Hardknott pass

[bally3]

Hi
I’m going to the Lake District in a few weeks and really want to drive the hardknott pass and the kirkstone pass
Those who have done it , what’s a good starting point and finish point??
Best route ??
Many thanks

[harco]

Locals and others may know better routes but I started here https://maps.app.goo.gl/SffjodjkbBLGosws9 followed down and joined the Wrynose pass which then lead to the beginning of the Hardknott.

I went in Jan and it was pretty deserted but despite there being no snow and the roads clear, there were some very icy patches as you expect and it was a bit slippy in some places and had to slow to almost a crawl speed. Watch out for the magnetic stone walls, i just avoided a couple by inches

[AlanH2]

In my opinion start Keswick and go over whinlatter pass, head towards cleater moor, egremont , gosforth , santon bridge, eskdale and then straight upwards over hardknott and wrynose and then back to Keswick via Ambleside on the much smoother, nicer A591.
I’ve cycled and driven it a couple of times, no desire to repeat either, too bumpy and narrow over the passes, very limited passing places. Enjoy

[HareLaw]

Best cafe for miles around; great food and position by river west of Ambleside

Chesters By The River - Ambleside - Cumbria

ideal car parking for start & stop - enjoy!

[AlanH2]

Yes a very popular place, specially in summer… but don’t expect a bacon or a sausage bun!

[MickAP]

Get on the Honister Pass too Geoff, start from and finish more or less from Keswick doing a loop on the B5289. Great scenery, MX-5 a must

[CBRDEANO]

On the motorbikes we like to do the six passes tour.

Start at Ambleside

[coconino]

My icon photo was taken on the Honister pass near one of the bridges.

[accypal11]

Hi Bally3

Here’s to a happy and healthy 2025 for you and your MX5!!

I did both Wrynose and Hardknott passes within weeks of purchasing my Niseko in May 2023 with the reward being a visit to (IMHO) the Best Pie shop in the World, Gosforth Bakery!!

This is a drive I have done many times, both for business and pleasure, even once in the snow (wouldn’t recommend it in the winter in an MX5!)

I started off from Little Langdale and headed off onto the single track road before heading through Wrynose and stopping off for the attached photo, next to Hardknott Roman Fort.

Be wary of the small rocks on the corners, the views are stunning and well worth the effort.

[NEC]

Also try and do the Birker Fell Road. Great fun and generally quieter than the more well-known passes.

[First_rider_off]

I agree. There are some stunning views (if not the best in the Lakes) on the Birker Fell road. If you get stuck behind somebody though, that will be the end of your fun