Autumn Amble – Harter Fell and the Duddon Gorge Saturday 14 Oct 2023

[Stephen Price]

Hello Everyone,
This Saturday (14/10/23) marks the start of the KMC Winter Programme with an “Autumn Amble” in the beautiful upper Duddon Valley.
We’ll meet at the Birks Bridge Forestry Car Park (free!) in the Duddon Valley for a 0930 start. [Car park location: SD 23504 99549; W3W: fled.object.fruits; Google Maps: 9RPC+67]. Note there is no mobile reception at the car park.
Weather permitting, the plan is an initial relatively steep ascent of Harter Fell, after which it’s all pretty much downhill in a loop south past Wallowbarrow Crag and then back north through the dramatic Duddon Gorge. Successful completion can be celebrated in Kath’s favourite pub – the Newfield Inn in nearby Seathwaite. The itinerary can be almost infinitely adapted depending on the weather, river levels and path conditions. But please expect some quite soggy sections underfoot.
We’ll send an update nearer the date regarding the weather, but at the moment things look OK.
If you want to let us know you are coming, or have any questions: s.d.price@ucl.ac.uk, 07713017740
See you Saturday,
Steve and Kath

[Stephen Price]

The weather does not look too bad for tomorrow, so the Autumn Amble is on. 0930 start Birks Bridge Car park, as previously advertised. There is likely to be a cold wind on the top of Harter Fell, with a chance of wintry showers, so come prepared. Getting windier and cooler through the day – again with a chance of brief showers – but by then we’ll be down in the Duddon Valley.
Any questions: s.d.price@ucl.ac.uk, 07713017740
See you Saturday,
Steve and Kath

[Stephen Price]

Sunshine, hail, driving rain, dry forest paths, fords, slippery stepping stones and wet hillsides; all were encountered on Saturday’s Duddon “amble”. We stuck to the planned route, with some attendees incorporating ad-hoc scrambling on the ascent of Harter Fell. The Duddon did not disappoint with expansive views (at times) and beautiful riverside woodland. Some members opted to get wet feet on the river crossings voluntarily, some involuntarily! The Newfield Inn’s chips and beer also did not disappoint. Thanks to Judith, Anne B, Jon T, Jonathan C, Johnny, Tina H, Mick R, Geraint, Kath and Steve P. 8 miles, 5 hours, 720 m ascent.

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