Hardknott and Wrynose Passes
Lake District, Cumbria
- Distance
- A short, intense run through the central Lakes
- Difficulty
- Hard. Steep, narrow and committing
Hardknott and Wrynose link the Langdale valley with Eskdale over some of the steepest road gradients in England. It's a short route by mileage, but one of the most demanding pieces of tarmac you'll ride anywhere in the country, with hairpins, cattle grids and barely a straight worth the name.
The ride
This is slow-speed, high-concentration riding. The gradients are severe, the corners are tight and often blind, and the road is narrow enough that oncoming traffic means real planning. On a bigger adventure bike it's a genuine workout; on anything it's an experience you won't forget.
The reward is the setting. You're riding through the heart of the Lake District's high fells, with the Roman fort at Hardknott part way over and views down into Eskdale that justify every sweaty moment.
Know before you go
- This route is not for nervous riders or anyone unsure of their slow-speed control. If you're new to riding, build up to it rather than starting here.
- In winter and after heavy rain the passes can be treacherous or impassable. Ice lingers on the shaded hairpins long after the valleys have thawed.
- Fuel is a long way away once you're committed. Fill up in Ambleside, Coniston or Gosforth before you head in. Our Fuel Finder will show you what's nearby.
Make a day of it
The passes sit in the middle of some of the best riding in the Lakes, so they slot naturally into a bigger loop taking in the Langdales, Coniston Water or the run down the Eskdale valley towards the coast.
The Hardknott Roman Fort is right beside the road and worth a stop, and the Eskdale valley on the western side is a lovely place to catch your breath before the return leg.
Riding it responsibly
The road is shared with walkers, cyclists, sheep and tourist traffic, much of it driven by people who are out of their comfort zone. Be patient, pass wide and expect the unexpected around every hairpin.
Locals use this road too. Keep the noise and the pace down near farms and houses, and never treat the hairpins as a race track.
Ride within your limits and the law. Roads and trails change; check conditions before you travel.
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