Hardknott Roman Fort & Thermae. Reviews Summary

Location and Scenery

Pros:

• "What a stunning location and slice of history."
• "Absolutely stunning location. On a sunny day you can see as far as the end of the valley."
• "Truly spectacular site commanding views right down the valley."
• "The views of the valley are truly breathtaking and actually awesome."
• "Beautiful views, over the valleys and looking over to scafell and scafell pike."
• "The entire area is just stunningly​ beautiful, remote and surrounded by rugged terrain."
• "The views are stunning and the Roman Fort is expansive and well preserved."

Cons:

• "The location of the Fort is not very obvious from the road, so use Google Maps to locate it."
• "Warning... The road to the fort is not for the feint hearted."
• "The road is pretty much for only one car so be patient when people are coming from the other direction!"
• "No signage and a pocket layby so we missed it and had to walk back leaving the car further up the mountain."
• "Parking is tiny and requires a bit of a walk to get from which can leave you winded if wearing motorcycle gear."
• "This road is very narrow with passing places for vehicles heading in the opposite direction."
• "Very tricky road! I would say plan your journey carefully."

Historical Significance

Pros:

• "A brilliant and evocative Roman ruin from the time of Hadrian. Remarkably well preserved."
• "One the best kept Roman Forts in The Lakes."
• "Considering this site is of Emperor Hadrian era, 1900 years old, it is still a very fine example of a Roman fort."
• "Stunning Roman fort with detailed descriptions of the layout of the fort."
• "Its a very well preserved roman fort. Built under hadrians time as emperor."
• "Ruins of the fort here are quite extensive and show incredible detail of the facilities which once stood on this spot."
• "This is a fantastic example of a Roman fort."

Cons:

• "NOT for those of a nervous disposition or driving a long wheelbased vehicle."
• "I do question how much of the site is period, why wasn't it completely picked clean for walls decades ago?"
• "It's old, like really old, not much left, it's in ruins really."
• "In need of renovation the place has gone to ruins."
• "Not much of a fort, but that's expected given its age."
• "No other facilities. The walk from the parking areas to the fort is perhaps a hundred metres uphill over boggy ground - bring decent boots or risk wet feet."
• "But beware it can be very boggy underfoot, pity those roman soldiers."

Accessibility and Facilities

Pros:

• "There are a number of basic but interesting information panels, and two parking areas at the side of the road."
• "Definitely worth getting out of the car for on Hardknott pass. There is a small free car park on side of road."
• "No facilities are available here as at Housesteads but the NT have placed small plaques with information about the various buildings."
• "The road up from Eskdale/boot side fairly easy to drive up."
• "Great site and it's free with free parking!!"
• "Some parking spaces available near the site."
• "Open 24/7 and 365 days a year! No shop toilets kids etc so all in all recommended."

Cons:

• "The drive to get there is rather exciting - watch your clutch going up and the brakes going down Hardknott Pass!"
• "The trip over Hardknot Pass is not for the faint heart! Dangerous in poor weather."
• "I'm so glad I got to drive hardknott, but I won't be doing it again."
• "There doesn't seem to be any proper paths to get to the forte, and from the road you can't see it, so isn't very obvious to find, which is worth pointing out."
• "The ruins of this Roman fort are out in the middle of nowhere. To get here you will have to come over Hardknott pass which is a challenging drive."
• "The drive can only be described as white knuckle. My Volvo S60 struggled."
• "You have to be a competent driver to negotiate Hardknott Pass."