The lake district

[Robmac]

I have done Hard Knot pass quite a few times in a car and once in a long wheel based mini-bus (had to reverse to get around one bend. I have been lucky to have never encountered anyone coming the other way whilst on the steep bit. I would not attempt to do it in my (6 Metre Long) motor home with the big overhang and light load on the front wheels.

The most exciting pass I have been over was Applecross in Wester Ross, Scotland more challenging than the French Alps.

The last time I was in Wast Dale I noticed that Motorhomes (not caravans) are now allowed on the NT campsite there. The road in is not steep but you will need to turn the wing mirrors in and breath in when/if anything comes the other way especially if it is a delivery van going to the fantastic hotel and pub at the end of the dale.

I agree that Windermere is over commercialised Wast Dale is bliss.

I find Hard Knot more challenging than the Bealach Na Bar pass at Applecross. Although the Bealach is higher and the views spectacular.

Applecross is still one of my favourite places on earth though!

 

[scampa]

I remember one of the first times that I drove down the east side of Hardknott pass, years ago. I'd recently completed a few driving courses and thought I was the bees knees!

I really couldn't understand how the very ordinary car in front was managing the steep descent without once using his brakes? I tried all of the tricks... screaming into 1st gear, having to double-de-clutch or use racing changes, zig-zagging where I could to level out the steeper bits, etc, etc. Whatever I tried, I still had to use my brakes at times to reduce my speed, even though the car in front wasn't braking at all!! Eventually I had to accept that he was either a far superior driver, or had some impressive gear ratio that I just couldn't match.

All was revealed when he reached the junction at the bottom of the pass, and came to a very sharp stop. His brake-lights weren't working!! :mad1:

A couple of years ago, I did a very scenic circular fell walk in the area. After walking in the hills all afternoon, the final leg of the walk was over the full length of Hardknott pass, from Brotherilkeld on the west side, up past Hardkott Fort, then down to Cockley Beck at the bottom of the east side, where I'd left my car.

The route seemed a great idea when I first planned it, but I was already weary when I reached the start of the pass, and suddenly it seemed a bit daunting, especially as it was starting to get dark! I plodded on, cutting corners at times, but overall the road took the easiest route, so I kept to it. It was a great relief to eventually reach the top, and just have the downhill section to do.

I'm pleased to say that I managed it without having to reverse and try again at any of the hairpins, and my hiking boots maintained their grip, with no skidding up or down the inclines!! Afterwards, I decided that walking over the pass is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience it, and I look forward to doing that route again sometime!

 

[Smaug]

(snip)

The last time I was in Wast Dale I noticed that Motorhomes (not caravans) are now allowed on the NT campsite there. The road in is not steep but you will need to turn the wing mirrors in and breath in when/if anything comes the other way especially if it is a delivery van going to the fantastic hotel and pub at the end of the dale.

I agree that Windermere is over commercialised Wast Dale is bliss.

My daughter & her partner used that site in our van at the beginning of the month to walk the hills. They had a great time & loved the site.