Scenic drive
Hardknott Pass
Eskdale, North West England
England's steepest road: hairpins, 30 percent gradients and big drops.
- Cost
- Free
- Booking
- No need to book
- Time to allow
- 60 min
Hardknott and Wrynose are the two passes that link Eskdale to Little Langdale on a single-track road. Hardknott has tight hairpins and very steep sections, so it is a real drive, not a drive-by. Take it slowly, use passing places and leave plenty of time.
Good to know
- Not suitable for caravans, motorhomes or low-powered cars
- Fill up with fuel first and check your brakes
- Drive east to west from Little Langdale if you want the hardest climb last
- Best time
- Dry daylight
- Getting there
- Single-track mountain road, steep and exposed. Avoid in ice or snow
- Vehicles
- No campervans
- Dogs
- Dogs welcome
Data: Roadtrip. Things change: check opening times, prices and rules before you go.
Know what the drive costs
Roadtrip works out the fuel or charging cost of any drive for your exact car, finds the cheapest stations on the way, and plans the stops.
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