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.
Ian Hanley says
So nice to get some proper winter weather and you certainly took advantage with these stunning photos.
Sean McMahon says
A fantastic, clear evening Ian – brilliant to be out when it is like that.