Lake District: Countryfile features Wrynose and Hardknott Pass

In February, Hardknott Pass was named by JMW Solicitors to be one of the most dangerous road in in the UK.

It has earned its fearsome reputation due to its series of hairpin bends, high risk of ice on the road and wayward motorists.

The ancient road was first laid by the Romans around 110 AD and led to the  dramatic stronghold at the top of the pass known today as Hardknott Fort.

BBC presenters Anita Rani and Matt Baker begin the episode by taking on the notorious route in a one-litre Toyota Yaris.

They are pre-warned by Woolpack Inn owner Paddington Berger of the puddles which are most likely to be deep potholes - and later advises to use a map rather than a sat nav.

Driver Anita drops into a lower gear as the pair begin to climb from Wrynose Pass before adding: "I can't express it, for anyone who loves driving, they'll know this feeling.

"It's magnificent because you don't know what's around the next corner and then oh, it's something else more beautiful.

"If you're a confident driver and you want to experience a drive that you've never done before, that is it."

Anita then goes on to meet Andy Caple, of Langdale and Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team, who tells of the numerous rescues he's done as people come out with their 'summer tyres' and then 'get stuck and slide into ditches'.

The episode then segways into presenter Matt interviewing National Trust tenant farmer Paddy Deedy where the two passes meet at Wrynose and Hardknott.

He also tells of the numerous motorists he has helped with punctures.

Paddy is part of a generation of Herdwick farmers that have grazed their flock in the picturesque Duddon Valley and has signed up to the Defra-funded Upper Duddon Landscape Recovery project to help with the bio-diversity.

The landscape is used for many recreational activities such as by 63-year-old Lindsay Burt for fell running and the 20-strong group of Wastwater swimmers - with Anita herself taking a dip. 

As with any taxing route, there is always a welcoming pub at the end which in Hardknott Pass' case takes the form of the Woolpack Inn.

Steve Ashell, who lives at the foot of the pass, showed the camera the Facebook group 'I just can't get over the pass' which is full of images of drivers who have become stuck.

Dan Shepard perhaps sums the spirit of the 250-person community best when he said: "Local people manage to deal with a lot of this stuff before the emergency services do.

"There's a really good community spirit." 

For those that may have been put off the sheer numbers of 'casualties' of the pass, Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway is explored which offers a more relaxing alternative.