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Hardknott Pass, Britain's steepest road

Hardknott Pass, Britain's steepest road by Simon Collison.
Incredible winding, steep (its "1 in 3"), dipping, frightening route over Hardknott and then down Wrynose Pass between Eskdale and Langdale. Unless you've attempted this route in a 1977 Datsun, you can't argue with me. People were cheering me on round the steep bends!

Here's a 9 minute video of a bloke on a motorbike doing Hardknott. You'll see the worst bit at around 3:50 and also 5:24 - except I was traveling up that! 

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Tim Parkin  Pro User  says:

I did it in my Morris Minor traveller and had to do a three point turn just before the last bend and reverse up it as the engine kept cutting out in first gear .... very scary!! (nearly set the brakes on fire coming down the other side too - glowing red hot when we stopped at the pub)
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

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Simon Collison  Pro User  says:

Excellent supporting story there, Tim. I was a bit worried about my brakes on a couple of particularly steep turns. Not sure I'd do it again.
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

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Tim Parkin  Pro User  says:

I remember going up in a friends fiesta too and one of us had to sit on the bonnet to get the front wheels to grip too.. Love the car btw... recaro seat?
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

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Simon Collison  Pro User  says:

Not a Recaro seat, no. Bog standard (but original leather) Datsun issue. Admittedly very comfortable - even today during an eight-hour drive through three national parks.
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

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Tim Parkin  Pro User  says:

Ah I can see in the big picture now :-)
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

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Greg Wood says:

Is this around here?
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

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averylongwalk  Pro User  says:

Amazed the Datsun made it over the pass. You lucked out with the weather. Beautiful!
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

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Simon Collison  Pro User  says:

Greg: Had a look at the map you linked. No, its not in Great Langdale (though one of the roads into there is tricky) but it does come out at Little Langdale. Hardknott Pass and Wrynose Pass are a little below - where it says "Cockley Beck" on that map - that's near the road's summit. Try this map instead.
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

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Simon Collison  Pro User  says:

Andy (averylongwalk): Yeah, me too. I'm delighted and surprised how many people know Hardknott and have congratulated me and the Datsun on our epic endeavor.
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

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