Hard Knott

Hard Knott is a hill in the English Lake District, at the head of Eskdale. The Hardknott Pass passes between this hill and Harter Fell to the south, joining Eskdale with the Duddon Valley. There is a steep single-track motor road over the pass with gradients of up to 30% (1 in 3), reaching a maximum height of 393 metres. The Hardknott Roman Fort stands at a height of approximately 200 metres on the lower slopes of the western ridge as it descends into Eskdale.

Hard Knott reaches a height of 549 metres (1803 feet) and is usually climbed from the top of the Hardknott Pass where there are several parking spaces. It is also possible to begin the ascent from the foot of the pass in Eskdale, although this will add a further forty minutes to the walk. However, the best plan is probably to climb Hard Knott in conjunction with the neighbouring fell of Harter Fell making a horseshoe walk starting and finishing in Eskdale. From the top of the pass it is a short ascent to the fell summit following an electric fence that skirts to the right of the dangerous looking Raven Crag and takes the walker to the summit in a short time. Hard Knott is famous for its superb view of the Scafell massif to the north, while Harter Fell dominates the vista to the south. For a fabulous view of Eskdale it is recommended that the walker visits Border End half a mile to the south of the main summit.