⛰️ Hard Knott

📖 Key Information

Hard Knott at 549m (1,801ft) stands above the infamous Hardknott Pass, its rocky summit giving superb views down to the Roman fort of Mediobogdum directly below — one of the most evocative historical viewpoints in the Lake District. Wainwright described it as a fell of considerable character, its craggy, complex terrain quite out of proportion to its modest height. The ascent from the pass is short and steep, rewarded with outstanding views across to Harter Fell (Eskdale) and up to Scafell. Often combined with Harter Fell for a fine Eskdale circuit. An unmissable viewpoint for anyone driving or cycling the Hardknott road.

🎯 Bonus Birketts within 3 km

These Birkett tops are not Wainwright summits — detour to them on this walk and they are pure profit. Distances are straight-line; allow extra for terrain.

🦶 My hikes over Hard Knott (Strava)

Loading hike data…

🅿️ Potential parking

Positions are approximate — zoom the map to confirm. Lakeland car parks fill before 9am on fine weekends.

🚌 Buses from Penrith / Ambleside / Windermere

No regular bus serves the start points for this fell — this is one for the car (or a long approach from the nearest served valley). The nearest hubs are Penrith (X4/X5 & 508), Ambleside and Windermere (555, 505, 516).

Rural routes change seasonally — confirm on stagecoachbus.com or Traveline before relying on a last bus.

🌦️ 7-day summit forecast

Loading…

Other fells in this region

• Allen Crags
• Black Fell
• Bowfell
• Brim Fell
• Cold Pike
• Crinkle Crags - Long Top (Second Crinkle)
• Dow Crag
• Esk Pike
• Glaramara
• Great Carrs
• Great End
• Green Crag
• Grey Friar
• Harter Fell (Eskdale)
• Holme Fell
• Lingmell
• Lingmoor Fell (Brown How)
• Pike of Blisco
• Rossett Pike
• Scafell
• Scafell Pike
• Seathwaite Fell (Wainwright summit)
• Slight Side
• Swirl How
• The Old Man of Coniston (Coniston Old Man)
• Wetherlam