From the village of Knock (692 ft / 211 m) to the Great Dun Fell radar station (2,772 ft / 845 m) it’s 4.6 miles (7.4 km) at an average of 8.5%: 2,070 ft (631 m) of climbing. It’s the highest paved road in Great Britain and, according to Climbfinder, the hardest climb in England. It ends at a white air traffic control dome, a dead end almost always in the clouds.
The climb, section by section
- The first 1.2 miles (2 km), 1-7%. An easy start through Knock, between fields.
- Km 2 to 4.5 (miles 1.2-2.8), 10-14%. At the private road sign the serious part begins: a section at 14% and then almost continuous ramps of 10-13%, with a gate you sometimes have to open.
- Km 4.5 to 5 (miles 2.8-3.1), 1-2%. A false flat at about 1,870 ft (570 m). Make the most of it.
- Km 5 to 6 (miles 3.1-3.7), 13-16%. The hardest part, by the old Silverband mine. Climbfinder measures 16.8% for the worst 330 ft (100 m).
- The last kilometer, 5-12%. A bit gentler, with a final kick up to the radar station fence.
Climbfinder gives 4.6 miles (7.4 km) and 2,070 ft (631 m); CyclingCols, 4.8 miles (7.7 km) at 8.3% from a slightly earlier point; Wikipedia, 4.5 miles (7.25 km) and 2,067 ft (630 m). All three agree on the elevation gain.
History
The road was paved to build the radar station, which is now part of the air traffic control network for northern England and southern Scotland. It’s a fixture of British hill climb races, and its difficulty has made it one of the most sought-after climbs in the country.
When to go, water and traffic
There’s no traffic: just the occasional service vehicle for the radar. The problem is the weather. The summit is in the clouds two-thirds of the year, and at the top there’s usually strong wind and it’s several degrees colder than in Knock. Go on a clear, calm day, with a jacket for the descent, which is also narrow, with gates and cattle grids. There’s no water and no services anywhere on the route.
What gearing to use
At 3 W/kg and 159 lb (72 kg), you’ll ride about 3.7 mph (6 km/h) on 16%: with a 34x32 that’s about 44 rpm. If you’re at 2.5 W/kg or below, fit a 34x34 or lower. Try your combinations in the gear calculator.
Tips
- Pace yourself before the false flat: the hardest part comes right after it.
- With a strong crosswind near the top, consider turning around: there’s nowhere to shelter.
- If you like Pennine climbs, pair it with Holme Moss, farther south.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb Great Dun Fell?
A 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 43 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 51 min at 2.5 W/kg and 33 min at 4 W/kg from Knock. Work out your own time with your weight and power in the calculator on this page.
Can you ride a bike up Great Dun Fell?
Yes. The road is private and closed to cars from just past Knock, but it's a bridleway almost to the radar, open to walkers, cyclists and horses.
Is Great Dun Fell the hardest climb in England?
Climbfinder ranks it as the hardest in England for its combination of length and gradient. Hardknott Pass is steeper, but much shorter.