Mountain Passes & Muncaster Castle Tour: Hardknott & Wrynose

Two of England's steepest mountain passes, a medieval castle, and a daily bird-of-prey display

A guided tour from Oxenholme Train Station through the Lake District's most dramatic roads: Hardknott and Wrynose passes, Wastwater, and Muncaster Castle. You travel in a small mini-coach, stop for photos in Langdale Valley, pass the ancient Hardknott Roman Fort, enjoy a locally sourced lunch at the castle, and watch the 2pm flying display featuring owls, falcons, eagles and vultures. Minimal walking, live English commentary throughout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Hardknott Roman Fortpassing by
2. Wrynose Pass30m
3. Muncaster Castle2h · entry included
4. Wastwater10m

Scenic mountain passes and castle visit

• Collect from Oxenholme Train Station
• Drive through Langdale Valley
• Photo stop at Blea Tarn
• Travel Wrynose Pass
• Pass ancient Roman Fort
• Travel Hardknott Pass
• Visit Wastwater lake
• Lunch at Muncaster Castle
• Explore Muncaster Castle
• Stroll castle gardens
• Try archery and axe throwing
• Watch 2pm flying display
• End day exploring Lake District

The experience

The route starts at Oxenholme Train Station and climbs into Langdale Valley for a photo stop at Blea Tarn before tackling Hardknott Pass: one of the steepest and most challenging roads in Britain. The winding ascent reveals the valley floor far below, then descends to pass the ancient Hardknott Roman Fort. From there, the road crosses Wrynose Pass, another notorious mountain route that cuts through the high fells with views across multiple valleys. The small mini-coach handles these narrow, steep stretches that larger vehicles cannot navigate.

After the passes, the tour reaches Wastwater, England's deepest lake, framed by the surrounding peaks. You arrive at Muncaster Castle mid-morning, where a locally sourced lunch is included before you explore at your own pace. The castle grounds and gardens are open to wander, and the Weapons Hall offers optional archery, axe throwing, and crossbow activities. The highlight is the daily flying display at 2pm, when owls, falcons, eagles and vultures are flown in the grounds: a spectacle the operator names as a must-see moment of the day.

The tour includes on-board commentary in English and access to a multilingual audio guide via the Mountain Goat App (download before arrival, as there is no wifi on the coach). Toilet stops break up the 9-hour day, and minimal walking is involved. Pickup and drop-off both happen at Oxenholme Train Station, so the tour suits rail travelers arriving at that hub.

What’s included

• Pickup and drop-off at Oxenholme Train Station.
• lunch at Muncaster Castle.
• entrance to the castle and grounds.
• transport in a small mini-coach with on-board English commentary.
• access to a multilingual audio guide via the Mountain Goat App.
• toilet stops en route.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 27 Mar 2027

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (5 to 15 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish

Audio guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese and Japanese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Mountain Goat Tours

Is this one for you?Pick this shared mini-coach tour if you're arriving at Oxenholme and want both mountain passes and castle on a fixed schedule. Book private hire instead if you need flexibility to spend extra time at any stop or skip the 2pm flying display.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 15 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What are Hardknott and Wrynose passes like to drive?

Hardknott Pass is one of England's steepest and most challenging roads, with a winding ascent that reveals dramatic valley views below. Wrynose Pass is equally notorious, cutting through the high fells with views across multiple valleys. Both are narrow mountain routes that require a small vehicle. The mini-coach is built for these roads.

What happens at Muncaster Castle during the tour?

Lunch is included before you explore the castle and grounds at your own pace. The Weapons Hall offers optional archery, axe throwing, and crossbow activities if you want to try them. The daily flying display at 2pm features owls, falcons, eagles and vultures and is the highlight of the castle visit.

How much walking is involved in this tour?

Minimal walking is involved. You travel by mini-coach between stops, and at Muncaster Castle you choose how much to explore the grounds and gardens on foot.

What is Wastwater and when do I see it?

Wastwater is England's deepest lake, visited after crossing the mountain passes. You see it framed by the surrounding peaks and highest mountain in England, with a stop to take in the views.