Hard Knott

Walked on 07/01/2024

Start point: Hardknott Pass summit (NY 230 014)

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

Distance: 2 miles Total Ascent: 267 metres Time Taken: 1 hour Start Time: 15:15

Weather: Sunny. 3°C

After wet weather for much of the beginning of 2024, this year’s first fell walk was at the end of a fantastic cold and clear day. It is always a lovely view from Hard Knott but a sunset walk up there is a bit special. It is hard to beat that felling of solitude and peace as the sun sets in such magnificent surroundings.

The sun was already low in the sky as I set off from the top of Hardknott Pass, here looking across Wrynose Bottom to Grey Friar and the Coniston Fells.

Heading for the top of Border End, the sight of England's finest comes into view.

The Eskdale Valley is still covered in frost, no sun down there today!

A frozen pool looking across to the Scafells and Elk Pike.

Border End.

The plan was to drop down to Eskdale Needle before climbing back up to Hard Knott...but I need to be quick!

Fletcher sunset.

Time to get going.

Looking across Hard Knott to Esk Pike, Bowfell and the Crinkle Crags.

What a magnificent view into Upper Eskdale.

Come on, let's go - Fletcher can spot Eskdale Needle down there, can you?

The wonder of Eskdale and what a view across the needle to Scar Lathing and beyond.

Zoomed in version - incredible golden light tonight.

Scafells sunset.

Not much daylight left now, it will take a bit of effort to get to the top of Hard Knott before the sun is gone.

But I can't resist stopping for another shot of these two giants.

Hard Knott summit - just made it before the lights go out.

...and look at Upper Eskdale now in the twilight.

Looking eastwards to Wrynose Pass, now to get down before full darkness.

Border End

Height: 522 metres / 1713 feet Grid reference: NY 22828 01886

Sunset on Eskdale from Border End

Hard Knott

Walked on 25/02/2013

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: 1 hour Start Time: 14:40

Weather: Sunny. 8°C

Sunshine was all around today and it was really quite warm and pleasant too. Today I was with Dougal alone, even on this relatively short and easy walk, as I have retired Casper from fell walking. His age has caught up with him now and he can no longer manage to wander the fells with us – sad but true. He will be retiring in comfort though with the knowledge he has led a great life getting to places other dogs can only dream of; we have spent many happy hours together. In the future I think he will be joining the Love the Lakes team as Chief Shop Dog so I think he will be regaling all and sundry with his tales from the fells should he be asked!

Wrynose Pass.

A wider view looking across the Duddon Valley to the Coniston fells.

Border End.

What a beautiful day and warm enough for shirt sleeves (for a while anyway as once over the top of Border End there was an icy wind blowing down the valley so fleece, hat and gloves were required!).

The head of Eskdale from frozen Border End.

...and again, from further along.

Looking along the Eskdale Valley into the bright sunshine.

Dougal checks out the fabulous view...or is he looking for Casper?

A panoramic view of the Scafells from Border End. Select on the image to see a larger version.

Esk Pike and Bowfell, Eskdale Needle at the bottom of the photo.

A wider panorama.

Slight Side and Scafell.

The approach to Eskdale Needle.

The Needle is in a fantastic situation overlooking Upper Eskdale and The Scafells.

Eskdale Needle from the south.

The Steeple.

Climbing to Hard Knott.

Scafell Pike, Broad Crag and Ill Crag with the lower subsidiary summit of Scafell Pike, Pen, foremost.

Esk Pike.

I think those clouds look great but have a look at the photos to see how quickly they change, they are different in every one!

Hard Knott summit.

As above, so below looking to Grey Friar across a frozen pool.

Ulpha Fell (Little Stand) along the Duddon Valley.

Spring has sprung in Dunnerdale.

Hard Knott

Walked on 08/10/2012

Start point: Hardknott Pass summit (NY 230 014)

Hardknott Pass – Border End – Hard Knott – Hardknott Pass

Distance: 1.6 miles Total Ascent: 188 metres Time Taken: 1 hour Start Time: 14:30

Weather: Warm and sunny. 14C

Shorts and t-shirt was the attire for today as there was a bit of sunshine on my back and a return to warm weather – lovely it was too and what fantastic views this afternoon.

Hard Knott route map.

Grey Friar across Cockley Beck and Wrynose Bottom.

Ancient wall looking to Wrynose Pass.

Scafell from the first cairn on Border End.

A fabulous view of the Scafells from here.

Face off.

Casper and Dougal get an eyeful of Upper Eskdale.

The Scafells to Esk Pike to Bowfell.

Casper and Dougal and a fabulous backdrop.

Hard Knott is in the centre ground, Crinkle Crags beyond.

Esk Pike and that Pike de Bield path looks oh so easy from here.

The Scafells from Hard Knott.

England's finest, Scafell Pike.

Scafell panoramic.

The summit of Hard Knott complete with TV aerial.

Wrynose Bottom.

Looking down on the Wrynose Pass road.

I-spy Slight Side and Scafell.

Pool reflections looking toward the Coniston fells.

Hard Knott from the Duddon Valley.

Hard Knott

Walked on 16/11/2011

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: 1 hour Start Time: 13:35

Weather: Sunny and bright. 9C

I just had time to squeeze a quick walk in sunny conditions this afternoon up to Hard Knott. I love the view to the back of the Scafells from here and it was lovely and quiet up there today.

Hard Knott route map.

The Duddon Valley looking towards Little Stand with blue sky to the right, grey to the left.

Hard Knott.

Sunshine on Hard Knott from Border End.

Bowfell and Crinkle Crags from the top.

Border End is in sunshine, the Scafells beyond are not.

It is still a mighty fine view across Upper Eskdale though.

Looking towards Esk Pike, Bowfell and Crinkle Crags, the photographer flanked by his two trusty cohorts.

Harter Fell from Border End.

Eskdale and the Roman Fort below.

The two headed dog.

Esk Pike and Bowfell loom large over Eskdale. In the centre is the next objective, Eskdale Needle.

Looking across to the Scafells.

Eskdale Needle ahead.

Getting closer.

From below.

Casper and Dougal do the Eskdale Needle pose.

A fabulous panorama from Hard Knott.

Hard Knott.

Harter Fell from Hard Knott summit.

Big sky overhead.

Great Carrs and Swirl How across a small tarn on the descent.

Harter Fell 'erupts'.

Border End

Walked on 29/01/2011

Start point: Hardknott Pass summit (NY 230 014)

Border End from Hardknott Pass

Start Time: 16:20

Weather: Sunset. -1°C

There is something about watching a winter sunset from the fells that is very appealing and, I reckon, one of the finest things you can see from up on high. I did have the choice of going out in the beautiful clear sunshine of the day but decided to leave a walk until later and grab the sunset view. Of course I ended up leaving it all a little close for comfort and it ended up being a bit of a race to the top.

Once up there, all was silent and there wasn’t even a breath of wind, my fingers and face were numb with the cold and the beautiful final embers of sunlight made the icy ground glow. Magnificent.

The sun is low in the sky looking from the top of Wrynose Pass, Harter Fell and Hard Knott are the distant silhouettes. I am heading for Hard Knott but will I make it in time before the sunset?

Looking to Wrynose Pass where the first photo above was taken from the climb to Border End.

The sun has already gone in the hidden Duddon Valley, Caw and Stickle Pike in the distance.

Esk Pike, Bowfell and Crinkle Crags across the top of Hard Knott.

It's icy up here looking towards the Scafells.

Sunset on Border End.

Eskdale.

I opted to head for the western side of Border End rather than going for Hard Knott - Casper and Dougal seem to know the way.

A magnificent view of the Scafells and Esk Pike heading across frozen Border End.

Close up on Esk Pike and Bowfell.

What a lovely sunset this evening but it was getting pretty cold up here now.

Glowing dogs.

Harter Fell with Devoke Water shining just to the left of the sun.

Icy rocks.

The view to Bowfell, Crinkle Crags and Little Stand from the crossing to have a peek into Upper Eskdale.

The Scafells and Upper Eskdale.

Dougal-Doo seems impressed with one of the finest views in the Lake District.

Almost time to set off back before it gets too dark but I had to return to this spot three times looking for a dropped lens cap. It was worth it as found it in the end!

Esk Pike.

Bowfell.

Scafell and Slight Side.

Lowering sun.

Nearly gone.

The last one before the sprint back down to Hardknott Pass.

Hard Knott

Walked on 28/07/2009

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: 1 hour

Weather: Overcast with showers. 12C.

I had an early walk this morning to clear the cobwebs after a break in sunnier climes; I think Casper was desperate to get out on the fells after his enforced holiday so we were going out whatever the weather. Unfortunately it wasn’t so great with rain and cold blowing in but would I rather be abroad in 20C warmer sunshine, sipping a glass of red wine and having a thoroughly relaxing time with my family? Er…yes, of course I would – pass me another glass!

Hard Knott route map.

An early morning view of Hard Knott beyond Castle How in the Duddon Valley and the River Duddon.

Approaching the summit cairn on Border End. Devoke Water is in view on the distant left.

Eskdale from Border End.

Free at last! The rapidly greying Casper.

Casper has a look over to Hardknott Castle Roman Fort (directly above his head in this photo)...

...and a look the other way into Upper Eskdale, the Scafells obscured by the low cloud this morning.

Heading across to Eskdale Needle.

Casper gives the Needle a bit of scale though it doesn't look quite so impressive from this angle.

Eskdale Needle.

The River Esk with Great Moss lying above, just below the clouds today.

Stickle Pike and Harter Fell from Hard Knott.

Looking in the opposite direction into Mosedale - Esk Pike, Bowfell and Crinkle Crags not in view today.

Casper on Hard Knott.

Looking at Wrynose Pass...

...and along the Duddon Valley.

Little Stand caught before the heavy downpour started.

The top of Hardknott Pass. I mentioned we had been in sunnier parts of the world and we did make a couple of mountain visits...

Too many 'verres de rouge', hence the eyes on Mont Ventoux!

The top of the Col de L'Escrinet climb, 787m. Of course, we were here to watch the Tour de France...

Grimpeurs in action.

Hard Knott

Walked on 27/12/2008

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.

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.

Hard Knott

Walked on 19/12/2007

Start point: Hardknott Pass summit (NY 230 014)

Hardknott Pass – Hard Knott – Border End – Hardknott Pass

Distance: 2 miles Total Ascent: 200 metres Time Taken: 1 hour

Weather: Clear. 5oC.

Today I didn’t have such a long walk, it was rather an appreciation of the surroundings and a magnificent sunset over what must be one of the finest views from any fell, overlooking Eskdale to the Scafells. The views in the photos may all be quite similar, but the ever changing light certainly made them seem a bit different and added a lovely hue to the surroundings.

Not part of today's walk but an interesting view of Dow Crag from the 'back', in the Duddon Valley.

Little Stand and Crinkle Crags from the valley bottom.

Hard Knott.

Grey Friar across Wrynose Bottom from the climb to Hard Knott.

Swirl How and Great Carrs across Wrynose Bottom.

First view of the Scafells with the summit of Hard Knott to the right.

The Scafells from the summit of Hard Knott - Slight Side, Scafell, Scafell Pike, Broad Crag, Ill Crag, Great End and Esk Pike.

Bowfell and Crinkle Crags.

Slight Side and Scafell.

Golden hue on Esk Pike.

Bowfell.

Ill Crag.

Angus and Casper on Hard Knott.

Esk Pike and Bowfell at the head of Eskdale.

Casper finds a comfortable rock to sit on.

Over to Border End and the sun is getting lower.

Looking across one of the many frozen pools up here.

Casper in the setting sun looking across Hardknott Pass to Harter Fell in silhouette.

Border End.

Looking down into the Eskdale Valley, a splendid view.

Casper and Angus caught in the setting sun.

All is getting redder by the minute.

Looking across Eskdale to Slight Side and Scafell with the fells of Wasdale peeping through behind Seatallan, Haycock, Scoat Fell and Red Pike.

A final view before we head back - before the sun disappears completely.

The Isle of Man from Hardknott Pass.

Hard Knott

Walked on 31/07/2007

Start point: Hardknott Pass summit (NY 230 014)

Hardknott Pass – Border End – Hard Knott – Hardknott Pass

Distance: 2 miles Total Ascent: 200 metres Time Taken: 2 hours

Weather: Sunny. 17oC.

It was bright and sunny for our early start this morning for this relatively easy climb to Hard Knott from the top of Hardknott Pass. This walk offers superb views to the Scafells and Upper Eskdale and from here virtually the whole of the Scafell walk I completed earlier this year can be viewed from this lofty position. Getting out early has its advantages, namely clearer skies with less haze and deserted fell tops. For added interest, Connie also hunted out the Geocache lying near the summit. It’s hard to resist hidden treasure when you are 6!

Harter Fell from Border End - I think Casper has his eye on something in the foreground rather than the view across Hardknott Pass!

Sunny on Border End.

Connie practices her photography skills.

Heading for Border End. How long do you think Connie carried her jacket for and who ended up carrying it?

Looking over to Hard Knott in the centre with Crinkle Crags and Little Stand beyond.

A magnificent view of Upper Eskdale and the Scafells.

Connie's version of the same view - excellent photo!

Esk Pike, Bow Fell and Crinkle Crags at the head of Eskdale, Eskdale Needle visible in the centre.

Slight Side and Scafell.

Scafell Pike.

Esk Pike and Bow Fell at the head of Eskdale, Eskdale Needle visible at the bottom centre.

Connie strikes a pose...

...and what a great backdrop.

The view from the summit of Hard Knott.

Angus the mountain goat.

Casper and Angus on Hard Knott.

Reflections in a tarn on the way down.

Hard Knott

Walked on 20/12/2006

Start point: Hardknott Pass summit (NY 230 014)

Hardknott Pass – Border End – Hard Knott – Hardknott Pass

Distance: 2 miles Total Ascent: 200 metres Time Taken: 2 hours

Weather: Clear above the clouds. 4oC.

After the deluge of last week, the weather has taken a turn for the better – at least it has if you can get above the fog that hangs in the lower parts. We had a walk to Hard Knott this morning to see if we could do just that and I think we just timed it right to arrive at the top of Border End. Connie was thrilled to see a great inversion and Brocken Spectres, in fact she classed it as the best walk she had ever done, though I’m sure she has said that before!

On the drive to Hard Knott, it was evident that some of the fog was very low lying with the cold temperatures so the first few shots are taken from car stops.

Early morning Lickle Valley inversion.

The Duddon Valley looking to The Pike and Hesk Fell.

Looking the other way along the Duddon Valley.

When we set off for Border End, it was really cold in the mist. We wondered whether we would get high enough to get above the cloud - it was touch and go...

Here on the summit of Border End there was an eerie light, as though we were on the very edge of the mist.

Suddenly...as if by magic - the parting of the clouds. There is a Brocken Spectre bottom left, just about visible.

The cloud clears - Connie's photo.

Slight Side and Scafell, another Brocken Spectre nearly visible bottom left.

More of the Scafells come into view.

The Scafells - Connie's photo.

Border End - now we can see it.

The sun lights up the clouds looking over to Grey Friar.

Ill Crag.

Esk Pike makes an appearance.

The mist is clearing from Upper Eskdale now.

The Scafell Range.

Esk Pike and Bow Fell.

Mist on Harter Fell.

Next stop, Hard Knott.

The top of Harter Fell appears from behind the clouds.

All clear across Eskdale now.

Esk Pike and Bow Fell.

Bow Fell and Crinkle Crags.

Scafell.

Bow Fell.

Esk Pike.

Casper is enjoying the sunshine.

The head of Eskdale.

Little Stand.

Connie on Hard Knott.

Not forgetting Angus.

A panoramic view of the Scafells from Hard Knott. Select on the image for a larger version.

Lower Eskdale from Hard Knott.

Hard Knott reflection. From Hard Knott, I could see over Wrynose Pass that the Greenburn Valley was also in inversion, so it was worth the short drive to have a look.

Looking to the Eastern fells.

The Tilberthwaite Fells are just about making it through the clouds.

Hard Knott from Wrynose Bottom.

Hard Knott

Walked on 15/09/2006

Start point: Hardknott Pass summit (NY 230 014)

Hardknott Pass – Border End – Hard Knott – Hardknott Pass

Distance: 2 miles Total Ascent: 200 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 15 minutes

Weather: Clear. 20oC.

It was a lovely morning and a welcome sight after the miserable rain of yesterday. We had a walk to Border End and Hard Knott which give fine views of Eskdale and the Scafells. Angus and Casper had a swim in one or two of the mountain tarns and after a visit to the Roman fort, another swim (or bath!) in the River Duddon on the way home.

Eskdale, looking to the west Cumbrian coast from Border End.

Harter Fell.

Esk Pike and Bow Fell.

The Scafell range.

The same view overlooking Upper Eskdale. The Eskdale Needle is centre right.

Angus and Casper with England's highest fells behind.

Esk Pike and Bow Fell, the Eskdale Needle again visible bottom centre.

Slight Side and Scafell.

Esk Pike.

Scafell Pike, Broad Crag and Ill Crag across Great Moss and in front of them Pen and Esk Buttress.

Ill Crag, Esk Pike and Upper Eskdale.

Harter Fell across one of the many mountain tarns around Hard Knott.

Harter Fell from the summit of Hard Knott.

Esk Pike, Bow Fell and Crinkle Crags from Hard Knott.

Casper and Angus have a lie down in the grass and soak up the warm sunshine.

Little Stand and Wrynose Pass.

Another close up of Esk Pike, this time from Hard Knott.

Bow Fell.

Scafell Pike, the summit cairn clearly visible today.

Angus fancies a swim in this mirror-like tarn on Hard Knott. A short way down the other side of the Hardknott Pass lies Mediobogdum, the ruins of a Roman fort occupied between A.D. 100-110 to A.D. 125-135.

Border End from the east gate of the fort.

Harter Fell and the fort.

Hard Knott

Walked on 28/04/2006

Start point: Hardknott Pass summit (NY 230 014)

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

Distance: 2 miles Total Ascent: 250 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 30 minutes

Weather: Sunny and warm. 12oC.

It was another day of blue sky and sunshine today and things are certainly starting to warm up and turn green here. It is a short walk from the Hardknott Pass summit – supposedly the steepest road in England – to Border End and Hard Knott for some of the finest views to be had anywhere in the Lake District. Casper certainly seems to be getting into the groove and enjoying roaming the fells.

Caw along the Duddon Valley from the ascent to Border End from Hardknott Pass.

Angus has a swim in a mountain tarn, Harter Fell is beyond.

Harter Fell.

Lower Eskdale from Border End.

Looking across Hard Knott to Esk Pike, Bow Fell and Crinkle Crags.

Upper Eskdale from Border End.

Esk Pike and Bow Fell.

Seatallan and Haycock on the far side of Wasdale.

Casper enjoys the views of England's finest mountains.

Now it's double trouble in the sunshine.

Scafell.

Esk Pike.

Bow Fell.

Angus.

A panoramic view of Upper Eskdale from Hard Knott. Select on the image for a larger version.

Bow Fell and Crinkle Crags.

Eskdale Needle and Eskdale.

Yes, I think I could quite get used to these views.

Reflections of Casper while Angus has a swim.

Descending past Border End.

Wrynose Pass from Hardknott Pass.

Hard Knott

Walked on 02/09/2005

Start point: Hardknott Pass summit (NY 230 014)

Hardknott Pass – Border End – Hard Knott – Hardknott Pass

Distance: 1.5 miles Total Ascent: 200 metres Time Taken: 2 hours

Weather: Warm with a breeze. 18°C.

Today’s walk was up to Hard Knott via Border End from the summit of Hardknott Pass; a short and sharp ascent over some boggy ground. The weather steadily improved until the clouds completely lifted from nearly all the high fells.

Hard Knott route map.

Eskdale from Border End.

Looking across Hardknott Pass to Harter Fell.

Esk Pike.

Slight Side and Scafell across Upper Eskdale.

Angus and Connie on Hard Knott.

The cloud lifting on Bow Fell and The Crinkle Crags.

Looking across Wrynose Bottom to Gray Friar from Hard Knott. The Wrynose Pass road can be seen descending from centre left.

As we left Hard Knott, the clouds continued to lift from the high fells.

Upper Eskdale Round

Walked on 15/04/2005

Start point: Hardknott Pass summit (NY 230 014)

Hardknott Pass – Border End (326) – Hard Knott (327) – Eskdale Needle – Yew Bank (328) – Throstlehow Crag (329) –Scar Lathing (330) – High Scarth (331) – Silverybield (332) – Scale Bridge – Taw House – Brotherilkeld – Hardknott Castle Roman Fort – Hardknott Pass

Distance: 9.7 miles Total Ascent: 1940 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 35 minutes

Weather: Snow, rain, sleet, wind! 5oC.

Today’s walk is a round of Upper Eskdale, one of the wildest and best valleys in the Lake District. At the head of Eskdale lie the ‘heads of state’ of English mountains, namely Scafell Pike, Sca Fell, Esk Pike and Bow Fell and this area offers some of the finest views anywhere.

Once again, it seems winter has returned with snow showers present throughout the walk and fresh snow on top of the high fells.

Upper Eskdale route map.

Approaching Hard Knott. The many electric fences in this area (one can be seen to the right) certainly made Angus squeak when he 'got it wrong'.

Harter Fell through a snow storm from the summit of Hard Knott.

The Eskdale Needle from the south.

The Eskdale Needle.

It was very windy on the summit of Yew Bank!

Across Lingcove Beck - the wall runs up to Throstlehow Crag, the next port of call with Scar Lathing the crag to the right. In the background are the Sca Fells complete with fresh snow.