Striding Edge

A photo diary of Lake District fell walks

  • Walks
  • Fells
    • Wainwrights
      • Eastern Fells
      • Far Eastern Fells
      • Central Fells
      • Southern Fells
      • Northern Fells
      • North Western Fells
      • Western Fells
      • Outlying Fells
    • Birketts
  • Dogs
  • Love The Lakes
  • Contact

Hard Knott

Height: 549 metres / 1801 feet Grid reference: NY 23193 02369 Category: The Southern Fells

Border End and Hard Knott across Eskdale

Border End and Hard Knott across Eskdale

Angus and Connie on Hard Knott

Angus and Connie on Hard Knott

Hard Knott from the Duddon Valley

Hard Knott from the Duddon Valley

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!

 

01 Hard Knott.jpg

P2251456

Wrynose Pass.

P2251457-Edit

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

P2251467

Border End.

P2251468

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!).

P2251472

The head of Eskdale from frozen Border End.

P2251474

...and again, from further along.

P2251478-Edit

Looking along the Eskdale Valley into the bright sunshine.

P2251499

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

P2251506-Edit

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

P2251514

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

P2251516-Edit

A wider panorama.

P2251521

Slight Side and Scafell.

P2251527

The approach to Eskdale Needle.

P2251530

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

P2251536

Eskdale Needle from the south.

P2251541

The Steeple.

P2251543

Climbing to Hard Knott.

P2251547

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

P2251548

Esk Pike.

P2251551

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!

P2251559

Hard Knott summit.

P2251564

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

P2251567-Edit

Ulpha Fell (Little Stand) along the Duddon Valley.

P2251573

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

Hard Knott route map.

013

Grey Friar across Cockley Beck and Wrynose Bottom.

014

Ancient wall looking to Wrynose Pass.

015

Scafell from the first cairn on Border End.

016

A fabulous view of the Scafells from here.

017

Face off.

018

Casper and Dougal get an eyeful of Upper Eskdale.

019

The Scafells to Esk Pike to Bowfell.

020

Casper and Dougal and a fabulous backdrop.

021

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

022

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

023

The Scafells from Hard Knott.

024

England's finest, Scafell Pike.

025

Scafell panoramic.

026

The summit of Hard Knott complete with TV aerial.

027

Wrynose Bottom.

028

Looking down on the Wrynose Pass road.

029

I-spy Slight Side and Scafell.

030

Pool reflections looking toward the Coniston fells.

031

Hard Knott from the Duddon Valley.

Hard Knott

Walked on 26/03/2012

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: Hot, clear. 20C

What a change in the weather over this weekend, it only seems like minutes ago I was dressed in full winter gear but today it was absolutely boiling, shorts and tee shirt was the order of the day. Dougal and Casper are still sporting their winter attire, but not for much longer I reckon – any small bog, any little droplet of moisture up there today and they were in it. Sean Scissorhands is on the prowl…

Hard Knott

Hard Knott route map.

013

Bowfell, Crinkle Crags and Little Stand at the head of the Duddon Valley.

014

Hard Knott and Castle How.

015

Looking along the Duddon to Hard Knott from further up the valley.

016

Wrynose Pass from the climb.

017

First sight of Slight Side and Scafell through the gap between Border End and Hard Knott - always a jaw-dropper.

018

The Isle of Man in view from Border End.

019

What a view from Border End.

020

The Scafells.

021

Esk Pike and Bowfell.

022

Eskdale.

023

Long tongues tell the weather story today.

024

The Watcher.

025

Great views to the Isle of Man now the haze has disappeared.

026

A panoramic of the Scafells.

027

Ill Crag and Esk Pike at the head of Upper Eskdale.

028

Upper Eskdale.

029

Heading for Eskdale Needle.

030

Eskdale Needle.

031

032

The summit of Hard Knott.

033

Looking across the Duddon Valley to Great Carrs and Grey Friar.

034

Calm waters.

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

Hard Knott route map.

16.11.11-004

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

16.11.11-016

Hard Knott.

16.11.11-031

Sunshine on Hard Knott from Border End.

16.11.11-034

Bowfell and Crinkle Crags from the top.

16.11.11-043

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

16.11.11-046

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

16.11.11-052

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

16.11.11-058

Harter Fell from Border End.

16.11.11-067

Eskdale and the Roman Fort below.

16.11.11-084

The two headed dog.

16.11.11-102

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

16.11.11-108

Looking across to the Scafells.

16.11.11-114

Eskdale Needle ahead.

16.11.11-126

Getting closer.

16.11.11-138

From below.

16.11.11-144

Casper and Dougal do the Eskdale Needle pose.

16.11.11-165

A fabulous panorama from Hard Knott.

16.11.11-171

Hard Knott.

16.11.11-191

Harter Fell from Hard Knott summit.

16.11.11-200

Big sky overhead.

16.11.11-224

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

16.11.11-228

Harter Fell 'erupts'.

Hard Knott

Walked on 01/12/2009

Start point: Cockley Beck (NY 246 017)

Cockley Beck – Moasdale – Hard Knott – Cockley Beck

Distance: 3.9 miles     Total Ascent: 319 metres     Time Taken: 2 hours

Weather: Cold and overcast. 0ºC

It was even colder today than yesterday, mainly because the sun never came out at all so temperatures struggled to get above freezing. Up on the top of Hard Knott there was a strong icy blast and definitely more than a hint of more snow to come.

Hard-Knott

Hard Knott route map.

01.12.09-023

Moasdale Beck and Little Stand.

01.12.09-029

Looking in the opposite direction towards Grey Friar.

01.12.09-034

Grey Friar from further along Moasdale with the weak winter sun trying to burn through.

01.12.09-036

The frozen path to the Scafells.

Scafells_s

A panoramic view of the Scafells.

01.12.09-046

Scafell Pike, Broad Crag and Ill Crag.

01.12.09-049

Bowfell.

01.12.09-051

Long Top, Crinkle Crags.

01.12.09-066

Scafell Pike with the darker subsidiary summit of Pen in the right centre.

01.12.09-067

Winter on Scafell.

01.12.09-071

Esk Pike and Bowfell.

01.12.09-076

'What are we doing dad?'. I don't know about you Dougal, but I'm putting my jacket on - it's flipping freezing that wind.

01.12.09-084

Bowfell and Crinkle Crags from the climb to Hard Knott.

01.12.09-086

Frozen Scafells.

01.12.09-090

Frozen Scafells.

01.12.09-111

Dougal and Casper on Hard Knott.

01.12.09-114

This cap of cloud was building up from the south over the Coniston fells but that sun is still failing to get through.

01.12.09-117

Brrr!

01.12.09-120

Harter Fell from the summit of Hard Knott.

01.12.09-132

A portrait of Dougal.

01.12.09-134

In the blink of an eye, the cloud was building over the Scafells too.

01.12.09-144

The Duddon valley from the descent, crossing a river of boulders.

01.12.09-145

Harter Fell and the road to Hard Knott Pass, the steepest in England.

01.12.09-146

Wrynose 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

Hard Knott route map.

28.07.09-003

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

28.07.09-006

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

28.07.09-008

Eskdale from Border End.

28.07.09-014

Free at last! The rapidly greying Casper.

28.07.09-023

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

28.07.09-035

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

28.07.09-037

Heading across to Eskdale Needle.

28.07.09-045

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

28.07.09-046

Eskdale Needle.

28.07.09-049

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

28.07.09-058

Stickle Pike and Harter Fell from Hard Knott.

28.07.09-061

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

28.07.09-062

Casper on Hard Knott.

28.07.09-065

Looking at Wrynose Pass...

28.07.09-067

...and along the Duddon Valley.

28.07.09-073

Little Stand caught before the heavy downpour started.

28.07.09-074

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...

MV

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

CDE

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

TDF

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.

Hard Knott.jpg

27.12.08-002.jpg

Little Stand and Dale Head from the Duddon Valley.

27.12.08-006.jpg

Hard Knott and the River Duddon.

27.12.08-011.jpg

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

27.12.08-012.jpg

Wrynose Bottom and Wrynose Pass.

27.12.08-019.jpg

Casper walks on water approaching Border End summit.

27.12.08-031.jpg

Slight Side, Scafell and Scafell Pike from Border End.

27.12.08-037.jpg

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

27.12.08-041.jpg

Sunlit Casper.

27.12.08-047.jpg

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

27.12.08-054.jpg

A closer view of Eskdale and the Roman Fort.

27.12.08-060.jpg

There is a magnificent view of Upper Eskdale from here.

27.12.08-062.jpg

Esk Pike and Bowfell.

27.12.08-072.jpg

I think he likes it here.

27.12.08-082.jpg

Slight Side and Scafell.

27.12.08-085.jpg

Scafell and Scafell Pike with the cleft of Mickledore between.

27.12.08-091.jpg

Approaching Eskdale Needle.

27.12.08-098.jpg

Eskdale Needle.

27.12.08-100.jpg

Eskdale from above the Needle.

27.12.08-104.jpg

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

27.12.08-108.jpg

The summit of Hard Knott.

27.12.08-119.jpg

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

27.12.08-120.jpg

Esk Pike.

27.12.08-123.jpg

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

27.12.08-128.jpg

Slight Side.

27.12.08-130.jpg

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.

27.12.08-133.jpg

Casperoo.

27.12.08-137.jpg

The Coniston fells from Hard Knott.

27.12.08-144.jpg

The summit of Hard Knott.

27.12.08-146.jpg

Frozen tarn on the descent.

27.12.08-155.jpg

Hard Knott from the road to the pass. On the way to Bowness, I couldn't resist a small detour to Blea Tarn...

27.12.08-163.jpg

I thought it would be at its best here today.

27.12.08-168.jpg

The Langdale Pikes across a part frozen Blea Tarn.

Blea-Tarn-small.jpg

A panoramic view of Blea Tarn.

Scafell Pike

Walked on 25/09/2008

Start point: Hardknott Pass (NY 231 014)

Hardknott Pass – Hard Knott – Lingcove Beck – Scar Lathing – Great Moss – Pen – Scafell Pike – Broadcrag Tarn – Cam Spout – Great Moss – Lingcove Beck – Hard Knott – Hardknott Pass

Distance: 9.3 miles     Total Ascent: 1240 metres     Time Taken: 5 hours 45 minutes

Weather: Overcast. 17ºC.

The weather certainly didn’t turn out as I expected with it being rather grey and I didn’t really know which route I would take until I did it. I must say it took longer than I thought and it was pretty arduous going at times over boggy ground coupled with a steep ascent and descent. It was still enjoyable though – this is my favourite area of all.

Scafell-Pike.jpg

25.09.08-005.jpg

Dawn at an un-named tarn on Hard Knott.

25.09.08-013.jpg

Sunrise over Wrynose Pass.

25.09.08-016.jpg

Esk Pike, Bowfell and Crinkle Crags from Hard Knott summit.

25.09.08-030.jpg

Heading into Upper Eskdale it all looks a bit gloomy and the cloud is starting to form on the tops.

25.09.08-042.jpg

The Scafells ahead.

25.09.08-047.jpg

Bowfell and Crinkle Crags.

25.09.08-048.jpg

Slight Side and Scafell, hidden by cloud.

25.09.08-054.jpg

Bowfell.

25.09.08-062.jpg

Casper plans the route - there is a steep descent to cross Lingcove Beck then a steep climb again over the knolls in the middle distance.

25.09.08-076.jpg

Casper hides in the bracken shortly after the crossing of Lingcove Beck.

25.09.08-078.jpg

Lingcove Beck.

25.09.08-090.jpg

Slight Side and Scafell from Scar Lathing, Sampson's Stones on the mound beneath Cam Spout Crag.

25.09.08-094.jpg

Scafell Pike hidden by cloud with Ill Crag to the right.

25.09.08-100.jpg

Casper above Great Moss.

25.09.08-110.jpg

The cloud is clearing from Scafell Pike now. The peak to the right of Esk Buttress is Pen. Now, should I climb Pen or climb Little Narrowcove? In the end I decided on Pen and climbed following the gill to the left of Esk Buttress - which was steep to say the least!

25.09.08-125.jpg

The Scafells reflected in a tarn on Great Moss.

25.09.08-128.jpg

Scafell.

25.09.08-132.jpg

Esk Pike at the head of Great Moss.

25.09.08-142.jpg

Great Moss from the climb to Pen, Hard Knott and Harter Fell in view.

25.09.08-159.jpg

Volcanic sedimentary layers on the summit of Pen.

25.09.08-161.jpg

25.09.08-164.jpg

The formidable East Buttress on Scafell.

25.09.08-168.jpg

The way to Scafell Pike from Pen.

25.09.08-195.jpg

Scafell, Broad Stand and Mickledore from the Eskdale Cairn on Scafell Pike.

25.09.08-201.jpg

Pillar, Kirk Fell, Great Gable and beyond from the summit Scafell Pike.

25.09.08-204.jpg

Looking over Styhead Tarn to Derwent Water, Skiddaw and the northern fells.

25.09.08-208.jpg

The eastern fells beyond the Scafell ridge.

25.09.08-219.jpg

Broad Stand from Broadcrag Tarn - the highest tarn in the Lake District at 827m according to Wainwright and Birkett...but my mapping software shows Foxes tarn at 837m and Crinkle Crags Tarn (near the summit of Long Top, un-named on the OS map) at 854m. Now, should I climb Lord's Rake and climb Scafell or descend Cam Spout? Oops, look at the time - lets go!

25.09.08-235.jpg

Descending the Cam Spout path.

25.09.08-256.jpg

Upper Eskdale from the descent by Cam Spout, which was a mere trickle today.

25.09.08-258.jpg

Looking back to Cam Spout and Scafell.

25.09.08-271.jpg

The aforementioned Long Top.

25.09.08-274.jpg

I don't believe it! (to coin a phrase) - sunshine on Great Moss.

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.

Hard Knott

19.12.07-001

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

19.12.07-003

Little Stand and Crinkle Crags from the valley bottom.

19.12.07-004

Hard Knott.

19.12.07-007

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

19.12.07-018

Swirl How and Great Carrs across Wrynose Bottom.

19.12.07-020

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

19.12.07-026

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

19.12.07-029

Bowfell and Crinkle Crags.

19.12.07-033

Slight Side and Scafell.

19.12.07-038

Golden hue on Esk Pike.

19.12.07-039

Bowfell.

19.12.07-042

Ill Crag.

19.12.07-059

Angus and Casper on Hard Knott.

19.12.07-067

Esk Pike and Bowfell at the head of Eskdale.

19.12.07-077

Casper finds a comfortable rock to sit on.

19.12.07-090

Over to Border End and the sun is getting lower.

19.12.07-093

Looking across one of the many frozen pools up here.

19.12.07-095

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

19.12.07-097

Border End.

19.12.07-111

Looking down into the Eskdale Valley, a splendid view.

19.12.07-125

Casper and Angus caught in the setting sun.

19.12.07-139

All is getting redder by the minute.

19.12.07-140

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

19.12.07-164

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

19.12.07-171

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!

Hard Knott

31.07.07-009

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

31.07.07-011

Sunny on Border End.

31.07.07-023

Connie practices her photography skills.

31.07.07-029

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

31.07.07-038

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

31.07.07-040

A magnificent view of Upper Eskdale and the Scafells.

31.07.07-092

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

31.07.07-042

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

31.07.07-045

Slight Side and Scafell.

31.07.07-047

Scafell Pike.

31.07.07-048

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

31.07.07-055

Connie strikes a pose...

31.07.07-059

...and what a great backdrop.

31.07.07-064

The view from the summit of Hard Knott.

31.07.07-070

Angus the mountain goat.

31.07.07-080

Casper and Angus on Hard Knott.

31.07.07-084

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.

01 Hard Knott

02 20.12.06-008

Early morning Lickle Valley inversion.

03 20.12.06-011

The Duddon Valley looking to The Pike and Hesk Fell.

04 20.12.06-012

Looking the other way along the Duddon Valley.

05 20.12.06-032

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...

06 20.12.06-041

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

07 20.12.06-044

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

08 20.12.06-206

The cloud clears - Connie's photo.

09 20.12.06-048

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

10 20.12.06-050

More of the Scafells come into view.

11 20.12.06-223

The Scafells - Connie's photo.

12 20.12.06-057

Border End - now we can see it.

13 20.12.06-059

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

14 20.12.06-072

Ill Crag.

15 20.12.06-0073

Esk Pike makes an appearance.

16 20.12.06-082

The mist is clearing from Upper Eskdale now.

17 20.12.06-083

The Scafell Range.

18 20.12.06-085

Esk Pike and Bow Fell.

19 20.12.06-105

Mist on Harter Fell.

20 20.12.06-111

Next stop, Hard Knott.

21 20.12.06-127

The top of Harter Fell appears from behind the clouds.

22 20.12.06-129

All clear across Eskdale now.

23 20.12.06-130

Esk Pike and Bow Fell.

24 20.12.06-133

Bow Fell and Crinkle Crags.

25 20.12.06-134

Scafell.

26 20.12.06-136

Bow Fell.

27 20.12.06-138

Esk Pike.

28 20.12.06-146

Casper is enjoying the sunshine.

29 20.12.06-149

The head of Eskdale.

30 20.12.06-151

Little Stand.

31 20.12.06-166

Connie on Hard Knott.

32 20.12.06-172

Not forgetting Angus.

33 panorama_small

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

34 20.12.06-174

Lower Eskdale from Hard Knott.

35 20.12.06-177

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.

36 20.12.06-182

Looking to the Eastern fells.

37 20.12.06-192

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

38 20.12.06-203

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.

01 Hard Knott

15.09.06-005

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

15.09.06-006

Harter Fell.

15.09.06-013

Esk Pike and Bow Fell.

15.09.06-021

The Scafell range.

15.09.06-022

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

15.09.06-031

Angus and Casper with England's highest fells behind.

15.09.06-034

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

15.09.06-038

Slight Side and Scafell.

15.09.06-041

Esk Pike.

15.09.06-042

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

15.09.06-043

Ill Crag, Esk Pike and Upper Eskdale.

15.09.06-050

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

15.09.06-054

Harter Fell from the summit of Hard Knott.

15.09.06-057

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

15.09.06-068

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

15.09.06-077

Little Stand and Wrynose Pass.

15.09.06-080

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

15.09.06-081

Bow Fell.

15.09.06-083

Scafell Pike, the summit cairn clearly visible today.

15.09.06-093

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.

15.09.06-124

Border End from the east gate of the fort.

15.09.06-131

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.

01 Hard Knott

28.04.06-002

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

28.04.06-005

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

28.04.06-009

Harter Fell.

28.04.06-011

Lower Eskdale from Border End.

28.04.06-014

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

28.04.06-015

Upper Eskdale from Border End.

28.04.06-019

Esk Pike and Bow Fell.

28.04.06-023

Seatallan and Haycock on the far side of Wasdale.

28.04.06-024

Casper enjoys the views of England's finest mountains.

28.04.06-040

Now it's double trouble in the sunshine.

28.04.06-050

Scafell.

28.04.06-052

Esk Pike.

28.04.06-053

Bow Fell.

28.04.06-059

Angus.

28.04.06-064

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

28.04.06-069

Bow Fell and Crinkle Crags.

28.04.06-077

Eskdale Needle and Eskdale.

28.04.06-082

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

28.04.06-090

Reflections of Casper while Angus has a swim.

28.04.06-101

Descending past Border End.

28.04.06-102

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

Hard Knott route map.

Hard Knott - 2nd September 006

Eskdale from Border End.

Hard Knott - 2nd September 013

Looking across Hardknott Pass to Harter Fell.

Hard Knott - 2nd September 039

Esk Pike.

Hard Knott - 2nd September 051

Slight Side and Scafell across Upper Eskdale.

Hard Knott - 2nd September 054

Angus and Connie on Hard Knott.

Hard Knott - 2nd September 056

The cloud lifting on Bow Fell and The Crinkle Crags.

Hard Knott - panorama1

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

Hard Knott - panorama2_small

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

Hard Knott - 2nd September 003

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

Upper Eskdale route map.

Upper Eskdale- 15th April 007

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'.

Upper Eskdale- 15th April 009

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

Upper Eskdale- 15th April 014

The Eskdale Needle from the south.

Upper Eskdale- 15th April 017

The Eskdale Needle.

Upper Eskdale- 15th April 021

It was very windy on the summit of Yew Bank!

Upper Eskdale- 15th April 028

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.

Upper Eskdale- 15th April 029

Esk Pike and Bow Fell in cloud.

Upper Eskdale- 15th April 035

Looking along Eskdale to Harter Fell from Throstlehow Crag. Can you spot the Eskdale Needle?

Upper Eskdale - Panorama3_annotated_small

The view across Great Moss from Scar Lathing.

Upper Eskdale- 15th April 051

Crossing the River Esk.

Upper Eskdale- 15th April 052

Great Moss.

Upper Eskdale- 15th April 054

Slight Side from High Scarth.

Upper Eskdale- 15th April 056

Slight Side and High Scarth from Silverybield.

Upper Eskdale- 15th April 058

The impressive Yew Crags on the east face of Border End.

Upper Eskdale - Panorama4

Scale Gill waterfall.

Upper Eskdale- 15th April 067

Brotherilkeld Farm.

Upper Eskdale - Panorama5

Mediobogdum - Hardknott Roman Fort. The fort walls are to the left and to the right is the parade ground.

Hard Knott

Walked on 18/05/2003

Hard Knott Roman Fort – Hard Knott (25) – Hard Knott Pass

Dsc00311

James on Hard Knott summit.

Dsc00312

The Eskdale valley from Border End.

The next walk was 27th May 2003 as follows:

Hartsop – Hayeswater – The Knott (26) – Rampsgill Head (27) – High Raise (28) – Kidsty Pike (29) – High Street (30) – Thornthwaite Crag (31) – Gray Crag (32) – Hartsop

Walking Diary

  • The Mosedale Horseshoe 01/03/2022
  • Caw 18/01/2022
  • Coniston sunset 17/01/2022
  • Blencathra 15/01/2022
  • Scafell Pike 14/01/2022

Social

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Information

  • Striding Edge
  • T&C’s
  • Privacy
  • Links