Hardknott & Wrynose Passes

Among England's steepest roads, back-to-back passes of 1-in-3 hairpins.

Linking Little Langdale to Eskdale over two summits, the Wrynose and Hardknott passes include gradients as severe as 1-in-3 and tight, unguarded hairpins on single-track tarmac. It is as much a test of clutch control and courtesy as anything, and is unsuitable for large vehicles or caravans. The reward is wild Lakeland scenery and the Roman fort of Mediobogdum perched above the valley, but only attempt it in good conditions and with a cool head.