Your Complete Guide to Cycling the Hardknott Pass
If you are a cycling enthusiast looking to challenge yourself and explore new routes, then the Hardknott Pass is a must-try.
The Hardknott Pass is a legendary cycling route in the Lake District that attracts cyclists from all over the globe. It’s renowned for its steep gradients, sharp bends and beautiful mountain views. However, to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, you need a comprehensive guide to navigating the route.
Today, Dolan Bikes will provide a complete guide to cycling the Hardknott Pass, including what it is, how difficult it is, and how to cycle through it. For all this and more, stick with Dolan Bikes.
What is the Hardknott Pass?
The Hardknott Pass is a single-track road located high up in the Cumbrian mountains. It connects the Duddon Valley in the West with the Eskdale Valley in the East and reaches an elevation of 393 metres (1,289 feet) above sea level.
Many cyclists regard it as one of the most challenging cycling climbs in the UK, with steep gradients (13-30%) and sharp turns that riders must take great care to navigate. Historians trace the Hardknott Pass back to the Roman era when it was a trade route between the coast and the Cumbrian interior.
During the mediaeval period, cattle drovers would transport their animals across the Hardknott Pass and between neighbouring towns and villages. Today, the Hardknott Pass is an iconic cycling climb that attracts only those daring enough to cycle through it.
Can you cycle the Hardknott Pass?
Yes, you can cycle the Hardknott Pass, but it requires a high degree of physical fitness and cycling experience.
The Hardknott Pass is considered a rite of passage for many cycling enthusiasts and has served as one of the highlights of the popular Fred Whitton Sportive.
Many recommend that only experienced cyclists attempt to ride the Pass. It demands high stamina, strength, and endurance that only training and experience can bring.
How to cycle the Hardknott Pass
How exactly do you cycle the Hardknott Pass? Let’s split our journey into three parts: preparing for, on and after the ride.
How do I prepare for the Hardknott Pass?
- Build up your fitness level: Cycling the Hardknott Pass requires conditioned physical fitness, so it's important to train regularly in the months leading up to your ride. Focus on building endurance, strength, and cardiovascular fitness.
- Practice climbing hills: The Hardknott Pass is known for its steep gradients, so it's vital to practise climbing hills to get used to the effort required. Look for hills with similar gradients in your local area and practice climbing them!
- Plan your route: Make sure you have a good understanding of the route you'll be taking, including the distance, gradient, and road conditions. Consider using a mapping tool to plan your route and get an idea of the elevation changes at particular points.
- Check your equipment: Ensure your bike is in good condition and properly maintained. Check the brakes, tyres, and gears, and make any necessary repairs or adjustments: you could even consider using a bike with a lower gear ratio to make climbing easier.
- Dress appropriately: The weather in the Lake District can be unpredictable, so dressing appropriately for the conditions will make your journey much more comfortable. Bring warm layers, waterproof clothing, and gloves to protect yourself from the elements.
What can I expect on the Hardknott Pass?
Cyclists can approach the Hardknott Pass in two ways: from West to East or East to West. Each route comes with its difficulties, so you’ll need to prepare your expectations based on the direction you’re coming from:
For cyclists starting in the West, you’ll ascend to a gentle gradient (at first!) while riding alongside the beautiful River Esk. Keep your eyes on the road, as you’ll soon come to the first 20% of the slopes that last for around 500 metres.
Things will ease up in the next kilometre, with an easy 8% gradient to tackle: this is where you should consider reducing your speed, giving your heart rate a chance to slow down.
Following this gentle 8% gradient, you’ll contend with the final section of 30% hairpin twists. They aren’t all this punishing, however. Some of these bends range between 15-30%, making this final 300-metre stretch more manageable.
Once you cross the beautiful River Duddon, you’ll begin your journey through Hardknott Pass from East to West.
Your journey will begin with 30% gradients that last a little over a mile. Watch out for traffic mindfully, don’t follow too closely and take corners wide when tackling the 15-30% gradients.
Following this, you’ll face several hairpins before reaching the well-earned summit.
What should I do after completing the Hardknott Pass?
First of all, pat yourself on the back! You’ve just completed one of Britain’s most challenging cycling climbs. Enjoy the fruits of your labour by taking time to appreciate the natural beauty of your surroundings.
The Lake District is renowned for its mountainous regions and roads, and you’ve just ridden through one of its steepest, most twisting passes. Immortalise your achievement by taking some pictures of the views, and celebrate with a well-deserved pint at one of the pubs in Eskdale Green.
No matter how you choose to commemorate, you’ll surely have earned it after conquering the Hardknott Pass.
Choose Dolan Bikes for your Road Bike!
To conquer cycling routes like the Hardknott Pass, you’ll need a sturdy bike to get you from A to B.
That’s why you should choose Dolan for your next journey. Get your hands on one of our stylish, safe, modern road bikes, and you’ll climb even the steepest of hills.
We offer an extensive collection of road bikes for you to choose from, with everything from road race bikes to endurance bikes, disc brake bikes to touring bikes: Dolan has a model and style for every cyclist and with our professional bike fit service, you will have the best possible experience when cycling the Pass.
