driving road

Hardknott Pass

England's joint-steepest road at a lung-busting 33% gradient, threading single-track through the heart of the Lake District alongside a Roman fort with views across Eskdale and the Duddon Valley.

WhereEskdale, Cumbria, United Kingdom · North

RoadHardknott Pass (unclassified) Eskdale-Duddon Valley

RouteBoot, Eskdale, Cumbria → Little Langdale, Cumbria

Distance12.9 miles · 21 km · ~28 min drive

Characterscenic, technical, mountain, hillclimb, moorland

OpeningPublic road, generally open spring to autumn; can close in winter snow and ice; unsuitable for caravans, motorhomes and large vans.

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