Hardknott Pass up Hard Knott: route map, distance and time
550 m · Lake District C&W · OS grid NY231023
Hard Knott is a rough little fell above the Hardknott Pass between Eskdale and the Duddon, reached by a short walk from the top of the pass.
A faint path heads north from the top of the pass over rough grass and rocky knolls to the summit.
Hardknott Pass at a glance
| Distance | 1.2 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 158 m |
| Time up | 0h 30m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 0h 45m, down the same way |
| Grade | Easy |
| Start | Hardknott Pass summit (roadside parking) |
| Start grid reference | NY 231 014 |
| Summit grid reference | NY231023 |
Hardknott Pass map
The start (green) and the summit (blue). Peakify has no GPX track for this route yet, so follow the description and your map.
Height profile and getting to the start
How long Hardknott Pass takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 0h 25m | 0h 35m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 0h 30m | 0h 45m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 0h 35m | 0h 55m |
Times leave out stops. Coming down the same way, the table counts the ascent once; steep descents on rough ground can be as slow as the climb.
- Today: sunrise 07:06, sunset 16:46. Start by 15:01 to be down before dark, allowing 0h 45m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 07:08, sunset 16:44. Start by 14:59 to be down before dark, allowing 0h 45m for the walk and an hour for stops.
Hard Knott summit weather for this route
There is no recent summit forecast cached for Hard Knott right now. The main Hard Knott page loads the live forecast when you open it. Open the live Hard Knott forecast.
Before you go, also check: MWIS Lake District forecast · Met Office mountain forecast.
About Hard Knott
Hard Knott is a rough little fell above the Hardknott Pass between Eskdale and the Duddon, reached by a short walk from the top of the pass. More about Hard Knott, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Wainwright, Marilyn, Birkett.
Extend the walk: tops near the summit
- Little Stand (740 m), 2.1 km north-east
- Crinkle Crags South Top (834 m), 2.8 km north-east
- Cold Pike Far West Top (669 m), 2.8 km north-east
- Cold Pike West Top (683 m), 2.9 km north-east
- Harter Fell (653 m), 3 km south-west
Challenges that include Hard Knott
In an emergency
Call 999, ask for the police and then mountain rescue. Give your location (the start is at NY 231 014, the summit at NY231023), what happened and how many are in your group. If you have no signal for a call, a text to 999 works once you have registered your phone with emergencySMS: text "register" to 999 before you go.
Hardknott Pass: questions and answers
How far is Hardknott Pass?
Hardknott Pass is 1.2 km one way to the summit of Hard Knott, with 158 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 2.4 km.
How long does Hardknott Pass take?
About 0h 30m to the summit of Hard Knott and 0h 45m there and back by Naismith's rule (5 km/h plus 10 minutes per 100 m of ascent), before stops. A relaxed group takes nearer 0h 55m for the round trip.
Where do you park for Hardknott Pass?
Hardknott Pass starts from Hardknott Pass summit (roadside parking). The grid reference is NY 231 014.
Is Hardknott Pass suitable for beginners?
Yes. Peakify grades it Easy: a fit beginner can walk it on a clear day. Take a map, warm layers and waterproofs all the same.
What time should I start Hardknott Pass today?
By 15:01 at the latest. Sunset on Hard Knott today is 16:46, Hardknott Pass takes about 0h 45m there and back, and that leaves an hour for stops. Start earlier in winter or if the forecast turns.
Is there a GPX for Hardknott Pass?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).