The Kirkstone Pass

This mountain pass derives its name from a large boulder nearby that resembles a little kirk (church) and is the highest point in the region that is accessible by car.  With a gradient of 1 in 4 in places, it connects Windermere to Patterdale in the Ullswater valley.  The summit of the Pass  reaches 1489 ft. close to the Kirkstone Pass Inn. This inn, which used to be an important coaching inn, is the third highest public house in England. It is full of character, with low beams, stone flagged floor and welcoming open fires. It also is supposed to be haunted by various spirits and a poltergeist.

The Pass can also be reached from Ambleside along a minor stretch of road called The Struggle. The story behind this name dates from when horse drawn coaches would struggle to make the ascent, requiring passengers to disembark from the coach and walk the remainder of the journey to the top. The junction of these two roads is at the inn. On the descent into Patterdale the views are stunning as the fells sweep majestically down towards the small lake of Brothers Water. There is a car park to the west of this road where the idyllic scene can be admired. Also to the west is the towering black mass of Dove Crag, a rock face 2603 ft. up in the hills.  The crag is one of the most strenuous climbs in the country.