Overview
 Mt Harriet & minefield from Mt Challenger |
I had originally thought to offer a page on each of the named summits in the range but, on reflection, thought that this might be a lot of work for limited return. The terrain is trail-less but completely open. All the hiker really needs to access any of the high points is a starting point and subsequently bearings and distance to any objective that beckons. It’s then just a question of marching across country to that objective with available time and weather as the only constraints. Mt Harriet is roughly in the centre of the area and makes an ideal reference point for the purpose of this exercise.
During the 1982 Falklands war the battle for the high ground on Mt Harriet and neighbouring Goat Ridge was pivotal to both British attackers and Argentine defenders as both sought to secure the approaches to Stanley. The battle began on the night of May 30, 1982 but didn’t reach its conclusion until June 11 and, even then, only after several heavy British naval bombardments as well as “softening up” ground attacks. Accounts of the battle written by both sides belie the commonly held opinion that the Argentine conscripts were no match for the professional British forces opposing them. For nearly 2 weeks they held their positions on Mt Harriet and fought bravely. In the end they were undone because they expected the British assault to come from the west. In fact the British walked through a defensive minefield around under the height of land and made their eventually successful attack from the east.
The remains of an Argentine post on Mt Harriet
Like all mountains in the immediate area and, for that matter, in the Falklands in general, Harriet offers lower slopes comprising white grass or bog above the usual wind scoured quartzite summit ridge. There are also some nice stone runs on just about every side of Harriet and its neighbours.
If the weather co-operates Harriets’ neighbours: Mts Challenger, Kent, Tumbledown, William, Two Sisters and more will all be in view and the routes across to them evident enough. Views also extend to the ocean to the south and east to downtown Stanley, further to the sheltered harbor known as the “Caneche” and beyond.
As with all Falkland Islands hikes be aware that “summer” weather includes sunshine one minute and a snowstorm/white-out the next. The mountainsides are bare and open to the wind with limited possibilities for shelter in an emergency. Carry clothing appropriate to the severe and changeable conditions.
Getting There
Reaching the remote and – at least by independent travelers – infrequently visited Falklands is covered in the Falkland Islands parent page.Mt Harriet and neighbours can be easily visited as a day trip from Stanley. Car hire is readily available in town and you might also consider a taxi for the relatively short trip to the recommended start point.
From the western outskirts of Stanley drive about 12 km towards the Mt Pleasant airport and look for a large cleared pull out on the right at S51 42.787 W58 02.356. If you pass the turn off to Teal Inlet/Port San Carlos you’ve gone over 2 km too far. There’s plenty of room to leave a vehicle here and return to it. Or consider taking a taxi and walking back to town taking in Harriet and as many other summits as you have time for.
The Route to Mt Harriet and Beyond
Approaching Mt Harriet from the west
Once on the summit ridge, there’s lots of scrambling diversion to be found amongst the quartzite pinnacles and just west of the highest point is a memorial to the British soldiers who died here in 1982.
Mt Harriet summit
After you’ve bagged Harriet head east, west or north to the neighbouring high points as summarized in the following table.
Click on each image for an enlarged view.
| Photo | Mountain | Height, metres | Summit coordinates | Bearing from Mt Harriet, true | Distance from Mt Harriet, kms | Notes |
 | Mt Kent | 447 | S51 40.420 W58 06.683 | 300° | 7.9 | Military installation on summit. Check with authorities before visiting |
 | Mt Challenger | 244 | S51 42.516 W58 03.202 | 269° | 2.8 | Fenced, marked minefield between. Skirt on N or S |
 | Two Sisters | 280 | S51 41.400 W58 01.590 | 334° | 2.25 | Twin summits when seen from Stanley |
 | Mt Longdon | 165 | S51 40.190 W57 58.907 | 26° | 4.78 | - |
 | Mt Tumbledown | 228 | S51 41.393 W57 57.780 | 68° | 3.85 | The closest of the group to Stanley |
 | Mt William | 213 | S51 42.314 W57 56.776 | 85° | 4.5 | Also close to Stanley and easily approached directly from there |
Red Tape
All land in the Falklands is privately owned. Any activities you undertake must be with the permission of the local landowner. Check with whoever you’re staying with in Stanley regarding access permission.It goes without saying that photographing any of the military installations around the islands is strictly forbidden. In case anyone is foolish enough to consider otherwise, entering a marked minefield is illegal and, if you survive, carries a heavy fine!
Close all gates and don’t disturb the sheep.
Accommodation
In Stanley you will find the whole range of accommodation options from comfortable hotels to well appointed B & B’s.Use this Falklands Tourist Board link.
Weather
Current Stanley weather forecast.Page Visitor Statistics
Images
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