers a prime, safe escape route. Turn left (north-east) at the pass to descend directly down the clear path into Caiston Glen and back towards the Hartsop valley
© Lee McCoy
6
Little Hart Crag (Little Hart Crag - West Top) → High Hartsop Dodd (1.0 km, 0 m)
Descent of about 125 m over 1.0 km.
Drop north off Little Hart Crag, crossing a brief grassy saddle, and walk along the distinct spine that leads directly onto the promontory of High Hartsop Dodd
Waypoints
Little Hart Crag, connecting saddle, High Hartsop Dodd summit
Decision point
The ridge is sharply defined; simply follow the crest northwards as it points like an arrowhead directly towards Brothers Water
Easy to get wrong
A rapid transition onto a narrow, highly scenic grassy ridge. The walking here is excellent and soft underfoot, offering a welcome change from the rocky high fells
If you need to get off
Retreat south to Scandale Pass to utilize the Caiston Glen escape route
© Lee McCoy · 2 photographs
High Hartsop Dodd → Finish (3.0 km, 25 m)
Descent of about 336 m over 3.0 km.
Plunge down the incredibly steep, grassy northern nose of High Hartsop Dodd to the valley floor. Once down, pick up the permissive farm tracks or valley paths leading past Brothers Water back to Hartsop
Waypoints
High Hartsop Dodd northern descent, valley floor / Hartsop Hall, Brothers Water track, Finish
Decision point
The steep nose funnels you directly downward toward the valley floor and the obvious buildings at Hartsop Hall. From there, the wide valley track is impossible to lose
Easy to get wrong
The descent off High Hartsop Dodd is notorious—it is relentlessly steep, pitching down grassy slopes that become treacherous, slippery slides when wet. Hiking poles are highly recommended here to save your knees. The 25 m of minor ascent is distributed over the flat, relaxing valley walk back to the start
If you need to get off
You are on the final descent route. Take your time on the steep grass; there is no alternative path down this specific spur once you commit
© Lee McCoy

Summits bagged (6)

1Gale Crag512 mEastern · Birkett, Synge
2Hartsop Above How (Gill Crag - Hartsop Above How)586 mEastern · Wainwright, Birkett, Fellranger, Synge
3Hart Crag823 mEastern · Wainwright, Birkett, Fellranger, Synge, Nuttall
4Dove Crag792 mEastern · Wainwright, Birkett, Fellranger, Synge, Nuttall
5Little Hart Crag (Little Hart Crag - West Top)637 mEastern · Wainwright, Birkett, Fellranger, Synge, Nuttall
6High Hartsop Dodd519 mEastern · Wainwright, Birkett, Fellranger, Synge

In the order you walk them — the same numbers the elevation profile, the stage notes and the pacing table use.

Getting there & parking

Cow Bridge, Hartsop (paid) — 0.0 km from the start (straight line)

Paid car park by Brothers Water — Hartsop above How, Dovedale, Caudale Moor. Fees: pay and display; coins and cards; RingGo ID 37323 (LDNPA, checked Aug 2026).

Directions Something changed here?

Gale Crag (layby) — 0.1 km from the start (straight line)

Walking base for Middle Dodd, Little Hart Crag (Little Hart Crag - West Top), High Hartsop Dodd and Gale Crag — the 'Middle Dodd Little Hart Crag and High Hartsop Dodd' route starts 56 m away. Also serves 'Hartsop Fells and Hart Crag'. Free (OSM-tagged). Unpaved surface (OSM-tagged).

Directions Something changed here?

Hartsop village (free, donation) — 0.8 km from the start (straight line)

For Hartsop Dodd, Gray Crag, High Street via Hayeswater, Brock Crags.

Directions Something changed here?

If it is full: Cow Bridge, Hartsop (paid) (0.9 km)

Hartsop Dodd car park (free) — 0.9 km from the start (straight line)

Nearest fells: Hartsop Dodd (0.9 km), Gale Crag (1.2 km), Brock Crags (Wainwright) (1.6 km). Free (OSM-tagged). Compacted surface (OSM-tagged).

Directions Something changed here?

Arnison Crag, south-east (layby) — 1.1 km from the start (straight line)

Nearest fells: Arnison Crag (0.8 km), Angletarn Pikes (Angletarn Pikes North Top) (1.5 km), Angletarn Pikes South Top (1.5 km). Free (OSM-tagged).

Directions Something changed here?

Positions are approximate. Lakeland car parks fill before 9am on fine weekends.

Vehicles are left entirely at their owner’s risk. We list places people park; we cannot vouch for any of them. Judge it on the day: take valuables with you, leave nothing on show, and if a spot feels wrong when you get there, park somewhere else.

Every option near this start, on the parking map →

Water, shelter & getting away

🚌 Cow Bridge (29 m)🚌 Cow Bridge car park (33 m)🚌 Road End (306 m)

On-route facilities © OpenStreetMap contributors — an absent marker does not mean the facility isn’t there.

Buses

The 508 stops at Hartsop, opposite Cow Bridge, 30 m from this start. The last bus is 19:51 towards Windermere (508) and 15:14 towards Hartsop (509), every day. Checked against the operator’s timetable, 7 September 2026. Times here are a guide, not a promise — leave yourself more than the minute.

The 508 passes this route at 0.0 km (Hartsop, opposite Cow Bridge, 0 m off the line). It passes again at 10.7 km.

Stagecoach 508 “Ullswater Bus”

Penrith – Pooley Bridge – Aira Force – Glenridding – Patterdale (summer services continue over Kirkstone Pass to Troutbeck and Windermere)

Catch it from: Penrith · Windermere (summer only)

The key route from Penrith for the Eastern and Far Eastern fells: Helvellyn from Glenridding, Place Fell, the Hartsop fells. The summer Kirkstone extension drops you at the pass for Red Screes and Caudale Moor.

Rural routes change seasonally — confirm on stagecoachbus.com (opens in new tab) or Traveline before travelling.

If the parking is full

There is a fallback here, but it is a weak one. Some of the 3 below tend to fill for the same reasons at the same time. Treat the list as one-and-a-bit options rather than 3.

Cow Bridge, Hartsop (paid)
Hartsop Dodd (layby)
Hartsop Dodd car park (free)

Worked out from the parking we hold within walking reach of this route and the other walks each place serves — two places that serve the same walks fill for the same reasons. We are not saying whether anywhere has spaces today, and we never will: this is what exists, not what is free.

When the sun reaches the tops

Not sunrise — the moment the sun clears the skyline from that summit, which on a fell with high ground to its east can be a good deal later. The two equinoxes are shown because they fall in the walking season, and late December too wherever a top keeps you waiting then; the clock gap between the equinoxes is British Summer Time, not the hill. Rounded to the nearest quarter hour and meant as a general idea, not a schedule.

Hartsop Above How (Gill Crag - Hartsop Above How) — in late March the sun reaches it around 06:30, with the sunrise. In late September, about 07:15. It waits longest in late December — about a quarter of an hour after sunrise.
Hart Crag — in late March the sun reaches it around 06:15, with the sunrise. In late September, about 07:00.
Dove Crag — in late March the sun reaches it around 06:15, with the sunrise. In late September, about 07:00.
Little Hart Crag (Little Hart Crag - West Top) — in late March the sun reaches it around 06:30, about a quarter of an hour later. In late September, about 07:15. It waits longest in late December — about half an hour after sunrise.
High Hartsop Dodd — in late March the sun reaches it around 06:45, about half an hour later. In late September, about 07:30. It waits longest in late March — about half an hour after sunrise. In late December, not until about 09:00.

Modelled from a 30 m elevation model against each summit’s own skyline — the same figures the fell pages carry, never observed. Cloud is not in it.

Safety & conditions

Check live conditions in the “From the fells” panel, on MWIS (opens in new tab) and the Met Office mountain forecast (opens in new tab) before you set off.

Make it easier or harder

Short version: turn back at about 5.0 km (drop to Start) — roughly half the distance.

Download

Download GPX

GPX track for your GPS or phone.

Places to stay near this start

Greenbank Farm Bed and Breakfast (opens in new tab) guest house

about 1.8 km from the start, in a straight line

Ranked first despite being the eighth-nearest candidate because it answers more of the 6pm questions than anything else in the radius, and it answers them in its own sentences with prices attached: drying facilities, evening meals from £14.00, packed lunches at £6.00, and the only stated room composition on an independent B&B here. Its family room is a room for three, not four — which is exactly the fact a family of four needs before booking, and the reason a bare family_rooms=yes would have been a worse row than this one.

The farmhouse sits below Arnison Crag and looks across at Place Fell and Angletarn Pikes — the two fells this start's routes climb.

Drying room “We also have drying facilities and a large patio and garden to enjoy the view.”
Family rooms “Family: Room for three with a double and one single bed.”
Evening meal “We offer hearty home-cooked breakfasts and evening meals as well as packed lunches if required.”
Packed lunch “Packed Lunches £6.00”

Worth knowing before you book

These places state on their own site that they do not take children.

Patterdale Youth Hostel (YHA Patterdale) (opens in new tab) “Under 12s are not permitted in dorm rooms.”

What each place says about itself, quoted from their own site. We have not stayed at any of them, and there are no prices, no booking and no affiliate links. Distances are straight lines from the route start, never walking times. Properties found via OpenStreetMap (opens in new tab).