Wrynose Pass

The basics

Wrynose Pass is connected to Hardknott Pass, an even steeper mountain pass that extends west to the Eskdale Valley. Sightseeing tours allow visitors to admire the scenery of this remote mountainous area without having to negotiate the narrow, twisting roads. Tours typically include a drive along both Wrynose and Hardknott Passes, with a photo stop at Hardknott Roman Fort and a ride on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway. Some multi-day tours that pass along Wrynose and Hardknott passes also make stops at sights north of the Lake District such as Hadrian’s Wall, the fortifications that divided Roman England from the unconquered Scottish north.

Things to know before you go

• Wrynose Pass is best navigated by confident drivers who are unruffled by heights.
• This road is very narrow but there are regular places where you can pull in to make room for oncoming traffic.
• Check tyre tread depth, car water levels, and brakes before undertaking this journey.

How to get there

Wrynose Pass runs between Little Langdale and the Duddon Valley. There are no scheduled bus services along Wrynose Pass. If you don’t want to drive yourself, go as part of an organized tour instead.

When to get there

Avoid going in winter, when there can be snow at higher elevations, making a challenging drive even more challenging. If you’re going in summer, consider a weekday visit. Many parts of the pass are single track; on weekends, you may find yourself caught in traffic.

Cockley Beck

Cockley Beck sits at the western end of Wrynose Pass and at the eastern end of Hardknott Pass, and makes a welcome rest stop for drivers who have steered their way around one of the passes and want to stretch their legs before continuing on to the next. Marking the intersection of the two mountain passes is a pretty stone packhorse bridge, which spans the River Duddon.