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.