Top 16 Mountain Passes around Patterdale

The mountain passes near Patterdale offer a range of difficulties. For instance, Wrynose Pass Climb from Fell Foot Farm is known for its extreme steepness, with gradients often exceeding 20%, making it a challenging ascent for experienced cyclists and walkers. Similarly, Garburn Pass has a much steeper Kentmere side, popular for those seeking a strenuous experience. However, there are also more gradual sections and routes suitable for varying fitness levels.

Many passes in the Patterdale area boast spectacular vistas. Kirkstone Pass, for example, provides breathtaking views of the surrounding Lake District National Park, including sights of Red Screes and Caudale Moor. Wrynose Pass offers immensely rewarding views, particularly of the Langdale Pikes from its lower slopes. Boredale Hause also provides wide-ranging views across the Lake District, including the Helvellyn range and the Far Eastern Fells beyond Ullswater.

Yes, the mountain passes around Patterdale are integral to many hiking routes. For example, Grisedale Tarn, while not a pass itself, is a key point where hikers meet and choose routes towards St. Sunday Crag or Helvellyn. Boredale Hause is typically accessed during hikes that often include Place Fell. You can find various hiking options, including challenging fells and moderate walks, by exploring the hiking guide for Patterdale.

The passes are rich in history. At the summit of Wrynose Pass, the historic Three Shires Stone marks the meeting point of the former county borders of Cumberland, Lancashire, and Westmorland. Grisedale Tarn is steeped in folklore, believed to be where King Dunmail's crown was cast into the water after a battle in 945 AD. Additionally, the Kirkstone Pass Inn, located on Kirkstone Pass, is the third-highest pub in England and was formerly an important coaching inn.

The best time to visit is generally during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn (May to October), when the weather is more stable and conditions are more favorable for outdoor activities. During winter, challenging passes like Kirkstone Pass can experience icy conditions, which warrant caution. Always check the local weather forecast before heading out, especially for higher elevations.

While some passes are very challenging, there are sections and nearby areas that can be enjoyed by families. For example, the more gradual Troutbeck side of Garburn Pass might be more suitable for family walks or rides. It's advisable to research specific routes and their difficulty levels to ensure they are appropriate for all family members. Many lower-level walks around Patterdale and Ullswater are also excellent for families.

Yes, there are options for refreshments and accommodation. The Kirkstone Pass Inn is a notable pub located directly on Kirkstone Pass, offering a place to rest and refuel. Patterdale village and nearby Glenridding also provide various cafes, pubs, and accommodation options like hotels and B&Bs, serving as convenient bases for exploring the surrounding passes.

The area around Patterdale's mountain passes is a hub for outdoor activities. Besides hiking and cycling on the passes themselves, you can find numerous running trails, such as the Ullswater eastern shore loop, and more challenging routes like Helvellyn via Striding Edge. For more detailed information on various activities, you can explore the running trails guide or the hiking guide for Patterdale.

Many trails and passes in the Lake District National Park are dog-friendly, but it's crucial to keep dogs under close control, especially around livestock. Some areas may require dogs to be on a lead. Always follow the Countryside Code and be mindful of other walkers and wildlife. Specific rules may apply to certain nature reserves or private lands, so it's best to check local signage.

Patterdale and Glenridding are served by local bus services, which can provide access to the general area. From these villages, you can often reach the starting points of various walks and passes. However, direct public transport to the very summit of some remote passes might be limited. It's recommended to check local bus timetables for the most up-to-date information on routes and schedules connecting to specific pass access points.

While popular passes like Kirkstone can be busy, exploring routes that incorporate passes like Boredale Hause or the less-trafficked sides of passes like Garburn (e.g., the more gradual Troutbeck side) might offer a quieter experience. Venturing slightly off the most well-known paths or visiting during off-peak times can also help you find more solitude.

Winter walking on mountain passes in the Lake District, including those around Patterdale, requires significant preparation and experience. Conditions can be severe, with ice, snow, strong winds, and reduced visibility. Passes like Kirkstone can become impassable for vehicles. It's essential to have appropriate winter gear, navigation skills, and to check weather forecasts and conditions before attempting any winter ascents. Some routes, like those near Grisedale Tarn, have valley variants recommended in bad or stormy weather.