Saturday 27th December 2008

Start point: Hardknott Pass summit (NY 230 014)

Hardknott Pass - Border End - Eskdale Needle - Hard Knott - Hardknott Pass

Distance: 1.6 miles     Total Ascent: 188 metres     Time Taken: 45 minutes

Weather: Cold and clear. 2oC.

Route Map

The blue skies returned today and once again there was fabulous winter clarity for a short walk up to Hard Knott from the top of the pass, taking in Border End and Eskdale Needle. The hardest part once more was actually the road journey up to the pass as the road was icy and one or two cars had failed in their mission to get to the top. Not to worry, we managed it and were rewarded with some of the finest views the Lake District has to offer.

Little Stand and Dale Head from the Duddon Valley.

Hard Knott and the River Duddon.

Grey Friar across the Duddon Valley from the climb to Hard Knott.

Wrynose Bottom and Wrynose Pass.

Casper walks on water approaching Border End summit.

Slight Side, Scafell and Scafell Pike from Border End.

Looking across to Hard Knott in the mid-distance with Crinkle Crags and Little Stand beyond.

Sunlit Casper.

Casper has a look along the frozen Eskdale Valley with the Roman Fort below.

A closer view of Eskdale and the Roman Fort.

There is a magnificent view of Upper Eskdale from here.

Esk Pike and Bowfell.

I think he likes it here.

Slight Side and Scafell.

Scafell and Scafell Pike with the cleft of Mickledore between.

Approaching Eskdale Needle.

Eskdale Needle.

Eskdale from above the Needle.

Upper Eskdale with the shadows of Eskdale Needle, Casper and me!

The summit of Hard Knott.

What a fantastic view of Scafell Pike above Great Moss today with Broad Crag and Ill Crag beyond the spur of Pen.

Esk Pike.

Bowfell - looks like there are three people at the top in this photo, such is the clarity today.

Slight Side.

Scafell and Mickledore. I've never noticed that ridge in the foreground before, but it looks interesting and may be worthy of a look sometime.

Casperoo.

The Coniston fells from Hard Knott.

The summit of Hard Knott.

Frozen tarn on the descent.

Hard Knott from the road to the pass.

On the way to Bowness, I couldn't resist a small detour to Blea Tarn...

I thought it would be at its best here today.

The Langdale Pikes across a part frozen Blea Tarn.

A panoramic view of Blea Tarn. Select on the image to open a large version.

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