Steeps › Hardknott Pass: England's joint-steepest road
Hardknott Pass: England's joint-steepest road
Hardknott Pass links Eskdale and the Duddon Valley in the Lake District. Its maximum gradient of 1 in 3 makes it one of the steepest roads in England.
The facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Lake District National Park, Cumbria |
| Connects | Eskdale (west) and the Duddon Valley (east) |
| Maximum gradient | 1 in 3 (about 33%) |
| Average gradient | 13% (BikeRadar) |
| Length | 2,203 m (BikeRadar) |
| Summit | 393 m (1,289 ft) |
Wikipedia says it shares the title of steepest road in England with Rosedale Chimney Bank. The eastern end reaches the edge of Wrynose Pass.
The Roman road
The remains of Hardknott Roman Fort lie on the western side, about 200 metres above sea level. The Romans built a road over the pass around AD 110, linking Ravenglass with Ambleside and Kendal. So drivers today are following a very old route, though the modern surface is not Roman.
What the road is like
It is single track, with a series of hairpin bends that make visibility difficult in places. The surface is in poor condition and slippery when wet. The pass is often closed in winter because of ice. Countryfile notes that warning signs appear late, and that there is an "unsuitable for caravans" sign. Change to a low gear early.
Priority
Wikipedia says traffic ascending the pass has priority under the Highway Code. In practice that means drivers coming down should give way, and should not expect an easy place to stop. Read the current driving guide before you go.
Cycling Hardknott
For cyclists the pass is famous. BikeRadar's figures of 13% average and 33% maximum over about 2.2 km put it among the toughest climbs in the country. See cycling climbs for others. Gearing and fitness matter more than speed.
Visiting the fort
The fort is on the western side. Check access and opening conditions, and wear sturdy footwear; the site is exposed. Road conditions change, so check the highway authority's website for closures.
See also steep roads in England.
Getting there
The pass can be approached from either Eskdale or the Duddon Valley. Drivers unfamiliar with single-track roads should read our safe driving guide first. Fill the tank, check the forecast, and tell someone your route. Mobile signal is not guaranteed in the Lake District fells.
Why it matters
Hardknott shows two thousand years of road building in one place: the Roman road of about AD 110 and a modern single-track road follow almost the same line, with the fort halfway along as a reminder of why it was built.
Frequently asked questions
How steep is Hardknott Pass?
The maximum gradient is 1 in 3 (about 33%), according to Wikipedia.
Can I take a caravan over Hardknott?
Countryfile reports an "unsuitable for caravans" sign. Avoid it with caravans and large vehicles.
Is Hardknott open in winter?
It is often closed because of ice. Check before you travel.