Should You Ride The Hardknott Pass UK | One of UK's top 10 most dangerous roads | Motorcycle Ride
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- Опубликовано: 28 авг 2024
- I found this road on two lists, one for most dangerous UK roads and the other being Britain's steepest roads. I thought it would be a good idea to go and ride it one day. So in March 2024 off we went on the BMW R1250GS Adventure with full luggage, Dawn on the back and John on his Honda Blackbird, it can't be that hard to ride.
We rode 223 miles and stopped the night in a small place called Nether Wasdale and they even had a micro brewery. It rained all the way there and fortunately it stopped the next morning just as we set off to ride the Hardknott pass.
The Hardknott Pass is a mountain pass which rises to 400m (1,312ft) above sea level, located in the Duddon Valley of Cumbria, in England. It’s one of the steepest roads in England with a gradient of 1 in 3 (about 33%).
The road surface is shiny, bumpy and offers poor grip. On the day we rode the Hardknott pass the roads were wet and in places water was streaming across the road. It is extremely narrow road, the bends are tight and video just does not show how steep this road is. I found when I returned home that drone footage did the best job of showing just how severe this road is.
Would I ride the Hardknott Pass again 2 up, full luggage in the wet, absolutely not. I would ride it on my own in the dry.
If your thinking of riding the Hardknott Pass then watch some videos to get an understanding of what you are about to ride.
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I love the look of that road ! But that corner would be a nightmare.
Great video. Subscribed
Not the easiest road to ride in the wet. Thanks for watching and the subscription. 👍
I've rode that road many times on a Honda GL1800 Goldwing, 2 up and with a trailer on the back. Now that's an experience.
Thsts a beast to ride up there 👍
Your a brave man well done 👏
I agree. I haven’t see a single video that does it justice of just how steep and tight the bends are! Good fun tho
See is believing 😂👍
I am a motorcyclist but have never ridden Hardknott on one. I did both passes both ways last year on my electric mountain bike. That was great fun. I've also driven them in the 70's in a Morris Minor and a VW Beetle. The Morris was fine on the ascent but had big brake fade on the way down...
Love your story, brake fade 🤦. First car was a 67 VW Beetle loved it. Thanks for sharing your experiences 👍
I wouldn't want to do it in those weather conditions on a large bike, but found it a pleasure in the warm sunshine on my Triumph Speed 400 last week.
I think I would do it again on my own in the warmer weather and probably East to West. Thanks for watching. 👍
You did a great job on the GS two up over that ,First time over Wrynose and then Hardnot with a friend I was on a CBF1000 [ one up ] and at the base of Hardnot was a team of GS riders deliberating and briefing each other as we swept past , on the very first of the tight zig zags going up [ you came down them ] I instinctively stood up on the pegs , and where that came from I have no idea ,, to biking i was a recent convert I just did it as I realised the Bike needed to move freer under me , and that was the key , uphill you have to grasp the bull as it were but going down you have to dial it back and be sensitive and get a feeling for the Bike , was a real eye opener and taught me some good stuff right there .
Love your story. Thanks for watching👍
Well done. I've ridden for many years and must say, I find hairpins to be stressful. Great feeling to get through them OK, but not exactly what I'd call fun. They're more of an unavoidable obstacle on the way to the much more enjoyable, slow-swinging mountain roads that make riding truly enjoyable. I suspect there are a lot of riders out there who feel the same but are reluctant to admit it.
Thanks for sharing and I felt exactly same until I rode a road in Slovenia that had 25 hairpins up and 25 hairpins down, by the end they just got easier. It was good practice for the Hardknott Pass 😂 Thanks for watching👍
For me hairpins are what it's all about. I love the challenge. Been riding 43 years and done silly miles and always looking to test myself. Love it
@@2SpareTyresSTELVIO PASS 👍
Completely agree with everything you say! Nice to hear such an adult approach to this where so many take a far more ‘adolescent’ attitude.
Did this yesterday morning as part of a group of 14. Slightly worse conditions and solo on my fully dressed, fully loaded 18-year old FJR. I think the bike took it better than I did!
Nice to hear someone appreciate the road for what it is. What a great bike to take on this road, although if I did it again I would choose something lighter. ditch all my luggage and passenger. 😂👍
I'd like to think I'm a fairly confident, accomplished well travelled rider and that road is probably the only road I get nervous about riding but what a great challenge it is. Great work two up fully loaded.
Its not my favourite road two up. Thanks for watching 👍
I’ve ridden the Hardknott Pass numerous times, on my ST1100, FJR1300, and BMW R1200GS, all fully laden and two up on the Yamaha and Beemer. I’ve also done it solo. In all weathers. Yes, it’s challenging - and would recommend people work their way up to it - as you’ve commented, approaching from the Wrynose Pass is probable the best option.
I have a video taken by my pillion on my account on one of our rides.
A mate from Norfolk - not hilly at all - will be joining me on a ride that goes over Hardknott, Wrynose and onto Great Langdale past Blea Tarn on his R1250GS. He’s a more than capable rider - I can’t wait for his perspective.
You have some great videos on your channel so I subscribed. Some of the roads I have done or will be doing this year like the Furka, Grimsel and Susten pass. A lot of my riding was pre camera days and are just good memories. Thanks for watching👍
Having ridden around the coast of Ireland and done the NC500 on my YB100, this is my next test ! Done this many times as a tour guide in the van. Scenically West to east is the most rewarding - the opposite to what you recommend. Fog cant have helped you either. Well done !
Love the NC500 done it in both directions. Doing the Wild Atlantic way in May. I have already done it twice with a friend in both directions but this time will be 2 up. Rides like the two above always give something different each time you do it. Thanks for watching 👍
The video does flatten it out a lot. I did it in a car 4 years ago from Wrynose end. All i can remember is looking out of the windscreen looking at the sky, thats how steep it is. I'm going to do it later this month on my Himalayan, I've got a Triumph Trophy and wouldn't consider using it. You do need to give it respect, or you will he on you arse. Imagine a campervan coming down and you have to stop 😮
We were so lucky with the traffic and every bend on the GS two up I thought is this where we drop it 😒 The Himalayan is the perfect Motorcycle for this road. Have a good trip👍
Done this last week from Ambleside in beautiful weather. Norden expedition with full luggage incl camping gear and wife. Oh man was I in for a shock
It's a true test ofl nerve and experience. Bloody awesome 👌.
😂 Love it, I am glad that you made it around without falling off. So many under estimate the road and fall off at slow speed. 👍
@@2SpareTyres momentum is everything in those situations
Well done. You're lucky you didn't meet any traffic, that would have made it a whole lot worse. I've driven it a few times in a small campervan and that's about my limit. Guranteed, I would fall over on some of these bends.
Tricky road in or on anything. Thanks for watching 👍
That road surface looks to be in much better condition than most of the roads in Devon.
😂
Nice to see you drive through 2 road closed signs
Road was open that day as the work force was off due to the weather, the cones across the road had been removed and all the machinery parked up. Well spotted 👍
I’ve now ridden it four times, three times west to east and once in the opposite direction. I try to ride it in the summertime early in the morning. My latest ride was on my 1200gs in June 2024 just after my 74th birthday. I live in North Wales and in my opinion riding the M6 to get to the Lake District is more dangerous than the Hardknott Pass. If you have an off on the pass it’s most likely going to be a slow to stopped fall probably hurting your pride more than anything else. I’ve not ridden it when it looks more like a river than a road.
Wow, it sounds like you’ve had quite the adventure on the Hardknott Pass. Riding it four times And doing it on your 1200gs just after your 74th birthday is Impressive, I hope to be still riding in 14 years time when I reach your age.
As for the comparison between the Hardknott Pass and the M6, it’s intriguing. While the pass might be narrow and winding, it seems like the real danger lies in the unpredictability of the weather and traffic. When it resembles a river more than a road and the traffic forces you to stop in places you wouldn't choose then caution is definitely in order.
But hey, sometimes those slow to stopped falls which do happen become the stories we tell over a pint. The M6 is probably one of the worst roads I have had the misfortune to ride with its constant road works and traffic jams. To be honest I try to avoid any motorway where possible.
Thanks for your views and I hope you have many more adventures on your GS 👍
Everyone has to do it once... just do it on a quiet day. If you have to stop don't do it on the bends, so look ahead.
Thanks for watching and sharing your advise👍
Love this road to drive on. Yeah. Make plans to do it again next week. Good to see you movie. wanted to see what the road looks like on high film resolution. see if things have changed here and there since the last time. Thats why i find you youtube nice one. And we loads in the peak to. Live close by. so from now on you will have an extra follower.
Thanks for watching. Glad you liked it and found it useful Thanks for the subscription
What a heroic tale of derring-do, imagine over 1,300 feet above sea level, and wet a wet paved surface, thank God you were on a GS.
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I really enjoy riding these passes. Last year it was on my 125 twist and go - this year I'll be taking my Honda CRf250L or Triumph Scrambler 400X.
Both of those smaller bikes are perfect for this road. Thanks for watching 👍
Nice video, that looked pretty intense!! Rather you than me😂
I've not done this yet, but I bet the pass is a pleasure with some decent weather.
You should add it to your bucket list
Rode that road on a Ducati Monster 900 a few years ago. Mainly first and second gear all the way, wow
😂 Was the same for me 👍
Don't try on a Saturday during the summer, an awful experience due to the traffic.
I bet Easter will be the same. Thanks for watching 👍
No such thing as a dangerous road here in the UK, there are some roads which may be more technical than others but that doesn’t necessarily make them dangerous.
Agreed, it comes down to your ability on a road like this as nothings moving fast 😂
@@2SpareTyres exactly, I live reasonably local to this pass, I’ve done it on every bike I’ve owned from a Husqvarna 701 to my GSA and K1600. Read the road, plan for the hazards, anticipate unseen hazards and sit back and relax 👍
LOL! Yes! 2 up, in the wet, with full luggage, on a sportsbike, tail marking with half a dozen solo riders in front all both feet down😂. We survived.
Well done, must have been tricky on sports bike. Thanks for watching👍
I've helped numerous car and bike breakdowns on this pass - usually with burned out clutches. Three things. 1) Be aware that there is no mobile signal in this area 2) No breakdown and recovery services will go over these passes - they are specifically prohibited by their companies as recovery operations are far too risky. Even an ambulance won't be able to get to you if you run out of skill. 3) No such thing as a dangerous road. Difficult to ride, yes.
Great Info for anyone planning to ride the Hardknott pass 👍
Do you work for a local garage or something? How did you know they were broken down and needed help?
Defo go on a light bike, (mine is a Honda FTR223 Tri-colour) ive been over a few times this last month its great fun. Better to come in from Wrynose its easier on your brakes. Head towards Birker fell after clearing Hardknott there is a great little cafe called The Crosby snack shed, great food and good coffee, parking and a toilet too!
Great bit of info for those planning to ride this road. Even better that you mention food stops 👍
I have done this on my TDM 900 and on a Royal Enfield Classic 500. It was much easier on the classic 500 due to low weight, low CoG and the extremely low gearing.
Enfield great bike for this road. Thanks for watching👍
Great video. Although does not do road justice. Good day out anyway x
Done this many time on a bike and motor car . From the first time in the 70 ' s That is the easy way up . Have a few videos on here. One reason for a smaller bike for riding around the lakes. The reason the road is bumpy now is because of the heat wave after covid. And no one travelling.
Thanks for watching 👍
I rode this very road from the Wrynose pass direction back in the late 1980s on a kawasaki GT550, with full luggage and pillion passenger. the bike handled it with ease so theres no need to get some huge engined touring machine to do this as I have proved it can be done on a smaller bike!
The weather was much the same as we had then, and we had to put up with far less superiour tyres (metzler ME99/33's) than we have today!
I have driven up there again a couple of times since from the opposite direction but its not the same as experiencing it on a bike....
Should you ride it? absolutely! only, pick a day when the weather's a bit better and do it on a bike thats not too heavy. Touring bikes are far too big in my opinion for this kind of terrain but something like a middleweight ADV or sport/tourer would be better suited to this road or even a trail bike or enduro would have no problem but leave the BMW GS's and Goldwings at home!
Great Advice 👍
What a great honest video! Thanks for being honest most bikers would have felt to insecure to admit it was a tough road and people need to be made aware of the skill needed and potential accidents! Again thank you for a great video
I am so pleased you enjoyed the video.👍
I rode it on my honda blackbird but to my advantage it was lovley and sunny ..but I did have a full luggage pack ..but I did feel I was stand ing on my hands at times ..especially the hardnott
Great bike but down hill your wrist are taking all the weight. Thanks for watching👍
The issue with Hardknott pass is the surface. As it faces west it gets the sun, which in summer ( and yes we do get warm summers up here ) the road surface gets softer and cars braking cause the surface to ripple, hence the lack of traction. I’m not saying it’s easy to go down it, but it’s much easier to go down it than up it.
Totally agree thanks for sharing your local knowledge. 👍
I have a blackbird and will ride it anywhere but still in that weather would not fancy risking it on that road whitch know well.. My mate fell off his GS on that right hander after stalling and fell the wrong way . Had to ride home with brocken collar bone.
I remember those wrist aching days on the blackbird coming down the Stelvio. Sorry to here your friend fell off. Thanks for sharing your experience and watching the video👍
I reckon I'd pick a better day for that particular pass 🙂
Question is will the sun bring everyone else out. Not which I would chose wet or sun and traffic👍
I've done the other steepest road a few times now with pillion (Rosedale chimney pass). Some lovely views and it's only an hour from me.
I ride a k1300s so also a big heavy bike, but no problems so far. A very nice area.
I would advise going up before down, so start from Rosedale abbey side.
Also not for from the to the Lion Inn on Blakey Ridge too for a nice food and drink stop 😁👍
Sounds interesting. Will add it to the bucket list. Thanks for watching 👍
, You done really well, doing it two up + luggage👍.
Thanks 👍Hope you have a good trip
Loved your video. I've done it loads of times but I only live about 75 minutes away and I almost always do Wrynose first, and that was the other comment I wanted to make, it's Wrynose, not Rhino pass 🤣 Good effort doing it two up on a GS with full luggage though, not sure i'd want to try that and especially not going that way!
I’m rubbish at pronouncing names.
In my European video the first thing I do is apologise for the pronunciation and any offensive it causes.😂 Thanks for watching 👍
Trip down memory lane, been over these passes 3 times going back too many years. Nice to see it again and yes you are right its far more severe in real life then on video. You mentioned it was a old Roman road, just for interest at the top of Hardnott is the remains of the old Roman fort. Worth a visit in better weather conditions if you ever go back.
We were planning on stopping at the fort but didn't fancy the walk in the wet. Another day maybe. Thanks for watching👍
@@2SpareTyres Think the Roman's used it as stop for changing their underwear after the charriot ride up!
Have rode it on a Harley Roadglide , 2 up and fully loaded. All good
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I did it with my partner on my 04 gs it would be a great road on a supermoto
Anything lighter would be better 👍
Great ride.. iv not done this…yet! Done stelvio on an extremely busy day…
OMG the Stelvio was hell for us with all that traffic. You will be ok on the Hardknott Pass after the Stevio 👍
I have toured much of the Britain, have climbed all the munros, but I will state the hard knott pass is the most difficult road in the whole of Britain. So much so, it might need to be regulated. Saying that from experience, having driven a small minibus of kids over it. Rode a motorbike over the beallach na ba in Scotland, much higher, but no problem.
Ah the road to Applecross done it a few times on three different bikes two up. As you say its higher and also longer. I can also confirm I found the Hardknott Pass harder Thanks for watching👍
I loved it on my little tiny honda H100. Poor thing could only manage 1st gear.
Love it, not sure you’re little Honda with me on it would make it up that hill 😂 A smaller bike would be better than my GSA. Thanks for watching 👍
Done it many times. One of my favourite most stupid fun roads in the lake district. Best done on a sunny day though. Ps, i first did it on a SR 500 but the last few times on a gen 1 V Max. Never with a passenger though.
Was the first time for us but I will do it on my own in good weather. Thanks for watching👍
In those conditions it looks nightmarish. Reminds me of the Kirkstone Pass in the Lake District.
Not done that one, might try it in the future👍
Me and two pals fell off on that road we looked very silly and had very bruised egos
Thanks for sharing, it highlights that this road is tricky. 👍
Good assessment and nice vid. Ive done it twice but in the dry on a Vn800 classic and an SR1100 Pan. The biggest problem was oncoming traffic. There isnt much but of course you meet it on the tight/steep bits. The Vulcan was better with its heavyweigh low down and my feet happily on deck, but the Pan, being more upright was a bit of a mare when some driver thought it was best to stop, forcing me to stop but with edge, completely open to the drop, inches away and bike starting to slip. The panic button kicked in and managed to muscle my way out. After Hardknott stopped at King George 1v pub in Eskdale for a soothing pint and vowed never again! I was luckily solo, if you go in a group give yourselves a proper gap (x5!) as your vid so clearly showed. Thanks for the vid.
Great bit of advise, we were very lucky not to meet any traffic and not sure where you go when you do😂 Thanks for watching 👍
@@2SpareTyreswas the reason that you didn’t meet any traffic because the road was actually closed but you carried on regardless….? Even if the traffic cones appeared to have been moved to allow access, the roadsigns still set the precedent.
Its been a few years since I rode over, Done it twice now and you are correct It seems a bit easier doing Wrynose first as it does set you up for Hardknott.
I did both trips on a Honda Blackbird a bit of luggage and a pillion, how ever both my trips were on a nice sunny day.
Thanks for sharing, liked and subbed
Love a Honda Blackbird. Have owned a 1997, 2004, and 2007. I would say its harder on the Honda Blackbird than a GS.
Thanks for watching and the subscription 👍
Done this a couple of years ago in the opposite direction with a 4x4 group, was better weather but still a bit hairy! Not sure I would want to do it on my bike in that weather!
👍 Thanks for watching
It's been on my bucket list for a long time. Hopefully I'll get round to it this year.
I hope you have better weather than we did. Ride safe 👍
Great video i bet its Great on a summer's day when you can see the views
I don't think I'm going back 2 up to find out 😂 but would do it on my own. Thanks for watching 👍
The trouble is, in the summer, there is quite a lot of traffic.
Nice video. Bloody awful weather though! Video always flattens it out so you don't really get the right impression of the awkwardness of some of those bends! The other problem with that right hander is that if you do it in the summer you are bound to meet a car coming the other way and that when riders get into trouble! If anyone is thinking of doing it in summer, do it very early in the morning before everyone is out and about? If anyone wants a big challenge you'd have to try the Stelvio pass in the Italian eastern alps: 2757 metres and over 60 hairpins?
Some great advice for those thinking of doing the Hardknott Pass. We did the Stelvio Pass in 2018. The traffic was horrendous and someone in a car going up stopped half way round the bend to take a picture, needless to say we fell of the Honda Blackbird. Lesson learned, leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front. Thanks for watching👍
Great ride that is
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Ive ridden it a few times on a Honda Crosstourer, a big heavy bike. As you say, the most important thing is to look well ahead and not get into a situation where youre forced to stop on a bend. In a lot of cases, if you have to put your foot down the ground isnt there to meet it, well it is, eventually. I view it as a tick, not especially enjoyable but a good one to have done. As an aside, ive taken delivery of a GSA1250, my god its a big bike, not so sure im ready to take that over there lol.
Some sound advice. You will love the GSA. I went Honda Blackbird, Ducati Multistrada and then the GSA1250 and never looked back. It just does what I want two up full luggage. 👍
wow looks great! I will get some practice then try to ride it in the summer when it is dry
Building up your clutch control and slow speed cornering is the best advise I could give you. Thanks for watching and have a safe ride. 👍
Probably harder in the summer in some respects. A lot more car traffic there, meaning a lot of stop and go, and also questionable abilities of the tourist drivers who have over stretched their abilities.
It’s tricky but it’s all about being in the right gear end of, remember a mini bus does it twice a day
Wow I never new a mini bus went up there. Hats off to the driver 👍
@@2SpareTyres must have a warehouse full of clutches
What is all the fuss?
In around 1975? my friend and I went from Coventry for a tour of the lake District.
On my Honda GL1000 Goldwing. One of the first in Britain.
It was a great day and we passed over the Hardknott and Wrynose passes with no problem at all! I had gone over them earlier on my Triumph 750cc Triple with my friend, who was riding his Honda C90 ,and he breezed over these passes with no problem while I struggled with my bike. One which Percy Tait later told me he had test-ridden for the maker and set it up for a sporty feel (read racing!)
Now years later, Percy told me that he had also been one of the factory test riders of the Yamaha XS1100 that I had and agreed that while that bike was good on sweeping bends (‘A’ roads etc) it took a many-point turn to get around in a normal road!
Later, in 2007, I finally worked out why my very fast touring bicycle in the 1960s had similar problems.
It was the trail of the steering geometry, as while the beautiful frame had caught my eye and I had built a touring bike around it, stubbornly ignoring the signs, that frame was really made to be used on a velodrome and had very little lead in the geometry. That bike could not be ridden ‘hand free’!
Likewise, my Triumph had been made for track days but never advertised as such. Great for long sweeping bends but rubbish around town etc.
The Gold Wing was set up for touring also but was very chuckable and fun to ride. I suspect that the Blackbird and (some) other modern bikes have fallen foul of the same problem. Set up for motorways they are not so good on the twisty stuff. Does anybody else concur?
What a lovely story. Having owned three Blackbirds I always found them a great touring bike and more than capable of handling the the twisty bits. On my last 2007 Blackbird I got a company over in Stourbridge to change the stock suspension for Wilbers adjustable rear shock; front springs and matched to our weight. Well the difference was like night and day. The way it turned in was unbelievable, it would give many a sports bike a shock as it kept up in the bends. Thanks for your insights and for watching👍
Great ride buddy, its a lot steeper and technical in real life
Its a good ride one you've ridden it a few times
Will be doing on my own in the dry next time. Thanks for watching👍
No road is dangerous if you drive / ride to the conditions, roads don’t cause accidents, riders / drivers cause them
You also need the right level of skill to match the road 👍
I suppose in a statistical sense the word dangerous is based on the number of accidents/casualties.
@@geofftoscano6804 yea, like I said it’s the riders / drivers that push the accident statistics up because they can’t drive to the correct speed which the conditions dictate,
I mean a road covered in ice or oil is dangerous. Period.
Gotta be careful up there, Having a clear run helps , The biggest fear all the time is meeting a car or worst still a campervan with a stream of cars behind on one of the hairpins & having to restart , & it does happen all sorts of vehicles go over there ,i have seen some right fun & games going on in summer .!!!!!
Nice insight. Thanks for watching👍
Nice video and love the music. As far as the road goes, I think I'll "pass" on that one.
😂 Thanks for watching 👍
22 years ago my wife dropped her motoguzzi breva on that same corner she hit a big pot hole the road had at that time and over she went! With my son on the back fortunately there was a land rover behind containing a couple of big lads who jumped out and stopped the bike sliding off the road!! Definitely a bit tricky that one lol!!.
I'm glad you were ok and that there was someone around to help out. Your experience highlights that this is indeed a tricky ride. Thanks 👍
Done it in both directions, GPZ 500 & FZS600 Fazer. On one occasion, I followed a couple on a Wing. Lots of fuss about not very much imo.
Thanks for sharing!
There's gonna be four of us doing hardnot on Easter Sunday 🤔. If it isn't snowing. Two BMW gs's, a VFR1200 & a FJR1300. Should be fun😁🇬🇧🇬🇧
Hopefully you won't meet to much traffic. That was the only benefit of doing it in rain 😂👍
Absolute must, Ride it, I have on my bmw, and also on my Supercub, even in my little camper, just ride safe
Thanks for watching 👍
Great video, its def a road that requires respect. One time a group of us were going up that steep right hand hairpin and the lad in front of me on an R6 foolishly took his hand off the handlebar to administer a W ⚓sign at an impatiently descending motorist coming towards us. Needless to say who had the last laugh 🤣🤣🤣🛻
I best enjoy going up there at 7:00am on a sunny sunday morning
Love the tale of your adventure up the HardKnott Pass. Thanks for watching👍
Just watched and subscribed good video 👍
Thanks for watching and appreciate the sub. 👍
I did this two up on a Harley Road king
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Been on this road a few times, both on motorbikes and in cars (tbh trying it in a car is a lot harder due to the narrow road and folk not using the passing places at times😒
Definitely NOT a road to be underestimated or treat with respect (ESPECIALLY in the wet😬)
Car ! I could see on my way round where the cars had bottomed out. Thanks for sharing your experience. 👍
Why not, everyday is a challenge to take on
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Great video, done it a few times one wet and in the dry, you were lucky it was quiet, you didn’t encounter any cars or cyclist 😬
thanks and Yes no cars or cyclist was a bonus. Signs saying it was closed may have helped even though it wasn't closed 👍
@@2SpareTyresapologies, but what made you think that the road wasn’t closed? You said it yourself, the roadsigns informed you that it was closed.
Not sure I follow your logic here tbh?!
Absolutely love Hardknott and Wrynose, have been over with every bike ive owned. Go over one way, then turn around and straight back over.
Best fun was a Monkey 125.
It is easier going East to West, so Wrynose onto Hardknott.
I would have preferred a lighter bike and definitely to do it next time east to west. 👍
@@2SpareTyres
I've had a Kawasaki ER6-F, Honda CBF1000F, Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE, Honda Monkey 125, Triumph Scrambler 900 and Triumph Tiger 900 over the passes.
I always go over East to West, get to the end then turn around and go back over. It's a good test of not only the bikes agility and handling but rider skill and confidence on each bike.
The best bikes going over have been the Monkey 125, as it's so light and easy, the Scrambler 900 and Tiger 900. The Tiger 900 being the best bike overall.
1st gear early is the best bet for the worst parts, and keep the momentum going and don't go overly wide on the corners.
During the week is best as there's less traffic, weekends can be a nightmare.
I ride over these passes regularly on my 1979 Suzuki gs850.... 2 up. I find them great fun. I would not ride them on L plates. The roads are very technical but all you need is a bit of common sense. If you think these roads are dangerous you have always a choice.
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One important thing you have to have for this pass is respect, I don't think you had much for it.
Trust me I had some after I finished the ride. I did no research about the road so as not to put me off doing it, however I would recommend anyone that's thinking of riding the Hardknott pass to watch some videos and make sure they are up to the challenge. 👍
@@2SpareTyresYou said you did no research on the road but in your description it says you found this road on two lists, one for most dangerous roads in the UK and the other being Britains steepest roads, so you did do some research.
There's no such thing as 'dangerous' roads (unless maybe you're in a war zone), but there are many substandard Riders and drivers on them.
Experience and skill should get you to the end of most roads. Just depends on how honest you are when you judge yourself 👍
It’s a fun technical road to ride up that way round, I fortunately like yourself found nothing coming down the hill. The camera doesn’t do the steepness justice.
Probably a bit easier the other way and best to get up there early before the traffic. Thanks for watching👍
After Stelvio Pass I thought I was ready for anything but Hardnott on a very wet and windy day was worse. No pleasure or enjoyment whatsoever. Personally don't see the point in riding roads like these but each to their own.
I agree it is harder than the Stelvio Pass. I guess it is one of those roads that gets talked about a lot. For me it made a nice little break in the Lake District and then 2 up, full luggage in the wet was not that much fun but definitely a challenge. Well it's ticked off the list and I probably won't do it again under the same circumstance. 👍
Looks like the surface has been repaired in places. Not been up for a couple of years but there was a large vertical sided pothole.on the bend before the one you stopped on and a lot of longitudinal grooving lower down.
It's not a dangerous road - I've been over many times and it's very much talked up by the internet. I suspect the main problem is that people will insist on riding huge barges which are hard to control at low speeds.
Btw, you should have stopped a bit lower down and gone for a mooch around the Roman fort. Not one of the empires sought after postings!!
Its was the plan to stop at the Roman fort/Thermae but as it was raining we decided to keep going and save it for another day👍
Up it on a cycle? No, just a bloke on a motorbike, try the A1 next? Or B5023, I have done it in a Sprinter need to make a video on that or crossing the road to the shop
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I'm a local and don't ride it as the road is shocking 😮 enjoy
You heard that from a local. Thanks for sharing and watching 👍
Plan B.... Never try it for the first time in the rain 😮
😂😂😂 Won’t be doing it in the rain or 2up again. Might be tempted on my own in the dry😳
Your a biker, yes maybe over the years you kind of rode your bike day in day out, maybe you ride cos its just such a thrill. There is no guarantee if your out there all year that one day wet leaves on a shady bend , an artic, cab in front of you trailer on his side and dry stone walls to make it interesting. Yep been there, enjoyed hospital food. Repaired the bike , just loved the next ride I always knew that one day I might just have a chat with some of the lads that never had to repair the bike. Should you ride? well Adrenalin is one hell of a drug. I always rode with one aim I might die for my love of freedom but did my best (and never did) play games that could hurt others, even though some of them did not reciprocate. You get to know how to not trust motorists, etc, if you worry about ridding --- simple ,drive, bus.Stay at home but you,d miss so much, Happy Riding.
As a fellow rider, your words resonate deeply. The thrill of the open road, the dance with danger, and the camaraderie among those who've tasted asphalt. Wet leaves, sharp bends, and unexpected obstacles-each a chapter in our two-wheeled saga. Hospital food becomes a badge of honour, and bike repairs, a labour of love. Adrenaline courses through our veins, urging us forward. We ride not recklessly, but with purpose-to embrace freedom, to defy fate. Trusting motorists? A luxury we can't afford. So, we mount our steeds, salute the wind, and chase horizons. Happy riding, my friend. Thanks for watching👍
On a good day with no traffic it's an interesting and enjoyable ride. However, the road surface can be poor with some large potholes, add in some car drivers who haven't a clue and it can get very unpleasant. Some of the corners are very steep and if you are forced to stop on some of these bends because of an idiot car driver the surface of the road can be a long way beneath your foot. If you see a car coming the other way stop in a safe place and wait for it to pass. Caution advised.
Some great advice for those planning a ride over the Hardknott pass. Thanks for watching👍
I’d only been riding about 2 years when I rode it on a tour and must be honest shit me self 🤣
At least you did it 😂👍
Ran through it in July 1976 on my trusty Kawasaki KH250 (equipped with throwover panniers no less).
It was narrow, steep and hairpin bends. My strongest memory is of the idiot in the car who expected me to back the bike uphill to let him get past. My happiness knows know bounds that at the age he was then he’s long dead by now….
Try Europe, it’s far more interesting than Cumbria and the drivers’ aren’t twats…..
Love a trip to Europe. Went to Croatia in the summer on the motorcycle. Currently uploading them to RUclips. Thanks for watching👍
No reason not to ride the Hardknott. Think I've done it 7 or 8 times now, no issues but its fair to say that an inexperienced rider might struggle or come a cropper
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Hi 2ST. I rode this on a BMW K1600GT, which was a bit of challenge given its 340kg, my 5'8" (if I look up) and hobbitty short legs. Went from Wrynose to Hardknott, the weather was beautiful and the views breath taking. You cant stop on the apexes on some corners as the elevation is such that you (or at least I) could not touch the ground. Would recommend this ride but I reckon something like Honda Transalp would be a good option to do it on. I have a BMW GSA now albeit a Low Chassis & would take it over this pass without a doubt although maybe less keen to do that 2 up.
Link to the run on a beautiful day here, had to stabilise the image due to a dodgy cam mount. You're right about the vid not showing the angle of ascent! ruclips.net/video/k-ZjCLczP5E/видео.html
Great story and plenty of advise for anyone thinking of riding the Hardknott Pass 👍
Done it many times. No big deal.
What in the UK would you consider a big deal?
have done also more time. Some time i have walk in 3 hr about snow fun and motorbike in the hand. Good fun no big deal. LOL
Positioning your camera on the far left of your bike made me queasy about you going off the edge. 😮
Me too when I watched it back 😂 Thanks for watching👍
I've done it a few times both ways a bum twitcher every time , but never done it two up so well done.
Cheers, I would not recommend two up. Thanks for watching 👍
I’m retired and buying a Enfield 350 Classic after about a year or so I intend to ride the hardnock pass , cause I’ll be on a small bike would be a good idea to ride it after a bit?👍🏍️
Its to tough road to ride but I guess it comes down to your level of skill and experience. I would start with the Wrynose Pass and then decide if you are going to carry on and ride the Hardknott Pass. Hope that helps and thanks for watching👍
It’s not too bad really I’ve done it several times in my lwb sprinter but always driving the opposite direction, ok in the autumn / winter but it terrible in the summer with all the cyclists.
March in the rain , no one around. Perfect 😂👍
did Hardnott pass as a learner on my C72 240 Honda i dont recall it being a problem whats all the fuss about
Wow as a learner, I take my hat off to you.👍
Yes! Yes you should. It'll be hardnot to.
See what I did there? 😂😂😂
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Going over that for years what's the fuss....no on complained in the 1970s...crazy world!?
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Did it two up on a 650 triumph in 1983. Didn't think I'd need first gear but I did but had zero information on the route and was following my mate who'd heard about it. It's steep and twisty, no one fell off,and because the internet didn't exist we couldn't big it up into something it wasn't. Roads aren't dangerous like weather isn't bad. It's unsuitable bikes and clothing.
@@highdownmartin yes your very right...I think we probably enjoyed being out...less traffic and all that....I gave a climber a lift over applecross pass....which was interesting...but the fun and adventure took over loved it..
@@adegill9468 just remembered doing the ring of beara in sw Ireland around 95? About 100 miles and mostly in first second and a bit of third. Guzzi spada. Super twisty up and down coast road, single track and shit surface. Spectacular but a relief to get back into fifth on the run back to Macroom and stop concentrating so hard. I think a lot of people who find hardknott “ terrifying “ is because they’ve never done any riding like it before. I love seeking out the real proper backroads
This road is an adventure but you are on adventure bikes.... Where is the problem.
Thanks for watching
I've done that pass on abmw 1200 lt, and both ways on a honda goldwing 2up great pass to ride...
Nice! Thanks for watching 👍