A – Z of Locations: K is for Kirkstone Pass

During this year I shall be posting photographs from places around the UK, many of which have not been published before. Where I have previously blogged about a location I will provide a link to the post, though you won’t be able to comment on it as I restrict comments to six months.

K is for Kirkstone Pass

The Kirkstone Pass with an altitude of 1,489 feet is the Lake District’s highest pass that is open to motor traffic. The A592, which follows the route of a drover’s road used by farmers, runs from Windermere to Patterdale, but we took the short three mile winding road from Ambleside through the mountains, known as ‘The Struggle’ which leads to the Kirkstone Pass Inn.

The steep twisty road is totally paved but curvy, narrow and very steep, hitting a harsh 17% of maximum gradient through some of the ramps. Due its steepness it was traditionally known as ‘The Struggle’.
The Struggle
The Kirkstone Pass Inn stands close to the summit of the pass. Formerly an important coaching inn, it now caters primarily for tourists. It is the third highest public house in England.

Continuing past the inn towards Ullswater, you find yourself looking at this spectacular view.

Brothers Water is in the Hartsop valley and is a small lake in the eastern region of the Lake District. Once called Broad Water, it lies at the northern end of Kirkstone Pass, affording picturesque views on the descent towards Patterdale.

The Pass is only to be driven in good weather. It can get dangerous in the winter when covered with snow and ice.

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Heyjude

I have lived in the UK for most of my life, but when young I definitely had wanderlust and even ended up living in South Africa for several years which was a wonderful experience. I now look forward to a long and leisurely retirement doing what I like most - gardening, photography, walking and travelling.

28 thoughts on “A – Z of Locations: K is for Kirkstone Pass”

    1. It was a mistake, I really didn’t fancy that road, but once on it there is no turning back! Wasn’t too bad.

  2. That is a wonderful place Jude.
    I watched a show about Snowdon and the little train that gets you to the top where it seems you don’t see any of the view unless you are very lucky

    1. Once upon a time I would have walked up snowdon, but now I would definitely take the train. Living on the top of a hill I know all about those views! Or lack of them 😂 of course Snowdon is much higher.

    1. I have been past the inn before on the A592 from Windermere, but driving up the Struggle was a mistake! But no turning back! 😂

    1. Any road here is dangerous in snow and ice. We don’t have winter tyres or snow chains and we’re not used to driving in such weather.

    1. Yes, I drove over that one too. Actually not so bad. I think driving on the narrow roads in Cornwall are far more hair raising! Nice photos BTW. Time you went back for another visit. Very different to where you live now.

      1. Not sure I could manage the all-day hill walks now, Jude. Ollie certainly wouldn’t be able to cope with them either.
        Best wishes, Pete. x

        1. Some nice walks around the lakes though, not too strenuous. My joints are pretty bad at the moment, it’s difficult to do much at all, let alone climb hills.

        1. Oh, I don’t know, we often stopped by the side of the road for a cup of tea (little meths burner) on long journeys, especially when there were huge traffic jams.

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