Hard Knott

Hard Knott

Hard Knott is a 549.6-metre fell above Eskdale. Its highest rock is at NY 23188 02376, eight metres northwest of the cairn. A second top farther southwest is lower. Summit details.

This Southern Fells Wainwright rewards the climb with a close view of the Scafell range, Esk Pike and Bowfell. The fell summit is separate from the road crossing at Hardknott Pass and the Roman fort below. Fell and panorama.

From Hardknott Pass and back

Start at NY231014, just east of the pass crest. Parking space is very limited. Take the path behind the parking area, passing right of Raven Crag with Hardknott Gill on your right. Climb into the gully, keeping left of its wet floor; ignore stepping stones to the right. At the grassy knoll above the gill, turn right along the winding path towards the summit. Approach the summit outcrop from its left, then curve right onto the top. Return by exactly the same path, descending beside Hardknott Gill to the starting parking area. WalkLakes route guide.

Faint paths and boggy hollows need care, especially when visibility is poor. Terrain notes.

Use a map and compass, and choose conditions that suit your navigation skills. This is a fell walk, even with a high starting point. Preparation advice.

Volcanic rock

The summit stands on Bad Step Tuff, part of the Crinkle Tuff Member. Tuff forms from volcanic ash. Summit geology.

The British Geological Survey describes this unit as rhyolitic, garnet-bearing tuff that can look lava-like and weathers white or pink. BGS rock description.

Getting there

Hardknott Pass is narrow and very steep, with hazardous driving conditions in bad weather. Keep passing places clear and obey local signs. Road warning.

The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway runs from Ravenglass to Dalegarth for Boot, not to the pass. Plan the onward journey and return separately, and check both mainline and heritage-railway timetables before travelling. Railway travel information.

Dalegarth station has toilets and a café; check opening times before relying on them. Carry your own food and water on the fell. Station facilities.

Check National Park access notices before setting out. Respect temporary restrictions, leave room for other path users and keep dogs controlled. Access guidance.

The fort below the fell

Hardknott Roman Fort was founded in the second century under Hadrian. Its surviving remains include a headquarters, commandant’s house and bath house, with a parade ground beside the fort. It makes a separate historical visit rather than a summit landmark. English Heritage visitor information.

Preparing for the conditions

Check a mountain forecast and allow enough daylight for the return. Carry waterproofs, warm layers, a headtorch, food, water, map and compass. Leave your route and expected finish time with someone, keep the party together and turn back if conditions deteriorate. In an emergency, call 999 or 112 and ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue. Mountain Rescue advice.