Hardknott Roman Fort & Thermae — Attraction in Eskdale

Done this drive as sat nav took me this way from windermere and had never heard of it what a nightmare of a drive. Avoid it. Don't know why it has not been closed down. It is a single lane road up and down a mountain with really tight bends with no roadside barriers don't know what we would have done if another car had came the opposite way as no way would I reverse back. Once you are on it you can not turn around it is a white knuckle ride for nearly 20 miles my wife took a panic attack as some parts it is just a sheer drop at the side you have the fear of oncoming traffic the fear of your car cutting out as some climbs and dips really put it to the test and the fear of not going over the side of a cliff with 1 wrong move as the road narrows so much in parts your car just about fits on the road (we was in a captur) it's so bad when we got to our b&b the locals in the evening were coming over asking was we the the couple that done the hardknot pass saying no one ever uses that road because of the dangers and hadn't been on it themselves since they were young and reckless playing dares on it put it this way I was prepared to drive around the country to get home before I took that way back luckily there are A roads which locals told me about I'd stick to the A roads as I said once your on it there is no...

Hardknott Roman Fort (Mediobogdum to my Latin brethren) as approached from Ambleside via Wrynose pass, or better still across the fells, develops the feeling of isolation one feels when exploring this precious ancient treasure.

The fort itself has well preserved baths, fort headquarters, Praetorium, granaries and walls which make for a striking juxtaposition against the craggy backdrop and imposing peaks of Scafell Pike to the North and Hard Knott to the North East. There is not much in the way of interpretation or information, this, I hope has been done of sympathy for the scarce majesty of the place. No kiosks, no heaving car parks nor gift shops.

I've been fortunate enough to visit in both winter and summer. Each has its own charm, especially in early summer twilight and mid winter during moody changeable skies. Walking the ruins pondering the soldiers lives living in such a spot, most likely recruited from far more pleasing climes (evidence points to a cohort raised in Dalmatia, on the shores of the Adriatic) across the empire, you cannot help but quietly reflect on the emotional response to living and working in such a beautiful yet desolate location. This coupled with the baths adds a real human touch to the cold...

This is a Spectacular place to visit in the Lake District, If you are interested in Roman History, this is a Great place to visit.... Although it's a Very CHALLENGING DRIVE, over 2 of Britain's WILDEST MOUNTAIN ⛰ PASSES... Wrynose and Hardknott, Definitely one for the Summer, as I WOULDN'T RECOMMEND IN THE WINTER.... and after Heavy Rain 🌧 as Road Gradients are CHALLENGING enough in Dry weather, The Extensive remains of the Hardknott Fort are in a Fantastic location on the Hardknott Road... with Impressive views over the Eskdale valley, Information plaques at Various points around the the Fort Explaining what part of the Layout of the Fort you are looking at example ( The Granaries) on a Fine Day..it would be easy to wile away a good hour PLUS, exploring the Site, just a short walk from the Fort heading back up the Ground behind the Fort, a Slightly uphill walk is a Quite Flat piece of Ground were the Legionaries, practiced Drill... Good Footwear ADVISABLE ( Boots or Good Walking shoes) Ground is likely to be Very Boggy/ Muddy, If it has Rained 🌧 .... A Great Day out.... please Enjoy 😉...Take only Photos and Leave only Footprints 👣...