Border End

HARDKNOTT PASS, LAKE DISTRICT TAKE A STROLL THROUGH ROMAN HISTORY, THEN LEAVE IT BEHIND TO CLIMB AN OVERLOOKED LITTLE FELL WITH SOME MASSIVE VIEWS.

WALK IT

Sandwiched between two Hardknotts and flanked by a third, Border End is surrounded on almost all sides by things more likely to attract your attention. The Roman Fort of Hardknott sits directly beneath its western slopes, the higher and more sprawling fell of Hard Knott is adjoined to the east, and the Hardknott Pass slithers to its summit directly below the southern spurs of Border End. But it’s what lies to the north that makes this little hill worth climbing. If you stand within the walls of the Hardknott Fort, the summit that rises above you is not that of Hard Knott itself but Border End, and it is this summit that the Roman soldiers stationed at Mediobogdum would have gazed upon a little under two thousand years ago. Ascend Border End by its pathless northern spur above Yew Crags, eventually meeting the rock that breaks through near its summit for some last-minute scrambling fun. Then, from the top, turn your gaze towards the north and take in the beautiful ruggedness of the Upper Eskdale valley as it draws your eye towards the waiting Scafell massif and the giants of Lakeland that reside there.

Scafell Pike dominates a skyline chock-full of Lakeland big hitters. Sca Fell is just out of shot, but suitably impressive in the actual view. Ill Crag looks positively regal from this angle, and the long line of the Cockly Pike Ridge scramble is obvious. Border End is not a fell many will have on their must-do list, but the views are sensational. Hard Knott fell sits just behind Border End, Hardknott Roman Fort lies on it slopes, and the Hardknott Pass winds by its feet.