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Climbs
The best climbs of the Lake District
The Lake District has some of the toughest road climbs in the country, short by Alpine standards, but with gradients that more than make up for it. Below are detailed write-ups of the climbs we know best: real distances, elevation, and gradient data, along with what to actually expect once you're on them.
Several of these climbs feature in our guided signature tours and each write-up links through to the relevant tour if you want to ride it properly supported rather than solo.
The Struggle
Ambleside to Kirkstone Pass - the shortest, steepest way to the top of the Lake District's highest road.
4.6km
382m
avg 8.4%
Newlands Pass
Beginning in the picture-postcard setting of Buttermere, following the valley up past Moss Force waterfall before a steep 25% pitch to the top.
1.9km
205m
avg 11%
Matterdale End
A steady and manageable gradient throughout with a beautfiul view over Ullswater as you climb.
1.9km
138m
avg 7.4%
Wrynose Pass
Straight on from Hardknott's descent is easier but east to west is nearly as savage as Hardknott Pass with gradients topping out at 25%.
2.5km
278m
avg 11%
Birker Fell
Arguably the best plateau views of any climb in this list, taking in Harter Fell, Dow Crag, the Old Man of Coniston, and the Scafell massif.
4.8km
196m
avg 3.8%
Honister Pass
One of the Lakes' landmark climbs, climbing out of Borrowdale via Seatoller - is widely considered the harder of the two ways up.
2.4km
247m
avg 9.9%
Whinlatter Pass
East to West: Braithwaite to Lorton. Whinlatter is the gentlest of the well-known Lakeland passes
3.7km
242m
avg 6.6%
Cold Fell
Sitting in the quieter western fells is the loneliest climb on the list. Exposed, open, and remote rather than dramatic or steep.
3.5km
167m
avg 4.5%