Lake District · England
Hardknott Pass
Hardknott Pass shares the title of steepest road in England, with sections around 1 in 3 and tight hairpins on a single-track lane. Past the Roman fort, it is a bucket-list climb that demands respect.
- Distance
- ≈ 4 miles
- Twistiness
- 5/5
- Best season
- May – September
- Best for
- Best in a car
Why go
What makes Hardknott Pass special
- Gradients around 33% on hairpins
- Hardknott Roman Fort above Eskdale
- Links directly to Wrynose Pass
Watch out for
- Single track with sheer drops and few passing places
- Not suitable in ice, snow or heavy rain
- Clutch and brake overheating is common
Road conditions change. Check closures, weather and local restrictions before you set off, and always ride and drive within the limit.
As a group
Taking a group over Hardknott Pass
Hardknott Pass is narrow or very steep in places. Split larger groups into fours or fives with a few minutes between each, and agree to regroup at Eskdale Green rather than on the road.
One shared route
Everyone on the same line from the start.
Lead and sweep
Sweep sees exactly who's behind.
Planned regroups
Stop at Eskdale Green.
FAQ
Hardknott Pass: common questions
How long is Hardknott Pass?+
Hardknott Pass runs for about 4 miles from Eskdale to Cockley Beck in Lake District.
When is the best time to drive or ride Hardknott Pass?+
The best season is May – September. Go early in the day to avoid traffic, and check for closures in poor weather.
Is Hardknott Pass good for motorcycles?+
Hardknott Pass can be ridden, but its gradients or narrow sections make it better suited to a careful car drive. Single track with sheer drops and few passing places.
Can I ride Hardknott Pass as a group?+
Hardknott Pass is narrow or very steep in places. Split larger groups into fours or fives with a few minutes between each, and agree to regroup at Eskdale Green rather than on the road.
Keep riding
More roads you'll like
Wrynose Pass
Wrynose Pass climbs from Little Langdale to the Three Shire Stone, where Cumberland, Westmorland and Lancashire once met. It is almost as steep as Hardknott and the two are usually driven together.
Kirkstone Pass
The A592 over Kirkstone Pass is the highest pass in the Lake District open to motor traffic. It climbs from Windermere past the Kirkstone Pass Inn and down to Brothers Water and Ullswater.
Honister Pass
Honister Pass climbs out of Borrowdale to the old slate mine, then drops dramatically into the Buttermere valley. Gradients reach around 1 in 4 and the scenery is some of the finest in the Lakes.