The Top 20 Mountain Passes in North West England
Whether it be for the views, for the climbs or for the downhill descents, browse our list of the best mountain passes in North West England and make your next adventure one to remember. Contributed by the community, for the community, each mountain pass Highlight is a personal recommendation you know you can trust, so simply find your favorite and go.
Last updated: October 1, 2025
Grisedale Tarn is in an atmospheric setting high in the mountains at the head of three valleys. According to folklore, a battle was fought in 945AD between the Saxon King …
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One of the best climbs in the area. A steady climb on forest lined roads up to the Whinlatter vistor centre. A good challenge but not as murderous as Honister …
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Imposing and consistently steep, with the hardest stretch near the top and a long stretch of rising road beforehand that will start to tax you before you even reach the climb proper
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Can approach from the east or west. Coming from Dunsop Bridge (east) involves climbing up a steep hill towards the final part (Boundary Hill) which is 13% average with kicker …
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Possibly our favourite climb in the Cold Dark North - beautiful bathed in sunshine brutal on a wet and windy day - it's never very steep but always testing and …
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Incredibly steep (almost all over 20%) but so rewarding when you get to the top. The average grade is 11% for this 1.6 mile (2.5 km) climb. On the more …
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Debate has long raged as to whether it's better to ride the Garburn Pass from Kentmere to Troutbeck or vice versa. The trail is much steeper on the Kentmere side; …
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Number 77 in the famous 100 Greatest Climbs books - this 5 mile long climb from the Penrith side is always gentle at 5-7% and a decent surface - one of the best climbs in the Lakes/Pennines
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The pass called Greenup Edge is the second one you pass on your coast to coast trip. I really enjoyed our break at the stream in its little valley.
The …
The …
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For mountain lovers, there are few more magical places in the Lake District than Mickledore, the pass between Scafell Pike and Scafell. It is an exciting ridge of rock backed …
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