This flows almost due south for 3 miles (5 km), finally emptying into the River Rothay at Rydal village.

Immediately below Hart Crag is Houndshope Cove, a high level corrie in upper Dovedale.

Beyond here the ridge mounts a rocky step (the end of Scrubby Crag) and then turns westward onto the widening grassy top of Fairfield.

The Hartsop Above How ridge starts indistinctly from the summit of Hart Crag, a descent across a wide area of rough ground being made before a discernible ridgeline materialises.

The view is good westward to the Scafells and also toward the Far Eastern Fells, but Fairfield and Dove Crag obscure much of the District.

Alternatively an approach can be made along Deepdale, skirting the worst of the bogs, and climbing onto the Hartsop Above How ridge from the lower part of Link Cove.