Top 9 Mountain Passes around Longsleddale

The most prominent mountain pass directly within Longsleddale is Gatescarth Pass. This historic packhorse track extends from the upper reaches of the valley, offering impressive scenery, a sense of solitude, and views towards Mardale and Haweswater Reservoir from its summit. It also serves as a gateway to the ascent of Harter Fell. You can find more details about it here: Gatescarth Pass and River Sprint.

Garburn Pass is known for its magnificent views of Longsleddale, Troutbeck, and Windermere. The trail is steeper on the Kentmere side and more gradual on the Troutbeck side, leading to a debate among visitors about the best direction to tackle it. Many prefer to ascend from Kentmere for a more languid descent towards Troutbeck. Learn more about it here: Garburn Pass.

Yes, Scandale Pass offers a much wilder and quieter option for travelers on foot between Ambleside and Ullswater, compared to the busier Kirkstone Pass. Four paths converge here, leading from Ambleside, Kirkstone, Red Screes, and Little Hart Crag. Find out more about this pass: Scandale Pass.

Many passes in the Longsleddale area, such as Gatescarth Pass, are historic packhorse tracks. Gatescarth Pass, for instance, was once considered a potential route for the Lancaster and Carlisle Railway in the 1840s, highlighting its past importance as a strategic link between valleys.

The region offers several challenging climbs. The Struggle Climb from Ambleside is a particularly tough one, averaging an 8% gradient and peaking at around 20% in places. It's often featured in professional road races. This climb leads up to Kirkstone Pass. You can explore this challenging route here: The Struggle Climb from Ambleside.

The area around Longsleddale's mountain passes is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, from easy walks to challenging mountain hikes, and a variety of cycling routes. For detailed routes, you can explore guides like Easy hikes around Longsleddale, Mountain Hikes around Longsleddale, and Cycling around Longsleddale.

Yes, the fells surrounding Longsleddale offer incredible views. From the summit of Harter Fell, you can enjoy stunning views along Haweswater and down into Mardale, extending to the rocky Nan Bield Pass and the ridge from Thornthwaite Beacon. Grey Crag also provides excellent views to the south and east, with many of the Shap fells and valleys clearly defined.

Near some of the passes, you can find amenities like pubs. For example, the Kirkstone Pass Inn is located at the top of Kirkstone Pass, offering a place to rest and refuel. It's one of England's highest pubs and a useful start or end point for many routes. You can find more information here: Kirkstone Pass Inn.

The Longsleddale area is generally best visited during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn (May to October), when the weather is more stable and the trails are clearer. However, the region offers a wild and tranquil experience year-round for those prepared for varying weather conditions, including potential snow and ice in winter.

While many of the higher passes can be challenging, there are easier sections and lower-level routes in the broader Longsleddale area that families can enjoy. For example, some of the routes around Kentmere Valley or Gurnal Dubs offer more moderate terrain. It's always recommended to check the difficulty and length of specific routes to ensure they are suitable for all family members. You can find easy hiking options in the Easy hikes around Longsleddale guide.

You can expect to encounter a variety of natural features, including remote fells, the meandering River Sprint, and dramatic valley landscapes. Along Gatescarth Pass, the infant River Sprint cascades through a rocky cleft. From the summits of passes and surrounding fells, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Lake District's rugged terrain, including glimpses of reservoirs like Haweswater.