North Pennines · England
Hartside Pass
The A686 climbs from the Eden Valley up a series of long hairpins to Hartside Top, one of the highest points on an A-road in England, then crosses the moor to Alston. It is a legendary biking road.
- Distance
- ≈ 19 miles
- Twistiness
- 4/5
- Best season
- April – October
- Best for
- Best on a bike
Why go
What makes Hartside Pass special
- Sweeping hairpins up the western escarpment
- Views over the Eden Valley to the Lakeland fells
- Open moor run down to Alston
Watch out for
- Exposed summit with wind, fog and ice
- Gravel on hairpins after bad weather
- Long distances between fuel stops
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 Hartside Pass
Hartside Pass works well for groups. Brief the group at Penrith, keep two-second gaps through the bends and regroup at Melmerby. Sweep can see who's behind throughout.
One shared route
Everyone on the same line from the start.
Lead and sweep
Sweep sees exactly who's behind.
Planned regroups
Stop at Melmerby.
FAQ
Hartside Pass: common questions
How long is Hartside Pass?+
Hartside Pass runs for about 19 miles from Penrith to Alston in North Pennines.
When is the best time to drive or ride Hartside Pass?+
The best season is April – October. Go early in the day to avoid traffic, and check for closures in poor weather.
Is Hartside Pass good for motorcycles?+
Yes — Hartside Pass is a popular motorcycle road with a twistiness rating of 4 out of 5. Exposed summit with wind, fog and ice.
Can I ride Hartside Pass as a group?+
Hartside Pass works well for groups. Brief the group at Penrith, keep two-second gaps through the bends and regroup at Melmerby. Sweep can see who's behind throughout.
Keep riding
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