Climb 7 of 22Lake District, England
Hardknott Pass
Hardknott Pass is a single track road over the fells of the Lake District, between Eskdale and the Duddon Valley. It shares the title of steepest road in England with Rosedale Chimney Bank.
- km long
- 2.6
- metres up
- 304
- steepest part
- 20%
- Flat
- Gentle
- Steady
- Hard
- Steep
How long does it take to ride up Hardknott Pass?
For a rider who weighs 75 kg, riding at a steady pace with no stops:
- New to exercise: about 40 min
- I ride now and then: about 30 min
- I ride most weeks: about 24 min
Put in your own weight and fitness to see your time.
Ride Hardknott Pass at home
In Couch to Climb, the plan for Hardknott Pass is 8 weeks, with 3 rides a week on your smart trainer. It is climb 7 of 22. You start on Box Hill for free, then work up the climbs one at a time.
About the climb
This climb starts on the Eskdale side, to the west. The narrow road winds up past the ruins of Hardknott Roman Fort. Higher up, a run of hairpin bends makes it hard to see what is coming.
The pass is part of the Fred Whitton Challenge, a ride of 112 miles around the Lake District each year. To the east, the road carries on towards Wrynose Pass and Ambleside.
Riding it for real
The top of the pass is 393 m above sea level. The pass is often closed in winter, as ice makes it unsafe. The surface is rough in places and slippery when wet, and traffic going uphill has priority.
Questions about riding Hardknott Pass
Hardknott Pass is a single track road over the fells of the Lake District, between Eskdale and the Duddon Valley. It shares the title of steepest road in England with Rosedale Chimney Bank.
Is Hardknott Pass the steepest road in England?
It shares that title with Rosedale Chimney Bank.
Is Hardknott Pass open in winter?
It is often closed in winter, because ice makes the road unsafe for cars.
How high is Hardknott Pass?
The top of the pass is 393 m above sea level.
Updated . Written by Next Big Leap Ltd, who make the Couch to Climb app.
Ride up a famous climb on your indoor bike
Couch to Climb is a step by step plan for a smart trainer at home. It takes you from the sofa to the top of a real climb, with no stops. Your first climb, Box Hill, is free.
