Top 9 Mountain Passes around Keswick

The Lake District around Keswick features several iconic mountain passes. Among the most popular are Whinlatter Pass Climb from Braithwaite, known for its forest-lined roads and steady ascent; Honister Pass Climb from Gatesgarth, recognized for its challenging, consistently steep sections; and Newlands Pass Climb from Buttermere, which offers stunning views and steep sections at both ends.

Honister Pass is renowned for its dramatic and wild character, offering unbelievable views and a thrilling driving experience. At its summit, you'll find the historic Honister Slate Mine, which has been in operation since at least 1643. Visitors can tour the mine and learn about traditional slate splitting. It also serves as a starting point for hikes to fells like Fleetwith Pike and Haystacks.

Newlands Pass offers magnificent drives with dramatic scenery, including hills, waterfalls, and winding roads. The road can be narrow and perilously steep, with gradients of up to 1 in 4, and features one-lane sections with passing places, so caution is advised. A notable natural feature is the Moss Force Waterfall, easily accessible from the top of the pass.

Whinlatter Pass is home to Whinlatter Forest Park, England's only 'mountain forest.' It offers a wide array of activities, including 14 miles of trails for walkers and cyclists, designated mountain biking routes, and orienteering circuits. There's also a Visitor Centre with information, a gift shop, a restaurant, and CCTV footage of osprey nests during nesting season. You can also spot red squirrels and other wildlife.

Many passes in the region, such as Honister Pass and Newlands Pass, are notoriously steep with gradients up to 1-in-4 (25%) and feature sharp bends and narrow sections. They offer thrilling drives but require careful attention. Whinlatter Pass is generally considered a less severe route with more manageable gradients.

Yes, Whinlatter Pass is generally considered a less severe route compared to Honister and Newlands Passes. It ascends to 1,040 feet (318 m) and offers a more approachable option for drivers while still providing diverse activities and panoramic views over Bassenthwaite Lake and the Skiddaw range.

Newlands Pass is characterized by dramatic scenes, hills, and winding roads. A prominent natural feature is the Moss Force Waterfall, which descends the southern side of the pass and is easily accessible from the summit. The pass also offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding fells and the Newlands Valley.

Absolutely. Whinlatter Pass is an ideal location for families, offering Whinlatter Forest Park with trails for all ages, a visitor centre, and opportunities for wildlife spotting. The less severe gradients of Whinlatter also make it a more accessible option for family outings.

The area around Keswick's mountain passes is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find numerous hiking trails, from moderate loops around Derwent Water to challenging ascents like Skiddaw. Cycling is also popular, with routes like the 'Derwentwater, Buttermere & Honister Pass loop from Keswick'. For more details, explore the hiking guide and cycling guide for Keswick.

Yes, the mountain passes serve as excellent starting points for various hiking trails. From Honister Pass, you can access fells like Fleetwith Pike and Dale Head. Whinlatter Forest Park offers trails for all abilities, including routes to the peaks of Whinlatter and Grisedale Pike. For a comprehensive list of options, check out the hiking guide around Keswick.

Yes, cycling is a very popular activity on the mountain passes around Keswick. Routes like the 'Derwentwater, Buttermere & Honister Pass loop from Keswick' offer challenging and scenic rides. Whinlatter Pass also features designated mountain biking routes within Whinlatter Forest Park. You can find more cycling options in the cycling guide for Keswick.

The Lake District is beautiful year-round, but late spring to early autumn (May to October) generally offers the most favorable weather for exploring the passes, with longer daylight hours and milder temperatures. However, the dramatic scenery can be enjoyed in all seasons, with winter offering a different, often more rugged, experience for those prepared for colder conditions.

Yes, there are options for refreshments. At the summit of Whinlatter Pass, the Whinlatter Forest Visitor Centre has a restaurant. Near the start of the Newlands Pass Climb from Buttermere, in Buttermere village, you can find the Croft House Farm Cafe. For Honister Pass, while there isn't a cafe directly at the summit, the Honister Slate Mine does have facilities.