Kirkstone pass is a very tough hill climb in the Lake District. There are three different routes to the top of Kirkstone Pass, each offering there own challenges.
- Kirkstone pass is 1,489 feet (454 m) off see level. It is the highest pass (for motor vehicles) in the Lake District.
- Height Gain 290 metres.
- Max gradient 25%
Kirkstone Pass from Ambleside
Lake Windermere from Kirkstone Pass
- From Ambleside to Kirkstone it is about 3 miles. There is a really tough climb out of Ambleside. At places the gradient is between 20%-25%. It’s a real lung braker.
- In the middle there is a short section of flat, with even some downhill. This gives you some respite before the final few hairpins to the top.
- This gives you a little chance for recovery but the second leg is really tough because it finishes with the steepest section right at the end.
- It is a minor road and road surface was quite potholy in places
It took me 15 minutes from the bottom of Ambleside to the top. I was racing up the first half, recovered a little in the middle section, but then struggled on the last part. it is like doing 2 really hard hill climbs one after the other.
I descended the longer , shallower descent to Troutbeck, as I didn’t particularly fancy wearing a set of brake blocks descending the 25% hairpins in the rain.
Ullswater to Kirkstone Pass
A really scenic climb, the maximum gradient on this climb is 16%, there are several hairpins and places for recovery. It is tough but easier than from Ambleside.
Windermere to Kirkstone Pass
From Windermere to Kirkstone pass is the longest and shallowest climb. The climb follows the valley and often averages around 3%. It is a long unremitting hill climb, punctuated by a few false flats and sections of downhill. If you have a headwind then this is a really tough climb. But, the gradient means you can afford to take your own pace and spin a low gear. It is also a nice road surface on the main A592
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Share Your Thoughts on Climbing Kirkstone Pass in Comments below
have you tried martindale pass?
it’s pretty near to pooley bridge, short climb with horrifying gradient. i could barely go forward (well, i’m 100% pure amateur, but never encountered such a painful slope in my short life)
Well my son was walking over several peaks so I said ok I will cycle and we can meet in the evenings. I am not a regular cyclist and had only trained for 6 weeks So at 61 years old I found myself fLing the Kirkstone pass. At the bottom is. A sign saying the struggle and was it right I had a mountain bike fully loaded with tent and cooking gear Clothes so was heavy Help did it hurt my thighs were burning and at times the gradient was just to much at times and had to push it I think on all it took me about 2 hrs to get to the top Now I know this is poor to you trained cyclists but I am very proud. It would have been easy to give in. Regards Ken
I have climed the kirkstone pass at only 13 last summer and i have to say the decent i hit 50mph but the reward of climing it was well worth the pain.I would highly recomend doing it anyone.
I did the Kirkstone a few years back and it certainly is steep but you’l be chuffed when you’ve done it- make sure your legs are warm before you climb: I did it in December after only 2k warm up! Next mistake I made was gearing; make sure you’ve got a light enough gear.
We are cycling from Swindon in Wiltshire to Glasgow in August ’11. If there is one part of the route we are dredding it has to be the Kirkstone Pass. Our route through the Lake District takes us North from Windermere and Troutbeck and then onto the Kirkstone Pass. What we would like to know is how hard is it cycling north on the Kirkstone Pass? Is it a nightmare?! What is it like?
Thanks, Mason and Kate Powell