England · United Kingdom
Hardknott & Wrynose Passes
Little Langdale to Cumberland
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.
Among Britain’s steepest, most knuckle-whitening passes, back to back. Not for the faint-hearted, which is exactly why we love them.
Why we picked it
Scenery
Best seasons
In these collections
In these Grand Tours
In these guides
Where it runs6.9 mi · point to point
Navigate to the start: Apple Maps · Google Maps
Character
Steeper than 9 in 10 roads here in the catalogue.
Corners
busiest around mile 5Elevation
under 4%4–8%over 8%109.7 – 403.6 mPoints of interest2 stops
- Hardknott Roman FortMediobogdum, a Roman fort above Eskdale.6.0 mi in
- Hardknott Pass ViewpointViewpoint5.1 mi in
Hazards
- Extreme 1-in-3 gradients
- Tight unguarded hairpins
- Single-track with passing places
- Not suitable for large vehicles or caravans
Sources
“It's known as one of Britain's most challenging roads.”
Verified route: mapped from real road geometry and fact-checked by a human editor. How roads get checked
Driving the Hardknott & Wrynose Passes: quick answers
How long does it take to drive the Hardknott & Wrynose Passes?
How difficult is the Hardknott & Wrynose Passes to drive?
When is the best time to drive the Hardknott & Wrynose Passes?
Nearby roads
The closest great drives to Hardknott & Wrynose Passes.
