Honister Pass.

I was planning to drive from Keswick to Maryport via the Honister Pass in the lake district but having looked at google maps, there is a width restriction on entering Seatoller at 6'6". My van spec states maximum width with mirrors folded as being 7' 2". I have a Harmony van conversion. Can anyone confirm that I will not be able to get through as I doubt the width restriction !

I don't recall having any problems going over Honister, and our van is the same width as yours. Also, Mountain Goat tours have Honister on at least one of their minibus tour routes.
It is quite narrow and steep though.

Frank.

I've done that route in two previous vans no problem - I think the issue is not so much that there is a 6'6" limit anywhere, but that some of the tight turns are more difficult in a very wide/long vehicle. Unless things have changed since I was last there I doubt you will have a problem with a Harmony.

We regularly drive from Keswick and park up at the top of the Honister pass to go walking - there's no problems - your mirrors are more at risk driving down Borrowdale and meeting a bus or lorry.

We'll be down there this coming weekend staying in our Symbol at Castlerigg Farm campsite, with lovely uninterrupted views over the fells.

Dave.

Another observation - the bus goes from Keswick over the Honister Pass and down into Buttermere nae problem.

Thanks for all the replies, it will stay on my agenda.

Live life to the full - live dangerously - get out there and do it while your still young.

Going from Borrowdale to Buttermere, just before things start going downhill, there used to be the usual 'low gear now' sign.
What used to make me smile was another sign, a bit further on saying 'You Have Been Warned!' don't know if the second one is still there?

Frank

Select link below to watch drive down Honister Pass to Keswick - about 3 minutes in you pass through Seattoler - excellent video, gives you a good idea of the route.

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Dave 

I've driven the route before, about 6 years ago but in a narrower vehicle, nice video !

I think it was Hardnot pass that was blocked by a HGV on one of the bends. It closed the pass for a full day whilst it was recovered. Honister pass is a nice challenge and worth the views. It made our Trany grunt and smoke a bit. Not very good for the environment I supose.

Didn't think HGVs were allowed over Hardknott? Now that is a challenge!

Frank

HGV,s are not supposed to use Hardnot. The driver thought he could get to Coniston that way. I think it was a supermarket truck. I got the story from the Youth Hostel in Coniston whilst we were there.

If you are going over Honister this coming Saturday 8th November, please be advised that the Vintage Sports Car Club are running a trial event on the Drumhouse mine road (private) up from the Honister quarry. Lots of old cars will be going up and down the public road to the quarry from the Buttermere side.
If you barge a vintage Bentley off the road and are at fault, best check your insurance cover, prices are approaching £1.75m for some models.  

Actually, according to this year's entry list the Bentley Boys are elsewhere; the most expensive target to hit is a Bugatti, most of the entry are Austin 7s and Ford model A. On a serious note, if you do encounter one of these, their brakes are not as good as yours!  

Cheers,
Pete.
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We went up Honister Pass last Sunday from Keswick - no problems encountered - note - Stagecoach bus company run a single decker bus from Keswick bus station up over Honister Pass and down into Buttermere.