Simon Heptinstall takes on one of Britain’s steepest climbs, which would have even Wordsworth breathless.

Incredibly steep and probably more suited to sheep, the Hardknott Pass is a right of passage for drivers and cyclists, says Simon Heptinstall.

Densely packed as it is with mountains and lakes, Cumbria’s road are seldom straight. The passes of the Lake District may not reach the dizzying heights of those in Europe, but they’re so close together that within a day you could tick off a bucket list of amazing drives.