From Jubilee Bridge in the Eskdale valley (308 ft / 94 m) to the top of Hardknott Pass (1,289 ft / 393 m) it’s 1.4 miles (2.3 km) at an average of 13%: 981 ft (299 m) of climbing. It’s not much more than a short climb, but it shares with Rosedale Chimney Bank the title of steepest road in England, and it has made thousands of cyclists put a foot down.
What the climb is like
The road is single-track, with cattle grids, worn pavement and tight blind bends. It starts at 10% right away, and in the first 1,640 ft (500 m) there are ramps of 16-19%. About halfway there’s a relative breather (6-9%) by the remains of the Roman fort at Hardknott, and then comes the worst: the last kilometer strings together sections of 17-18% and hairpins where CyclingCols’ profile shows 30% on the inside. The signs say “1 in 3” (33%).
CyclingCols measures 1.4 miles (2.3 km) and 981 ft (299 m) from the bridge; Climbfinder starts a little higher and gives 1.4 miles (2.2 km) at 13.5%. Both sources agree on the summit, at 1,289 ft (393 m).
The east side, from Cockley Beck, is shorter (1.1 miles / 1.7-1.8 km at 10%), but it also has 20% ramps.
History
The Romans built a road here around AD 110 to link the port of Ravenglass with Ambleside. The first cars crossed the pass in 1913, and it’s still a real test today. It’s the centerpiece of the Fred Whitton Challenge, a 112-mile (180 km) sportive over the Lake District passes that reaches Hardknott with more than 93 miles (150 km) in your legs.
When to go, water and traffic
The pass often closes in winter because of ice. In the rain the pavement gets slick and your rear wheel spins on the steep ramps: pick a dry day. In summer there are quite a few tourist cars; traffic going up has priority, but pull into the passing places if someone’s coming toward you. There are no fountains or cafés on the climb: leave Eskdale with water. Be careful on the descent: on grades like these, brakes get very hot.
What gearing to use
What counts here is being able to keep the cranks turning. At 3 W/kg and 159 lb (72 kg), you’ll be doing less than 3.1 mph (5 km/h) on a 20% ramp: with a 34x34 that’s about 38 rpm. If your watts are lower, fit a 32x36 or a gravel groupset. Check your combinations in the gear calculator.
Tips
- Stay seated as much as you can: if you stand on 25%, the rear wheel loses grip.
- If you have to stop, do it on a less steep section; restarting on 30% is almost impossible.
- Pair it with Wrynose Pass, just to the east, for a short and brutally hard loop.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb Hardknott Pass?
A 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 20 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 23 min at 2.5 W/kg and 15 min at 4 W/kg from Eskdale. Work out your own time with your weight and power in the calculator on this page.
What is the steepest grade on Hardknott Pass?
The road signs and Wikipedia say "1 in 3", or 33%, on the inside of the bends. CyclingCols' profile shows 30% on the hardest section, and Climbfinder gives an average of 21.6% for the worst 330 ft (100 m).
What gearing do you need for Hardknott Pass?
The lowest you can fit. With a 34x34 at 3 W/kg, you'll pedal at about 38 rpm on 20%; if you're at 2.5 W/kg or below, a 32x36 or a gravel drivetrain is a good idea.