Honister Pass, Buttermere & Cockermouth loop from Keswick

The route primarily uses well-paved asphalt and paved roads, but be prepared for substantial ascents and descents. Honister Pass is particularly challenging, with gradients reaching up to 25% and even 31% in some sections. The climb from Buttermere is 2.3 miles long with an average gradient of 7%, while the Borrowdale side is shorter but features sustained gradients of 20-25% from the start.

Honister Pass is one of the most iconic and demanding road cycling climbs in the UK. It requires good to very good fitness due to its steep and sustained gradients. The climb often comes in three sections, starting gently but quickly becoming very steep. Wet conditions can make the Borrowdale side particularly brutal, even causing wheelspin.

No, this loop is generally considered a moderate to hard road ride, requiring good to very good fitness. The significant climbs, especially Honister Pass, make it unsuitable for beginners or those new to road cycling in mountainous terrain.

This route offers spectacular Lake District scenery. You'll cycle alongside beautiful lakes like Derwentwater, Buttermere, Crummock Water, and Bassenthwaite Lake. The route winds through picturesque valleys like Borrowdale and provides dramatic views of fells such as Skiddaw and Fleetwith Edge. The views from the top of Honister Pass Climb from Gatesgarth, overlooking rugged Borrowdale, are particularly rewarding.

Yes, at the summit of Honister Pass, you'll find the Honister Slate Mine, which hosts a cafe for a well-deserved break. In Cockermouth, you can find options like Main Street Fisheries. Keswick, your starting point, also offers numerous cafes and pubs.

As the loop starts and ends in Keswick, you can find various parking options within the town. It's advisable to check local parking availability and regulations in Keswick before your ride.

The best time to cycle this route is typically during late spring, summer, and early autumn (May to September) when the weather is generally milder and daylight hours are longer. However, weather in the Lake District can be unpredictable, so always check the forecast before you go, especially for conditions on the passes.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to cycle this route or to access the Lake District National Park itself. However, standard parking fees may apply in towns like Keswick.

While the Lake District National Park is generally dog-friendly, this specific route is a road cycling loop. Dogs are not typically suitable companions for this type of challenging road ride due to the distance, steep climbs, and traffic on the roads. If you're looking for dog-friendly options, consider walking trails in the area instead.

Yes, sections of this cycling route briefly intersect with or run alongside other paths. These include the Downstream to Derwent Walk, Borrowdale and Derwent Water, Coast to Coast Walk (St Bees to Shap), and the Cumbria Way.

Honister Pass is a significant challenge. Be prepared for sustained steep gradients, especially on the final sections of the climb. Consider your gearing carefully. If conditions are wet, be extra cautious, as the Borrowdale side can be particularly slippery. The Honister Pass Climb from Gatesgarth is a rewarding but demanding ascent.