Lake District, England
Hardknott Pass runs Boot to Eskdale Green in Lake District, England, United Kingdom. The road is at its best before the first coaches arrive, so staying within a few minutes of the start is worth more than a smarter hotel an hour away. Check the season before you book. Ice and snow regularly close the summit in winter.
Base town
Boot
Road length
3.1 mi
Driving time
10 min
Rating
9.5 / 10
Checked by the Drivers Atlas desk
Scored and written by the Drivers Atlas editorial desk, drawing on driven routes across the UK and Europe, mapping data and member road reports. Hotel results are live and filtered for parking, late arrival and an early start. How we score roads.
Last reviewed 8 June 2026
Hotels
Tracing the road between your start and finish
0%About 20 seconds left
The road
England's steepest road gradient, a brutal one in three climb over Roman ruins.
Ice and snow regularly close the summit in winter
Nearby
2.5 mi away
Narrow single track linking Langdale to Duddon Valley over the ancient Three Shire Stone.
8.1 mi away
A steep slate quarry pass squeezed between towering fells above Buttermere.
12.4 mi away
The highest road pass in the Lakes open to through traffic, with sweeping fell views.
37.9 mi away
A ribbon of tarmac threading heather fells said to mark the centre of Britain.
37.9 mi away
A biker's classic with wide open views across the Eden Valley to the Lakeland fells.