Top 11 Mountain Passes around Hawkshead

For those seeking a challenge, Wrynose Pass Climb from Fell Foot Farm is known for its incredible steepness, with gradients often exceeding 20%. Similarly, Wrynose Pass Climb from Cockley Beck offers a continuous ascent with an 11% average gradient. Hardknott Pass is also widely regarded as one of the most challenging to drive in the UK, with gradients up to 30%. For cyclists, The Struggle Climb from Ambleside is a long and steep ascent, averaging 8% over 2.8 miles with peaks around 20%.

Both Wrynose Pass and Hardknott Pass were part of an ancient Roman road system. At the summit of Wrynose Pass, you can find the historic Three Shires Stone, marking former county borders. Hardknott Pass features the ruins of a Roman fort, where remnants of a bathhouse, headquarters building, and commandant's house can still be seen. Kirkstone Pass also has historical importance, with the Kirkstone Pass Inn once serving as an important coaching inn.

Yes, many passes provide stunning vistas. Wrynose Pass Climb from Fell Foot Farm offers rewarding views, particularly of the Langdale Pikes from its lower slopes. Kirkstone Pass provides exceptional vistas over Troutbeck and Brothers Water. Hardknott Pass also offers stunning panoramas, and Stake Pass leads to excellent viewpoints with magnificent vistas over the Langdale Valley.

The mountain passes around Hawkshead are excellent for both scenic drives and invigorating hikes. You can find numerous hiking opportunities, including routes like 'Hawkshead Village – Latterbarrow summit and tower loop' or 'Tarn Hows – Hawkshead Village loop'. For more hiking options, explore the Hiking around Hawkshead guide. Cycling is also popular, with routes such as 'Grizedale Viewpoint – Moor Top Car Park loop' and 'Coniston Cycleways – Coniston Water loop'. Discover more cycling adventures in the Cycling around Hawkshead guide and Road Cycling Routes around Hawkshead guide.

The Lake District's mountain passes are beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit for hiking and cycling is generally from late spring to early autumn (May to October) when the weather is milder and more predictable. During winter, some passes, particularly Hardknott and Wrynose, can be challenging or even impassable due to snow and ice, so always check local weather and road conditions before setting out.

Yes, the Kirkstone Pass Inn, located near the summit of Kirkstone Pass, was once England's third-highest pub and serves as a convenient spot for a rest and refreshment. It's a useful starting or ending point for various routes and offers views over a good ale.

For experienced hikers, Stake Pass offers remote and wild mountain scenery with rocky trails and magnificent views over the Langdale Valley. Styhead Pass, climbing almost 500 meters from Wasdale Head, leads through some of the Lake District's most epic peaks, including Great Gable and Scafell Pike, and features rugged mountain views around Styhead Tarn.

Garburn Pass is a challenging mountain pass known for its viewpoints and grassland. It's often debated whether it's better to ride from Kentmere to Troutbeck or vice versa, as the trail is much steeper on the Kentmere side and more gradual on the Troutbeck side. It offers an exhilarating ride across the top and a beautiful descent towards Troutbeck.

Yes, for specific climbs like Wrynose Pass Climb from Fell Foot Farm, the average grade is 11% for its 2.5 km climb, with sections over 20%. Wrynose Pass Climb from Cockley Beck is similarly challenging with an 11% average gradient. The Struggle Climb from Ambleside is 2.8 miles long, averaging 8% and peaking at around 20%.

Kirkstone Pass is the Lake District's highest pass open to motor vehicles and offers exceptional vistas over Troutbeck and Brothers Water. Hardknott Pass, while challenging to drive, provides stunning panoramas. Wrynose Pass also offers rewarding views, especially of the Langdale Pikes from its lower slopes.

The passes are rich in natural beauty. Wrynose Pass offers views of the Langdale Pikes. Kirkstone Pass provides vistas over Troutbeck and Brothers Water. Styhead Pass features the picturesque Styhead Tarn amidst rugged mountain scenery. All passes are set within the dramatic fells and valleys of the Lake District National Park.