Just about to book in for a few days at Sykeside campsite in Patterdale followed by a few days at Fisherground in Eskdale....
We have a Transit camper van (short wheel base) - would we be absolutely mad to consider going over the passes with it fully laden with all the gear when we swap campsites? I've done it loads of times in various little hire cars and its been fine, but my boyfriend has never been over it and he'll be the one driving as I'll be 8 months pregnant by then! He's a very confident driver but this is really another league to trundling around the lanes....
Honest opinions sought please
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TBH, the road is fine if people stick to the "rules of the road" for such a route. Most people haven't got a clue and it completely does my head in. Passing places are for passing not PARKING , down gives way to up, give a toot on a blind bend , etc. That said, it is a spectacular drive.
However in your condition, if you get at all anxious, give it a miss.
Agree 100% with the above.
Passing places are used by idiots to have picnics, take photos etc.
Most modern cars can cope with stop starting even on the steepest sections. With a clear run you may have no problem. However if you are forced to stop, your relatively heavy trannie camper may well struggle.
Oh the smell of a hot clutch!
Have fun!
------------- I started out with nothing and I've still got most of it left - Seasick Steve 2008
Thanks very much both of you. I now have a clear picture in my mind of our van sliding uncontrollably backwards and me screaming myself into labour
I think we'll play it safe this time and go the long way round, making a day of it. Can't wait to get up there now, I've spent many walking holidays there in a tiny backpacker tent - it'll be a whole different thing this time in the van, staying at more 'family' type sites, practising for next year when there are three of us!
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I think you might not be in a position to do it for a while, but a great way to "do" Hardknott is camp at the Eskdale C&CC site - it's at the foot of the pass - and hike it.
wrynose would be ok, but I would worry about hardknott, I've been over it many many times over the years and seen all the above plus old ford escorts, vivas etc with passengers walking and the car smoking up slowly in 1st gear!!!
We had a mk3 transit for 10 years and went over both passes many times, both lightly and heavily loaded. We actually found it better loaded as there was more adhesive weight over the rear (driving) wheels, whereas unladen we could get wheelspin on the hairpins. Don't forget transits are fairly low geared and designed as load luggers. Also the short nose and high driving position give good visibility on the bends. However, having said all this, if you are at all worried, take the scenic route, although the transit will make it ok.
Hope this is of some help.
Pete.
------------- Don't panic!
Hit it with a pointed stick!
Nostalgia's not what it used to be.
Weve been over Hardknott loads of times. OH Loves it. Me and the kids are not so keen!!
Last time some friends followed us in their ford Galaxy....at one point the man driving said he couldnt see over the end of the bonnet to see if the road was there!
But...he made it, although his wife and son were sick when we got to the other side.
Think its very much a "boy thing"
ENJOY!!!! lol!
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should be ok in a diesel tranny but i wouldnt do it in a petrol auto box unless you want the brakes on fire, my late FIL took his 416 rover auto over in 2004 behind my diesel mondeo and b!! his brakes
. Mine was fine as the engine braking in 2nd was sufficient to hold it on the hills.
------------- Ah the smell of steam oil, coal and sulphur must be a steam train
Having done it a couple of times heading east from Boot - I would say that its best avoided on all but the quietest days ( CERTAINLY wouldn't try it on a bakn holiday or when the schools are off. ) its not just the mad twistbacks, its the never-seeming-to-end narrow lanes at the langdale end where is a case of stop, reverse, stop, pull in so tight you scrape - stop again - reverse again ! these lanes are just a nightmare - and apart from the fab views you get when you up on the top there - I dont acctually find you save that much time - take the easy route !
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Topic: Hardknott/Wrynose Pass - honest opinions!
, down gives way to up
