Hellvellyn's Views
Lake District & North East England Photography
Lake District Driving; The Passes
As well as stunning scenery, the mountains, the lakes, the peace & tranquility, the ambiance, the feeling of elation at having climbed some of the country's most demanding terrain; for me the Lake District provides some of the most exciting & challenging driving, set in the most beautiful of surroundings.
The Lake District has few major roads so the many minor roads are the main routes taken by the many millions of visitors around the region every year. There are many people who visit the Lake District primarily for the driving experience. The Lakeland passes, unsurprisingly, are a major attraction to a vast array of motoring clubs. Hardknott Pass (Britain's steepest road) was also featured on BBC TV's Top Gear. I must admit, I'm very surprised Jeremy Clarkson didn't try to drive a submarine on wheels up there!
Although Lakeland driving is exciting, please remember that you're driving on farmland rich with sheep, cattle & wildlife. On the higher roads (eg. the passes), livestock often wander freely. What appears to be a clear road can instantly become one blocked by apparently suicidal sheep, appearing from the thick grasses that line the roads. Equally, the seemingly walled/fenced roads can hide many potential casualties, including stray walkers!
Please also bear in mind that the car in front, apparently taking it's time, may be on it's maiden voyage in the Lakes; please show some patience. Likewise, if you're struggling & have a queue of traffic behind you, please pull over & give way.
PLEASE DRIVE CAREFULLY!!!
Honister Pass
For me, the thrill of Honister Pass begins almost immidiately after passing through Seatoller past the South end of Derwent Water, in Borrowdale. Here, after passing through a tiny hamlet with the road just wide enough to pass one car, the road takes a steep & curvey incline, on an almost single track with a bubbling brook to the left. The sharp, twisting drive up the valley leads to Honister Mine past some very steep, almost sheer drops to the left. The decline past the mine is just as sudden, beginning with a sharp bend to the right. Ahead, the views of Haystacks & Buttermere are stunning. It's impossible to take in the totally breathtaking view whilst driving. A quick glimpse is all you can afford until you're on the valley floor; this part (the real Honister Pass) is steeper & more twisting than the incline. There are many opportunities to stop & take in the amazing & unexpected views at the bottom of the pass, including the route you've just taken.
These pictures were taken from the bottom of the pass. The next time I'm over the pass, I'll take some from the beginning.
The view ahead; that's Haystacks to the left.
Wrynose Pass
Wrynose Pass along with Hardknott Pass provides the most direct route from the central Lake District to the Western Lakes and coast. From the Eastern end, it begins beyond Little Langdale, winding it's way in sharp, steep bends to Wrynose Bottom through some beautifully rugged scenery.
The beginning; the Wrynose/Langdales junction.
Wrynose Bridge, facing West.
Looking East down the pass.
Facing West beyond the bridge.
Facing East from higher up.
Looking West again.
Facing East.
The Three (3) Shires Stone marks the borders of the former counties of Cumberland, Westmoreland & Lancashire, just below the summit of Wrynose Pass. The Lancashire border is now much further South. The former counties of Cumberland & Westmoreland are now collectively Cumbria.
At the summit.
Looking down into Wrynose Bottom.
Hardknott Pass is in the distance.
Looking back up Wrynose Pass from Wrynose Bottom.
Wrynose Bottom & Wrynose Pass from Hardknott Pass.
Hardknott Pass
As mentioned in the introduction, Hardknott Pass is England's steepest road. It is the most challenging and exciting of the Lake District Passes with very acute bends on seemingly almost vertical inclines and declines. The pass winds it's way from Wrynose Bottom on the East side to Eskdale on the West.
Hardknott Pass from Wrynose Bottom.
The bridge over the River Duddon. Hardknott Pass is above the centre of the bridge.
The warning signs. The pass is to the left of the picture.
The East side of Hardknott Pass.
Wrynose Bottom from Hardknott Pass.
Down the pass.
The view West.
View East from further down the pass.
