Kirkstone Pass

Welcome to the Kirkstone Pass, the highest point accessible by road in the Lake District National Park. Standing at an elevation of 1,489 feet, this pass is a critical artery connecting Ambleside in the south to Patterdale and…

Our journey begins at the Red Pit car park, a modest but essential facility for those wishing to explore the heights of the pass. This is a 'free car park,' a rarity in these parts, and it serves as the primary trailhead for the…

The climb from the Red Pit to the summit of Red Screes is a masterclass in fellside navigation. The path is steep and relentless, moving quickly from the managed environment of the car park to the raw terrain of the mountain. …

We have reached the summit of Red Screes, standing at 2,546 feet. The trig point here is a landmark that has greeted thousands of weary walkers. …

As we descend back to the pass, our attention is drawn to the Kirkstone Inn, a historic building that has provided shelter and sustenance to travelers for centuries. It is the highest inhabited building in the Lake District, a…

Crossing the road from the inn, we begin the ascent toward Saint Raven's Edge, the first step on the path to Caudale Moor. This side of the pass offers a different character—quieter, less frequented, and with views that open up…

We have reached the high plateau of Caudale Moor, an expansive area that feels quite different from the jagged peaks of Red Screes. This is a place of 'big open spaces' and 'monuments' that mark the high points. …

Our exploration of the Kirkstone Pass draws to a conclusion. We have stood at the Red Pit, climbed the ancient volcanic slopes of Red Screes, analyzed the linguistic roots of the 'Kirk,' and crossed the wide expanses of Caudale…