Lake District
7.8km/4¾ miles 3¾ hours
1 NY213011 Starting from the limited parking area by Jubilee Bridge at the foot of the western end of Hardknott pass, east of Eskdale, cross the small stone packhorse bridge spanning Hardknott Gill. A public bridleway sign marked ‘Dunnerdale 3 miles’ indicates the way ahead. Bear right and climb up to pass through a couple of gates to reach the track beyond.
A grassy bridleway now leads ahead in a south-westerly direction, traversing the fellside below Dod Knott before crossing Dodknott Gill and passing through a small gate in the wall. Continue ahead on the path, which continues to climb steadily before bearing to the left to reach another gate, bringing you into the open expanse of Birker Fell. Proceed on the well-defined path in a southerly direction with Kepple Crag to the right. The path is fairly flat and hugs a wooden wire fence but can be wet at times as it follows Spothow Gill. Avoid the temptation to climb the obvious triangular peak of Harter Fell, which dominates the horizon, and proceed ahead. Shortly, Hardknott Forest comes into view in the foreground, bringing you to a gate at the corner of the forest enclosure fence. Enjoy the fine views back across the barren moorland to Green Crag and Crook Crag. 2 SD211992 Turn left and climb the path up the steep, grassy slope that hugs the forest enclosure fence on the right. Pass over a knoll and cross a short plateau as the path rises again. Continue ahead through a section of boulders until you reach an obvious cairn. Bear right and follow the path up to the summit area, which bears three rocky tors. A triangulation (trig) point nestling among them offers enjoyable views as far as the Duddon Estuary.
3 SD218997 Head away from the trig point and rocky summit area, and begin descending in a north-easterly direction
towards Demming Crag. The path is faint and steep at first, crossing a series of grassy knolls before easing. Stride ahead and enjoy the panorama of fells on the skyline but be sure to keep the rocky outcrops of Demming Crag on the left as the moor can seem pathless at times. Carry on towards the forest edge, where the corner of the enclosure fence once again comes into view and is crossed via a stile. Persevere across several more
grassy mounds before the path becomes more prominent and reaches a little tarn just below Peathill Crag, where in wet conditions the ground can be extremely boggy. Cross another stile over a fence on the right-hand side and follow the track over one final rise and head down to the Hardknott Pass road below Raven Crag and Border End.
4 NY230014 Cross the road which can be busy during the holiday season and turn left to follow the obvious path down and across the fellside. The path initially hugs the roadside before heading over to the right beneath the imposing Border End. The impressive Hardknott Castle and Roman fort are now visible directly ahead. Continue on the path and be sure to explore the fort ruins. Leave the ruins by the north-westerly corner and follow the path back down to the road, where a short descent brings you back to the parking at Jubilee Bridge.