OpenTube

I Witnessed a Crash on Britain’s Steepest Road!

Jack Brock

57,644 views

Hardknott Pass is one of the steepest and most dangerous roads in the UK — and I decided to ride it on a 47hp Royal Enfield Interceptor 650. What could possibly go wrong?

In this video, I take you on a POV ride over the legendary Hardknott Pass in the Lake District, tackling brutal gradients of up to 33%, hairpin bends that eat clutches for breakfast, and road conditions that have defeated everything from adventure bikes to family SUVs. It’s a climb so notorious, even cyclists and seasoned drivers often give up and it doesn’t end there. What goes up, must come down…

Along the way, I also witnessed a crash, proving just how punishing this road can be. But with some tips, determination, and the right mindset (and bike!), it’s absolutely worth the ride.

#hardknottpass #royalenfieldinterceptor #motorcycleadventure #britainssteepestroad

Follow me on Instagram - Instagram: j.brocky

Thanks for watching!

20 Comments

@j.brocky Creator 7 months ago Pinned

If you found this video entertaining and fancy supporting the channel, you can tap the "Thanks" button or buy me a coffee using the PayPal link below. No pressure at all though! I really appreciate any support, and it genuinely helps keep these videos coming 🤝

PayPal ➡️ paypal.me/jackbrock14

@fizzyridertoo 1 year ago

The camera really flattens it out. For those wondering, it's a 1:4 for much of it's length.

@Banditmanuk 1 year ago

Hardknott really isn't that difficult. It's having to stop for other traffic that gets bikes into trouble. Pick a dry day and ideally a week day when there's less traffic

@johnwood4448 1 year ago

I rode it and Wrynose on my 650 Vstrom on Monday this week(28/07/25),I'm 72 and try and ride it at least once or twice a year either on the Vstrom or my CB500X.It's a day ride for me from Near Warrington where I live,previously I've ridden it on my now sold NT700 Deauville.
It's not that difficult if you know what you're doing,but what can make it difficult is silly car drivers who think it's you that should stop when you're climbing!
it's their lack of appreciation that you are on two wheels and they're on four so don't need to balance and make a hill start on what can be very bad crapmac.

@highdownmartin 1 year ago

Did it in 1982 on my 650 triumph two up. With 500 and 350 triumph triumphs with me. No one fell off. There was no fuss before hand, we were there for the views, which didn’t disappoint, and took the road in our stride. The only bit I remember was having to do a hurried change down to first as second clearly wasn’t going to cut it, two up, on a particular steep bit.

@Stusez 1 year ago

Hi Jack, another great video, thank you. I just thought I'd share my experience of the hardnock pass. My wife and I did it on my Blade, with luggage about 14 years ago, it was dark about half way along, never been so uncomfortable on a bike lol. The next time I did it on a bike was on my Enfield Classic 500, no problem. Take it steady mate, and keep it upright,all the best mate.

@andysmith2013 1 year ago

Could be a good preliminary test for anyone thinking of the Alps/ Pyrenees / Picos. If Hardnott is a struggle, best avoid the Cols!

@ypcgnx7766 2 months ago

Oh Jack... that video is fantastic. I rode over Hardknott Pass last month during the Great Malle Rally... it was amazing. I’ve just watched your video three times to relive every second of the ascent and descent—moments I experienced in a state bordering on dissociation just to stay focused on the riding. Like you, I found my Royal Enfield (a Bear 650 in my case) perfect for the experience! Thanks a million for sharing this, and greetings from France ! Yves

@davidtaylor2947 1 year ago

Done Hard Knot twice now. Once a few years ago about 2014 two up on a 2007 865cc Bonny, and again earlier this year two up on a 2018 Tiger 1200 XRx. Gods honest it was a darn site easier on the Bonnie. Tiger's higher centre of gravity did make things a bit "clenchy" at times even with all the rider aids and more power. The Bonnie on the other hand just sailed up one side and down the other in a breeze, without even ABS. The only thing with the Bonnie was we did stop for about ten minuets after the decent just to have a drink, take in the scenery, and let the bikes brakes cool down a bit before continuing on our way.

@toni-b3m 1 year ago

Must admit I've seen lots of video bike fails on here and some of the riders would fall off getting the bike out of their garage. Big fancy every aid ever invented fitted doesn't make up for lack of riding skills and practice. Royal Enfield are producing some lovely machines at the right price and sector. 👍

@Sir.Fisher 1 year ago

Moved my comment to here as someone thought I was replying to them, I wasn't ..... I did it on my Harley, easy, the people who claim it's tough really should give up riding imho

@timmytackle9181 1 year ago

For all of you wondering it’s no way near as bad as some people make it out to be if it wasn’t infamous you wouldn’t comment on it

@AnthonyTobyEllenor-pi4jq 1 year ago

I enjoyed this video, a lovely area of Countryside !

@Dinara1up 1 year ago

Hi Jack! Fellow Inty rider here. Love your videos!

@williamcoulter5462 1 year ago

I did it from the Eskdale end last year when staying at Ravenglass, lots of fun on a light 125 Super Cub I felt sorry for the guy riding the Rocket 3, I passed him as he had stopped to get his breath back after the first uphill stretch he really did look knackered, never saw him again as I made my way through Wrynose onto Ambleside then the struggle up to Kirkstone pass, to top the day I went to Newlands pass and Honister to have lunch in Keswick a glorious day out, who needs an Adventure bike to have fun on the roads.

@Xcxadventuresuk 8 months ago

Enjoyed the video and loved the drama you put on it 😂👌🏻 I’ve been over on my 800xcx fully loaded and as long as you look ahead at what’s coming, and you have good control and ability on your bike it’s really not a bad road to ride. Get up and down there on any bike without an issue 👍🏻

@oov55 1 year ago

good advice, good ride, good observations and info - Thanks !

@derbyshireruralrider9398 1 year ago

Great footage. Shows the difficulty of the road clearer than some I’ve seen

@whitbythegoth 1 year ago

Been there, done that Jack, a good few moons ago. Thanks for rekindling the memories bro.

@justkidding9751 8 months ago

I'm in my late 60's I've completed this road many times since the 70's on a Honda CG 125, Yamaha TDR 125 a Kawasaki er6F and soon I'll be doing it on my Honda GB350s. I've never had any accidents or miss haps, slow but steady is the way to enjoy the scenery and appreciate where you are. Riding it early is a great tip, in 2006 I wild camped on this pass on my er6F on my UK tour which lasted 12 full months, I took a year out to do the best of the UK coastal roads and included the lake District great times.