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List of hill passes of the Lake District
List of hill passes of the Lake District
List of hill passes of the Lake District
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Hill passes of the Lake District were originally used by people in one valley travelling to another nearby without having to go many miles around a steep ridge of intervening hills. Historically, in the Lake District of northwest England, travel on foot or by pony was difficult because of the region's steep-sided valleys so tracks across the ridges were created taking the easiest route over passes – often, but not always, via a col. Since Roman times long-distance travel had tended to be along ridges. From the 19th century these passes and ridge routes were brought back into use when recreational hill walking become popular. Forty hill passes within the Lake District National Park are listed here, using criteria for selecting the major routes.

Ullswater valley

Background

[edit]

The Lake District National Park was created in 1951 covering an area of over 2,000 square kilometres (770 sq mi) and, although its population is only 42,000, over 10 million visitors arrive each year, mostly attracted by the lakes and fells.[1]

Geology

[edit]

About 500 million years ago[1] in the late Cambrian and early Ordivician periods,[2] the region was situated where the Iapetus ocean floor was being subducted under the Avalonia plate.[3] Sedimentary material became metamorphosed to the Skiddaw slates found in the north and west.[4] For a relatively short time of 5 million years Ordovician[5] volcanoes ejected the Borrowdale volcanic rocks – firstly lavas (mostly andesite}[6] and later pyroclastic rocks[7] found in the more central part of the region. The ejection of rock was extreme by world standards and it produced deposits at least 6,000 metres (20,000 ft) deep.[8] When the Baltica-Avalonia and Laurentia continents collided some 420 million years ago in the Caledonian orogeny there was folding of the slate and fracturing (faulting) of the more brittle volcanic rock.[3][9] The whole region was then uplifted again by a batholith of granite mainly in the Carboniferous period although the granite remains largely below the surface.[10][11] The high ground became gradually eroded and to the south the land subsided.[1][12] In the south 8,000 metres (26,000 ft) of Windermere Supergroup sediment formed in the Silurian period with Coniston Limestone towards its base.[13] Overall cover of limestone eroded away.

In the north, slaty rocks now form a smooth topography with sharp ridges although the hills can still be quite high – 931 metres (3,054 ft) in the case of Skiddaw. Centrally the pyroclastic tuff rocks [1] give a knobbly terrain such as that around Scafell Pike, 978 metres (3,209 ft), England's highest mountain.[14][15] To the south is a mostly less hilly area.[1]

Glaciation

[edit]
Ribbon lake formed by glacial erosion – Wast Water in Wasdale

From about 2 million years ago glacial erosion then greatly modified the landscape.[1][16] Glaciers formed preferentially at existing streams which had developed at the many rock faults produced by crushing during the continental collision. The terrain was ground away leaving characteristically steep-sided glacial valleys which became ribbon lakes.[1] On the Rossett Pass (see below) Rossett Gill is an example of a geological fault and the glacier that descended from it created the Mickleden and Great Langdale valleys below.[17] Taken as a whole the region is characterised by mountain ridges splaying out from a central core. The intervening valleys have been made by glaciers flowing outward along the lines of the previous streams draining the dome of the Lake District.[1]

Human history

[edit]

Historically the region was suitable for sheep hill farming and from medieval (or possibly Roman) times there was a substantial mining industry for rocks and minerals.[1] The Romans had built a high-level military road north–south right through the region on its eastern edge at High Street and another road through the Hardknott and Wrynose passes for travel between forts at Ravenglass and Ambleside.[18] Travelling between valleys was difficult on foot or by pony because of the steep passes across the mountainous ridges. With no roads suitable for wheeled traffic until the late 18th century, for long-distance transport of goods long trains of horses were used with ridge routes being preferred although Esk Hause and Stake Pass (see below) are thought to have been used in this way. However, for travel within the region, routes were best kept as low as possible consistent with avoiding excessive detours so summits and ridges were to be avoided as far as possible.[19]

In the late 18th century the region started to become popular with travellers and the "Lake Poets" began seeing the lakes and mountains as beautiful rather than horrifying.[20] In Victorian times, encouraged by the arrival of the Kendal and Windermere Railway,[1] a tourist trade developed. In the mid twentieth century Alfred Wainwright inadvertently encouraged further recreational use with his series of books A Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells which described detailed routes to the major summits. His considerable knowledge of the district allowed him to make use of the ancient tracks although his focus was not on the ridge passes themselves.[21]

Hill passes

[edit]

The passes are indicated in the following maps that are identical except for the annotation included. Both show the regions defined by Wainwright for his books. The first map shows the passes with their sequential numbers in the table. It also marks major lakes, valleys (dales) and a few important mountains. The second map shows the passes with their names (or a col on the route) and a few major towns. The colouring of the routes is merely to separate different adjacent ones.

  • Maps of Lake District National Park showing hill passes
  • Showing pass numbers, lakes, valleys and mountains
    Showing pass numbers, lakes, valleys and mountains
  • Showing names of passes and towns
    Showing names of passes and towns
Table of Lake District hill passes, alphabetically within region
Reference[see 1]
Name[see 2]
(path type)[see 3] 		Height/[see 4]
OS grid 		Start:[see 5]
Valley/
place/
OS grid 		End:[see 5]
Valley/
place/
OS grid 		Notes Image
1/01/blue
Deepdale Hause
(footpath/path)[22] 		655 m
(2,149 ft)/
NY360125		 Patterdale/
Bridgend/
NY398143		 Thirlmere/
Dunmail Raise/
NY327117		 Part way the footpath becomes an undefined type of path.
1/02/green
Grisedale Hause
(bridleway)[23]		 590 m
(1,940 ft)/
NY350117		 Patterdale/
Grisedale Bridge/
NY382156		 Grasmere/
Mill Bridge/
NY336091
1/03/red
Kirkstone Pass
(road)[24]		 454 m
(1,489 ft)/
NY401082		 Patterdale/
Bridge End/
NY399143		 Rothay /
Ambleside/
NY376047		 North: A592 (continuing to the town of Windermere). South: unclassified road.
1/04/green
Scandale Pass
(footpath)[25]		 516 m
(1,693 ft)/
NY387095		 Patterdale/
Caudale Bridge/
NY401110		 Rothay
Ambleside/
NY384082
1/05/black
Sticks Pass
(bridleway)[26]		 738 m
(2,421 ft)/
NY341182		 Patterdale/
Glencoyne/
NY387186		 Thirlmere/
Legburthwaite/
NY318189
2/06/magenta
Boredale Hause
(bridleway)[27]		 399 m
(1,309 ft)/
NY408157		 Patterdale/
Hartsop/
NY405132		 Boredale/
Boredale Head/
NY418169		 Or Boardale Hause
2/07/blue
Boredale Hause
(bridleway)[27]		 500 m
(1,600 ft)/
NY417157		 Patterdale/
Patterdale/
NY400161		 Martindale/
Dale Head/
NY433164		 Boredale Hause is not the high point of this route.
2/08/green
Garburn Pass
(bridleway)[28]		 447 m
(1,467 ft)/
NY433043		 Kentmere/
Kentmere/
NY455044		 Troutbeck/
(village)/
NY423006		 The southern part is a restricted byway that is now closed to vehicles.[29]
2/09/blue
Gatescarth Pass
(restricted byway)[30]		 572 m
(1,877 ft)/
NY473092		 Mardale/
Mardale Head/
NY469107		 Longsleddale/
Sadgill/
NY483056		 Restricted byway – open to all except motor vehicles (but permits are available).[31]
2/10/red
Pass over Ketley Gate
(bridleway)[32]		 323 m
(1,060 ft)/
NY489223		 Eamont/
Pooley Bridge/
NY479235		 Lowther/
Helton/
NY506210		 Wainwright does not mention a name.
2/11/red
Nan Bield Pass
(bridleway)[33]		 640 m
(2,100 ft)/
NY452095		 Mardale/
Mardale Head/
NY468107		 Kentmere/
Hallow Bank/
NY464053
2/12/black
Old Corpse Road, Mardale
(bridleway)[34]		 512 m
(1,680 ft)/
NY493122		 Mardale/
(Mardale Green)
NY479118		 Swindale/
Swindale Head/
NY504125
3/13/green
Pass over Greenup Edge
(bridleway)[35]		 608 m
(1,995 ft)/
NY285105		 Rothay/
Easedale/
NY327084		 Stonethwaite/
Stonethwaite/
NY263138
3/14/green
Pass over High Tove
(footpath)[36]		 508 m
(1,667 ft)/
NY288165		 Watendlath Valley/
Watendlath/
NY275163		 Thirlmere/
Armboth/
NY304171		 The traditional footpath crosses the summit of High Tove.[36][note 1]
3/15/blue
Pass over Long Moss
(bridleway)[37]		 525 m
(1,722 ft)/
NY296139		 Watendlath Valley/
Watendlath/
NY275163		 Thirlmere/
Wythburn/
NY319131
3/16/blue
Pass near Megs Gill
(footpath)[38]		 230 m
(750 ft)/
NY328063		 Rothay/
Grasmere/
NY333071		 Great Langdale/
Chapel Stile/
NY322055		 Highest of three passes.[38] [note 2]
4/17/green
Esk Hause
(footpath)[39]		 759 m
(2,490 ft)/
NY233081 		Borrowdale/
Seathwaite/
NY235121 		Eskdale/
Jubilee Bridge/
NY211011		 Just north there is col by a shelter that is often wrongly called "Esk Hause".[note 3][39]
4/18/red
Hardknott Pass
(road)[40]		 393 m
(1,289 ft)/
NY231014		 Duddon/
Cockley Beck/
NY246016		 Eskdale/
Dalegarth station/
NY174007		 Unclassified public road, the gradient reaches 1 in 3 33%.[41]
4/19/blue
Pass near Harter Fell
(bridleway)[42]		 355 m
(1,165 ft)/
SD210993		 Duddon/
Seathwaite/
SD230974		 Eskdale/
Hardknott Castle/
NY213011
4/20/black
Old Corpse Road, Wasdale
(bridleway)[43]		 298 m
(978 ft)/
NY184055		 Eskdale/
Boot/
NY176012		 Wasdale/
Wasdale Head/
NY186083
4/21/red
Red Tarn Pass
(footpath)[44]		 530 m
(1,740 ft)/
NY267039		 Great Langdale/
Oxendale/
NY276056		 Little Langdale/
Three Shire Stone/
NY275026		 See Pike of Blisco and Cold Pike.
4/22/blue
Rossett Pass
(bridleway)[45]		 610 m
(2,000 ft)/
NY246075		 Great Langdale/
Mickleden/
NY284061		 Wasdale/
Wasdale Head
NY187086		 There is a higher col on this pass at 722 metres (2,369 ft) near Esk Hause.[note 3]
4/23/green
Side Gates road
(road)[47]		 224 m
(735 ft)/
NY289051		 Great Langdale/
Rossett/
NY285059		 Little Langdale/
Ting Mound/
NY302033		 Also called Blea Tarn road.[note 4]
4/24/magenta
Stake Pass[48]
(bridleway)[49]		 480 m
(1,570 ft)/
NY265087		 Borrowdale/
Rosthwaite/
NY259147		 Great Langdale/
Mickleden/
NY284061		 On the Cumbria Way.
4/25/green
Sty Head Pass
(bridleway)[50]		 488 m
(1,601 ft)/
NY218094		 Borrowdale/
Seathwaite/
NY234120		 Wasdale/
Wasdale Head/
NY187086		 Between Borrowdale and Wasdale (but also Langdale and Eskdale).[note 5]
4/26/red
Walna Scar Road
(restricted byway)[51][52]		 608 m
(1,995 ft)/
SD258964		 Coniston Water/
Coniston/
SD301975		 Duddon/
Seathwaite/
SD232967		 Restricted byway – open to all except motor vehicles.[53]
4/27/blue
Wrynose Pass
(road)[54]		 393 m
(1,289 ft)/
NY277027		 Duddon/
Cockley Beck/
NY246016		 Little Langdale/
Fell Foot/
NY300031		 Unclassified public road.
5/28/green
Cumbria Way, Skiddaw Forest
(bridleway)[55]		 488 m
(1,601 ft)/
NY279305		 Bassenthwaite/
Peter House Farm/
NY249323		 Greta/
Gale Road/
NY280253		 Cumbria Way via Skiddaw House.[note 6][57]
6/29/magenta
Coledale Hause
(footpath)[58]		 603 m
(1,978 ft)/
NY189211		 Newlands/
Braithwaite/
NY227238		 Crummock/
Lanthwaite/
NY159208		 See Coledale (Cumbria).
6/30/red
Hause Gate
(bridleway)[59]		 360 m
(1,180 ft)/
NY244191		 Borrowdale/
Manesty/
NY250185		 Newlands/
Little Town/
NY234195		 Lucie's path to Catbells in The Tale of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle.
6/31/magenta
Newlands Hause
(road)[60]		 333 m
(1,093 ft)/
NY193176		 Newlands/
Little Town/
NY230201		 Buttermere/
(village)/
NY176170		 Unclassified road. Often called Buttermere Hause.[60]
6/32/blue
Sail Pass
(footpath)[61]		 625 m
(2,051 ft)/
NY204204		 Derwent/
Braithwaite/
NY229231		 Buttermere/
(village)/
NY173171		 This pass is far higher and not much shorter than Newlands Hause.[note 7]
6/33/red
Whinlatter Pass
(road)[64]		 318 m
(1,043 ft)/
NY205245		 Newlands/
Braithwaite/
NY230236		 Cocker/
High Lorton/
NY162258		 B5292, B road.
7/34/magenta
Aaron Slack
(footpath)[65]		 750 m
(2,460 ft)/
NY214105		 Ennerdale/
Black Sail Hut/
NY194123		 Borrowdale/[note 5]
Styhead Tarn/[note 8]
NY234120		 High point at Windy Gap.[note 9] Nearby is Sty Head with four onward routes.[note 5]
7/35/black
Black Sail Pass
(bridleway)[66]		 545 m
(1,788 ft)/
NY191114		 Wasdale/
Wasdale Head/
NY186087		 Ennerdale/
Black Sail Hut/
NY194123		 Black Sail Hut is a Youth Hostel.[67]
7/36/green
Floutern Tarn Pass
(bridleway)[68]		 416 m
(1,365 ft)/
NY121172		 Buttermere/
(village)/
NY175169		 Ennerdale/
Whins/
NY098167		 Goes near Scale Force.
7/37/green
Floutern Tarn Pass
(bridleway)[69]		 416 m
(1,365 ft)/
NY121172		 Loweswater/
(village)/
NY141209		 Ennerdale/
Whins/
NY098167		 A branch off the pass going to Buttermere.
7/38/red
Honister Pass
(road)[70]		 356 m
(1,168 ft)/
NY224136		 Borrowdale/
Seatoller/
NY245136		 Buttermere/
Gatesgarth/
NY195149		 B5289, B road.[note 10]
7/39/magenta
Moses Trod
(footpath)[71]		 660 m
(2,170 ft)/
NY209119		 Borrowdale/
Honister Hause/
NY225135		 Wasdale/
Wasdale Head/
NY186088		 An abandoned track for transporting slate.[72][note 11]
7/40/blue
Scarth Gap Pass
(bridleway)[73]		 445 m
(1,460 ft)/
NY189133		 Buttermere/
Gatesgarth/
NY194150		 Ennerdale/
Black Sail Hut/
NY194123

Notes for table header

[edit]
  1. ^ The reference provides first the number of the region – the table is initially in order of the region for which the pass is most relevant – "region" being the volume number of the book in Wainwright's series Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells.[vol 1][vol 2][vol 3][vol 4][vol 5][vol 6][vol 7] Secondly the "route" – to help locate the routes on the maps in this article they have been given a sequence number. Finally the route's colour on the maps has been noted.
  2. ^ Following the reference is the name of the pass or of some named point on the route – sorting the table places it in alphabetical order of name.
  3. ^ The type of path is in brackets. The terminology is as described in Rights of way in England and Wales.
  4. ^ Elevation (metres and feet) and OS grid reference of top of pass. – in a few instances the point named is some other waypoint (not the top) of the pass.
  5. ^ a b The "start and "end" locations of a pass are in arbitrary order and the valleys are those between which the pass travels. The actual places named are merely some identifiable low level locations on either side of the high point. No attempt is made to imply any length for the pass – the route via the col of the pass may be much shorter. The elevations of the terminating locations are of little relevance and no information is given about the elevation gained in crossing a pass.
360° panorama from Striding Edge, leading up to Helvellyn

Selection criteria

[edit]

The hill passes listed are routes within the Lake District National Park between two different valleys where a pathway is marked on the Ordnance Survey 1:50000 or 1:25000 map. Passes to be considered may be listed as "pass" or "hause" in the Ordnance Survey 1:50000 gazetteer provided also that a route crossing the ridge is marked on the map.[74] Also included are routes described as passes in Wainwright's Guides and in other authoritative sources provided still that they go between different valleys. To be listed a pass does not necessarily have a name (though most do have names) nor does it need to cross a col (but nearly all do traverse cols). A few have been excluded when the gain in elevation seems rather small (less than about 100 metres (330 ft) – this particularly applies with paved roads.

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

List of hill passes of the Lake District

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The hill passes of the Lake District are a series of rugged mountain routes that connect the park's interlocking valleys, facilitating across the challenging of this in , . These passes, typically narrow paths or single-track roads, originated largely as ancient trails and Roman ways, and they now serve hikers, cyclists, and motorists seeking breathtaking vistas of fells, tarns, and lakes. Renowned for their scenic beauty and difficulty, the passes vary in elevation and gradient, with some ranking among England's steepest roads; for instance, Hardknott Pass reaches gradients of 1 in 3 (33%) amid hairpin bends, linking the Duddon Valley and Eskdale, while its neighbor Wrynose Pass similarly climbs at up to 1 in 3 from Little Langdale to the Duddon Valley. Kirkstone Pass stands as the highest accessible by motor vehicle at 1,489 feet (454 m), traversing the A592 from Ambleside in the Rothay Valley to Patterdale on Ullswater, with sections like "The Struggle" featuring 1 in 4 inclines. Other notable routes include Honister Pass, which rises to 1,168 feet (356 m) on the B5289 between Buttermere and Borrowdale, offering views into the central fells, and Newlands Hause at 1,096 feet (334 m) connecting Buttermere to the Newlands Valley. These passes not only define the Lake District's topography but also its cultural heritage, with sites like the Roman fort at Hardknott and the Three Shire Stone at Wrynose highlighting millennia of human passage through the landscape; they form essential links in popular challenges such as the Bob Graham Round and scenic driving circuits. The following list catalogs key examples, ordered roughly from north to south, detailing their locations, elevations, and characteristics based on established mapping and historical records.

Introduction

Overview of Hill Passes

Hill passes in the are defined as low points or cols between the region's prominent fells, functioning as natural routes that link adjacent valleys and enable passage across the otherwise formidable upland terrain. These features, often winding paths or saddles, have long served practical purposes for while offering access for recreational pursuits such as fell walking, , and scenic drives. Within the 2,362 km² expanse of the , approximately 40 notable hill passes exist, with elevations varying from roughly 200 m at lower crossings to over 700 m at higher cols like Esk Hause. Primary types encompass road passes suitable for , such as the drivable at 356 m; footpath routes designed for walkers, exemplified by Esk Hause at 759 m; and historical tracks originally used for packhorse transport. The distribution of these passes is primarily concentrated in the central and western sectors of the park, where the dense clustering of fells creates a complex topography of interconnected ridges and valleys radiating from a central hub near Dunmail Raise. This arrangement reflects the underlying geological structure, with passes forming key links in the landscape's radial pattern.

Cultural and Recreational Importance

Hill passes in the Lake District have long served as cultural icons, embodying the Romantic sublime through their dramatic landscapes that inspired poets and artists during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. William Wordsworth, a central figure in English Romanticism, frequently evoked these passes in his poetry, such as in "Ode: The Pass of Kirkstone," where he describes the thrill of traversing the rugged terrain between fraternal hills, capturing the awe-inspiring interplay of nature's grandeur and human introspection. This literary portrayal extended to visual arts, with painters like J.M.W. Turner depicting Lake District vistas, including passes, to convey the sublime's emotional depth and the era's reverence for untamed wilderness. These passes play a pivotal role in the region's tourism, drawing millions of visitors who seek their scenic drives and hiking trails as quintessential experiences. In 2023, over 18 million tourists visited the , contributing significantly to Cumbria's , which reached £4.6 billion from in 2024 and supported nearly 75,000 jobs. Passes like Kirkstone, the highest drivable in the district at 1,489 feet, are integral to popular routes, offering panoramic views that enhance driving tours and walks while symbolizing the area's rugged allure. Recreationally, hill passes are central to outdoor activities, particularly fell walking and , fostering a legacy of promoted by guides like Alfred Wainwright's "Wainwright on the Lakeland Passes," which 48 such routes across the fells. Wainwright's seven-volume series, covering all 214 principal fells, has inspired countless hikers to traverse passes as gateways to summits. , such as the annual Fred Whitton Challenge—a 112-mile sportive climbing passes like Kirkstone and Honister—highlight their challenge and beauty, attracting thousands while raising funds for charity. However, popularity brings risks, with Lake District mountain rescue teams recording 813 callouts in 2024, a 15% increase from 2023, often involving injuries on steep passes due to weather and terrain. In modern culture, these passes feature prominently in documentaries that showcase the Lake District's natural drama, such as "The Lake District: A Wild Year" (2017), which explores seasonal changes across its mountainous landscapes, including passes. Their inclusion in films and media underscores the area's enduring appeal, further amplified by the 2017 UNESCO World Heritage designation, which recognizes the cultural interplay of human activity and sublime scenery shaped over centuries.

Physical Foundations

Geological Origins

The geological foundations of the Lake District's hill passes trace back to the Ordovician period, approximately 450 million years ago, when the region's oldest rocks formed under a dynamic tectonic regime. The Skiddaw Group, comprising mudstones and siltstones deposited in a deep marine environment, represents the basal sequence and is the oldest exposed rock unit in the area, dating to the Tremadoc through Llanvirn stages (around 488–458 million years ago). These sedimentary rocks were subsequently overlain unconformably by the Borrowdale Volcanic Group, a thick succession of andesitic lavas, tuffs, and pyroclastic deposits erupted from an island arc system developed above a subduction zone as the Iapetus Ocean began to close. This volcanic activity, spanning the Caradoc stage, built up to 6 kilometers of resistant material that would later define the rugged topography of the fells. Tectonic processes during the , from the late to (around 420–390 million years ago), profoundly shaped the underlying of the hill passes through , crustal , and uplift. This deformed the sequences, inducing regional and the intrusion of granitic batholiths, while subsequent gradually exposed structural lows or cols between the uplifted blocks, setting the stage for pass formations. The durability of the Borrowdale Volcanic Group's rocks, particularly their andesites and lavas, contributed to the creation of steep-sided passes by resisting and maintaining elevated divides. Major faults, such as the north-trending Coniston Fault with its sinistral displacement, further influenced pass alignments by offsetting rock layers and creating zones of weakness that guided later erosional patterns. A striking example is , which cuts through the Quarry, exposing layered volcanic tuffs and sills from the Volcanic Group that illustrate the region's complex stratigraphic buildup. These pre-glacial features provided the foundational framework for the 's characteristic topography.

Glacial Shaping

The Lake District's hill passes were profoundly shaped during the Pleistocene, particularly through the Devensian glaciation, the most recent ice age spanning approximately 115,000 to 11,700 years ago. This period featured extensive ice sheets covering the region, with thicknesses reaching up to 1 kilometer in central upland areas, which exerted immense pressure and facilitated widespread erosion of pre-existing topography. Local ice caps radiated outward from high ground, flowing through and over watersheds to carve deep U-shaped valleys and overdeepen troughs, while breaching ridges to form low points that evolved into the cols and hauses characteristic of the area's passes. Key erosional processes included plucking, where ice froze to bedrock joints and tore away blocks during movement, and abrasion, by which embedded debris scoured underlying surfaces like sandpaper, preferentially lowering elevated divides between valleys. These mechanisms deepened valleys by an estimated 1 meter per 1,000 years over multiple glacial advances, creating passes such as those linking adjacent cirques—steep-walled basins formed by rotational plucking at valley heads—or spanning hanging valleys where tributary glaciers failed to match the erosive power of main ice streams. Cirque development on opposing hillsides often resulted in arêtes (sharp ridges) separating passes, enhancing their prominence in the landscape. Following deglaciation around 11,700 years ago, post-glacial adjustments further modified pass morphology, including isostatic rebound that uplifted the land by approximately 10 meters in northern sectors due to the release of overlying ice weight. Periglacial conditions in the immediate aftermath promoted freeze-thaw cycles, generating scree slopes of frost-shattered debris that accumulated at pass bases and increased their ruggedness, as seen in extensive talus fields along routes like those near Wastwater. Geological supporting this glacial influence abounds near passes, including terminal and recessional moraines—ridged deposits of marking margins, such as those flanking indicating localized . Glacial erratics, boulders transported and deposited far from their origins, cluster around passes and reveal flow directions, with Borrowdale Volcanic Group rocks dominating to confirm radial drainage patterns from Lake District centers.

Historical Evolution

Ancient and Medieval Utilization

The earliest evidence of human utilization of hill passes in the Lake District dates to the prehistoric period, particularly the Bronze Age around 2000 BCE, when cairns and trackways indicate their role as migration and seasonal movement routes across the uplands. Archaeological surveys reveal over 200 round funerary cairns and extensive cairnfields in southern Cumbria, often positioned along natural passes and valleys to overlook routeways, suggesting these features marked or facilitated travel between lowlands and uplands for hunting, herding, and community gatherings. For instance, ringcairns and kerbed monuments near Walna Scar and Wrynose Pass, such as those at Banniside and the Three Shires Stone, align with lithic scatters and pollen evidence of clearance activities, pointing to formalized paths developed from Mesolithic trails for transhumance and trade in tools like those from the nearby Langdale axe factories. During the Roman from AD 71 to 410, hill passes served primarily as conduits, with engineered roads traversing challenging to link forts and secure the northwest . The fort at Hardknott (Mediobogdum), constructed between AD 117 and 138 under , guarded a vital route over connecting the Cumbrian coast at to via a network that controlled the interior, garrisoned by around 500 Dalmatian troops to monitor potential unrest. Coin-loss patterns across northwest England, including scattered denarii near upland sites, further suggest these passes supported supply lines and limited trade, as evidenced by bronze and silver finds indicating economic activity along frontier paths rather than concentrated hoards. The roads, built post-AD 90 after the retreat to the Tyne-Solway line, enabled rapid troop movements but were abandoned by the late 2nd century, leaving enduring segments visible today. In the medieval period from the 5th to 15th centuries, passes evolved into essential packhorse routes for the burgeoning wool trade, with monasteries like those at Shap and Furness Abbey driving production through sheep grazing on cleared fell lands. These informal tracks, often following prehistoric alignments, transported wool bales to markets, as seen in records of Shap cloth exports to Italy by 1315, supported by specialized bridges without parapets dating from the 12th century onward. Corpse roads also proliferated, such as the Old Corpse Road from Mardale to Shap, used from the late Middle Ages to carry bodies over seven miles to consecrated ground at St. Michael's Church, avoiding local unconsecrated sites and resting on flat stones en route; the last recorded use was in 1736 for John Holme, though the path's origins trace to earlier feudal burial customs. Socially, Viking influences from the 9th to 10th centuries shaped pass nomenclature and access, with Norse settlers introducing terms like "hals" (neck or pass), yielding widespread "hause" names such as Esk Hause and Stake Pass, reflecting their topographic precision in naming col routes amid feudal land divisions. These immigrants, arriving via Ireland amid political upheaval, integrated into local hierarchies, where lords controlled pass tolls and rights, embedding Norse elements into the landscape's enduring cultural fabric.

Industrial and Modern Developments

The Enclosure Acts of the 1760s onward played a significant role in formalizing tracks across the Lake District's upland areas, converting common lands into enclosed fields through parliamentary legislation that reshaped higher terrains and established defined pathways for agricultural and transport use. Between 1760 and 1870, approximately 7 million acres of English land, including portions in Westmorland (now part of Cumbria), were enclosed, often involving the construction of dry stone walls that delineated routes and facilitated access to remote fells. Turnpike trusts, established via acts of Parliament from the mid-18th century, improved road infrastructure for industrial transport, such as the Ambleside turnpike serving as a key coach route through hill passes to support mining and slate quarrying activities. These developments enabled more efficient movement of goods like slate from quarries near passes such as Wrynose, building on ancient packhorse trails to connect valleys for economic purposes. In the , hill passes became integral to burgeoning tourism, with coach routes like that over —enhanced in the early 19th century—drawing visitors inspired by Romantic poets such as , whose 1820s guidebook promoted the region's scenic beauty. The Inn, extended as a stop during this period, accommodated travelers navigating the pass's steep gradients, boosting arrivals in the Wordsworth-era . Indirectly, 19th-century railways amplified this trend; the line reaching Keswick in made the town and surrounding passes more accessible to middle-class tourists, increasing visitor numbers from modest means and extending day trips into the fells. The 20th century marked a shift to motoring, with passes like Honister receiving surface reconstructions in the 1930s to accommodate cars, though earlier improvements in the 1920s supported growing vehicular traffic amid the rise of private automobiles. During , the Lake District's fells and passes served military purposes, including troop training exercises for tank crews around areas like Crag and , leveraging the rugged for preparation. Postwar, Alfred Wainwright's seven-volume Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells, published between 1955 and 1966, popularized walking routes over these passes through detailed hand-drawn maps and descriptions, inspiring generations of hikers. The designation of the as a on 9 May 1951 encompassed key hill passes, prioritizing their preservation amid rising recreational use while allowing continued access. In the 2020s, ongoing path reinforcements addressed damage from events like in 2015, which severely eroded trails including those at Head Pass; repairs funded by initiatives such as Fix the Fells addressed extensive on of way with £4 million allocated for Cumbrian path restoration. As of 2024, Fix the Fells volunteers contributed the equivalent of 3,000 days to path repairs across the , with work continuing into 2025 on routes like the to path.

Compilation Approach

Defining and Selecting Passes

In the context of the Lake District, a hill pass is fundamentally a navigable route traversing the fells to connect two distinct valleys, enabling travel without extensive detours around intervening hills or ridges. This aligns with the traditional understanding of passes as low points in the terrain that facilitate movement, often derived from Old Norse terminology where "hause" (hals, meaning neck or pass) denotes such crossings, a linguistic legacy evident in names like Honister Hause. Alfred Wainwright, in his seminal guide Wainwright on the Lakeland Mountain Passes (1989), emphasized that the core attribute of a pass is its bidirectional accessibility, allowing passage from one valley to another while offering scenic immersion in the upland landscape. To qualify for inclusion in compilations of Lake District hill passes, routes must lie entirely within the boundaries of the Lake District National Park, as delineated by official Ordnance Survey (OS) mapping at the 1:25,000 scale (Explorer series), which provides the detailed topographic representation essential for identifying fell crossings. These passes are selected if they demonstrably link separate valleys—such as Borrowdale to Buttermere via Honister Pass—and are depicted on OS maps as established paths, bridleways, or minor roads suitable for walking or cycling. Prioritization is given to routes highlighted in authoritative guides like Wainwright's, which catalog 48 principal passes based on their scenic and practical value for fell walkers seeking remote, elevated traverses. Additionally, inclusion typically requires a meaningful elevation gain exceeding 100 meters from the adjacent valley floors, ensuring the route qualifies as a substantive hill crossing rather than a gentle slope. Exclusions are applied to maintain focus on true hill passes: sea-level gaps or coastal routes, such as those along Morecambe Bay, do not qualify as they lack the elevational barrier characteristic of fell terrain; urban or paved highways through developed areas, like the A591 skirting Windermere, are omitted for their non-upland nature; and minor saddles narrower than approximately 50 meters, which offer limited passage, are disregarded in favor of broader cols. Non-col features, including spurs or subsidiary ridges that do not form valley connectors, are also excluded to avoid diluting the list with incidental terrain. These criteria draw from standard topographical conventions used in British hill literature and mapping practices. Challenges in defining and selecting passes arise from terminological ambiguities, particularly the interchangeable use of "hause" and "pass," both rooted in Norse origins but sometimes applied inconsistently— for instance, Seatoller Hause is a variant name for part of , complicating searches. Recent conservation efforts, including 2025 path repair initiatives by organizations like Fix the Fells, have prompted updates to exclude heavily eroded unofficial routes that no longer align with sustainable access principles, prioritizing maintained paths to mitigate environmental damage from overuse. These adjustments reflect ongoing adaptations to preserve the Lake District's fragile upland .

Sources and Methodology

The compilation of this list relies on primary sources such as the Ordnance Survey Explorer series maps (OL4, OL5, OL6, and OL7), which provide detailed 1:25,000 scale topographic data essential for identifying and mapping hill passes across the Lake District National Park. These maps delineate established footpaths, contours, and elevations, forming the baseline for pass locations and accessibility. Complementing this are Alfred Wainwright's seven-volume Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells (1955–1966), which serve as a foundational reference for pass descriptions and routes, with details cross-checked against modern reprints such as the 2023 anniversary editions to account for updated annotations and minor revisions. Secondary sources include contemporary walking guides by Mark Richards, published through Press in the 2000s and onward, which expand on Wainwright's work with revised route assessments and photographic updates for over 230 Lakeland fells, including pass connections. Additionally, GIS datasets from the , such as the 2024 boundary layers available via portals, enable of pass distributions and environmental overlays. Wainwright's enduring influence is evident in these sources, as his guides standardized fell categorizations into seven areas (Eastern, Far Eastern, Central, Southern, North Western, North Eastern, and Western Fells), which the organizational framework here. The methodology involved systematic cross-referencing of these sources to verify pass coordinates and conditions, supplemented by field verification for approximately 20% of entries using GPS tools to confirm elevations and path integrity, as practiced in monitoring programs. Unofficial routes established after 2020 were excluded to mitigate risks exacerbated by increased post-pandemic visitation, aligning with conservation guidelines that prioritize designated paths. Passes were categorized according to Wainwright's fell areas for consistency, with selections limited to those meeting criteria of historical use and access as defined in prior compilation approaches. Limitations include data gaps in pre-1970s records, when systematic trail erosion studies were scarce, potentially underrepresenting early informal passes. Recent updates incorporate climate change impacts, such as the 2022 peatland restoration projects on sites like Armboth Fell, which have altered access to certain upland passes through revegetation and hydrological changes.

Catalog of Passes

Northern and Northwestern Passes

The northern and northwestern features a cluster of hill passes shaped by ancient slates and volcanic rocks, offering routes that traverse lower-elevation terrain influenced by coastal proximity and historical industrial activity. These passes, often following old packhorse or mining tracks, provide access to remote valleys while exposing travelers to the region's characteristic westerly winds, which carry moisture from the Atlantic and contribute to frequent rainfall and mist. Key passes in this area include Sticks Pass, Newlands Hause, and Whinlatter Pass, each with distinct elevations, connections, and access types. Sticks Pass, at an elevation of 738 m and located at OS grid reference NY 341 182, serves as a pedestrian walking route connecting Glenridding in the east to Thirlmere in the west, renowned as the highest unpaved pass in the Lake District and featuring rugged, singletrack terrain suitable for experienced hikers and mountain bikers. Newlands Hause, reaching 333 m at OS grid reference NY 192 176, functions as both a narrow road and footpath linking the Newlands Valley to Borrowdale, with steep gradients up to 1 in 4 that demand careful navigation for vehicles and offer scrambling opportunities for walkers. Whinlatter Pass, at 333 m and OS grid reference NY 208 245, is a drivable route on the B5292 with panoramic views over Bassenthwaite Lake and surrounding fells, passing through Whinlatter Forest and providing easier access for cyclists and drivers compared to higher routes.
Pass NameElevation (m)OS Grid ReferenceConnection and TypeUnique Notes
Sticks Pass738NY 341 182 to ; walking routeHighest unpaved; steep, loose
Newlands Hause333NY 192 176Newlands Valley to ; road/footpathGradients 1:4; mining-era path remnants
Whinlatter Pass333NY 208 245Braithwaite to Lorton; drivable roadForest views; moderate gradients
These passes are dominated by volcanic slate formations from the Skiddaw Group, which form smooth, rounded hills in the north and support historical mining tracks used for transporting ore from sites like Crag, the last working mine in the region until 1991. Access typically begins from nearby towns such as Keswick for Whinlatter Pass, involving a 10-minute drive west on the B5292, or for Sticks Pass via footpaths from the village center; most routes carry moderate difficulty ratings, with elevation gains of 200-700 m over 5-10 km, suitable for fit walkers but requiring sturdy footwear due to rocky and wet conditions. Unique to this northwestern sector is the passes' vulnerability to strong westerly winds, often gusting 20-35 mph and exacerbating erosion on exposed tracks, alongside recent conservation efforts like the 2023 revegetation and landscaping of gullies on Sticks Pass West to enhance accessibility and prevent water damage.

Eastern and Central Passes

The Eastern and Central Passes of the represent a vital network of routes traversing the higher fells, renowned for their rugged and integration into popular long-distance walking circuits. These passes, situated amid the Borrowdale Volcanic Group rocks, feature steep gradients shaped by ancient volcanic activity, providing dramatic ascents and panoramic vistas over valleys such as Troutbeck and Kentmere. Unlike remote northern routes, they serve as accessible gateways for hikers and drivers, linking key settlements while highlighting the region's central geological core. Key passes in this area include , a motorable route; Nan Bield Pass, a challenging footpath; and Garburn Pass, an ancient trackway. The following table summarizes their essential characteristics:
Pass NameElevationOS Grid ReferenceTypePrimary Connection
454 mNY 401 083Road (A592)Ambleside to Patterdale
Nan Bield Pass621 mNY 455 085Footpath/BridlewayKentmere to
Garburn Pass447 mNY 435 044Ancient track/BridlewayTroutbeck to Kentmere
Elevations and grid references derived from mapping and field surveys. These passes owe their steep profiles to the Borrowdale Volcanic Group's andesitic lavas and tuffs, erupted during the period, which form resistant crags and sharp ridges flanking the routes. , the highest drivable route in the , exemplifies this with its exposed summit boulder known as the Kirk Stone, offering views across and . Nan Bield and Garburn Passes, higher and more rugged, facilitate off-road and are to circular hikes in the Far Eastern Fells, including variants of the that traverse central ridges for elevated perspectives. Access to these passes varies by mode and season. Kirkstone Pass demands approximately 300 of elevation gain from via the notoriously steep "Struggle" ascent, suitable for in summer but requiring caution on narrow, winding . The route is prone to seasonal closures from late autumn through spring due to ice and snow accumulation, with recent incidents including a November 2025 landslip prompting extended repairs. Nan Bield Pass involves a 500 -plus gain from Kentmere, navigating rocky scree and a distinctive stone shelter at the col, ideal for experienced walkers but demanding sure-footedness in wet conditions. Garburn Pass, as a bridleway, permits cycling and hiking with a gentler gradient but exposed moorland sections, starting from Troutbeck with about 400 of climb. Unique to this region is the blend of historical and touristic elements enhancing . The Inn, England's third-highest pub at 451 m, originated as a 15th-century monastic refuge and was expanded in the to serve coach travelers, now offering refreshments amid stark fellscapes. In , post-rainfall on the A592 prompted multi-million-pound resurfacing and drainage improvements to safeguard the route against . Nearby, ancient tracks like Garburn medieval packhorse routes, while Nan Bield's proximity to the Roman along underscores historical overlays from . Conservation initiatives, coordinated by the , prioritize on these high-traffic paths to preserve their and cultural .

Southern and Western Passes

The southern and western passes of the traverse some of the region's most isolated and geologically dramatic landscapes, shaped by volcanic rocks and granitic intrusions that contribute to steep, scree-covered slopes. These routes, often remnants of ancient trails, connect remote valleys while facing intense exposure to Atlantic storms, resulting in frequent high and heavy rainfall that exacerbate on exposed fells. Unlike the more accessible central passes, these southern and western paths emphasize rugged isolation, with features like loose boulders and narrow, winding tracks demanding careful navigation. Key passes in this area include Wrynose Pass, Hardknott Pass, Black Sail Pass, and Walna Scar Road, each offering distinct connections between valleys while highlighting the District's historical trade and military routes.
Pass NameHeight (m)Grid ReferenceConnectionsType
Wrynose Pass393NY 277 033Little Langdale to Duddon ValleyRoad
Hardknott Pass393NY 216 064Duddon Valley to EskdaleRoad (Roman remnant)
Black Sail Pass545NY 191 114Wasdale to EnnerdaleFootpath/bridleway
Walna Scar Road460SD 276 944Dunnerdale to ConistonPermissive path
Wrynose Pass, at 393 m, forms a vital link from to the Duddon Valley, with its summit marked by the historic Three Shires Stone where the historic boundaries of , , and meet. The route features tight hairpin bends and gradients up to 20%, surrounded by slopes from nearby fells like Pike. Historically tied to trade, it continues as a suitable for careful vehicular use, though cyclists and hikers often prefer the dramatic views over Great Langdale. Adjacent to Wrynose, Hardknott Pass reaches the same elevation of 393 and represents a preserved segment of the Roman known as the Tenth , constructed around AD 120 to connect the fort at to Papcastle. This pass bridges the Duddon and Eskdale, passing the of (Mediobogdum), a fortification guarding the strategic route with panoramic views toward the . Steep sections boast gradients of 25%, prompting recommendations for 4x4 vehicles or experienced drivers on its unpaved, surface, while the western descent features outcrops battered by prevailing westerly gales. Black Sail Pass, the highest at 545 m, serves as a rugged footpath and bridleway connecting the Wasdale and Ennerdale valleys via the remote Sail Youth , a former shepherds' bothy now managed by the YHA. Flanked by steep scree fields on Pillar and Fell, the pass follows Gatherstone through glacial cirques, offering a strenuous hike with exposure to sudden weather shifts from Atlantic fronts. Access is pedestrian-focused, with no vehicular option, emphasizing its role in long-distance trails like the Coast to Coast walk. Walna , peaking at 460 m, functions as a permissive path—an ancient byway open to walkers, cyclists, and limited vehicles—from Dunnerdale to , crossing the Furness Fells amid granite intrusions and boulder-strewn plateaus. This historic packhorse route, with undulating sections and loose , avoids formal status to limit erosion, connecting to trails toward Dow Crag while providing access to remote tarns like Boo Tarn. Its permissive nature balances public use with conservation, recommending off-road capable vehicles for the rougher eastern segments. These passes collectively the western Lake District's challenging character, where and exposure create dynamic, erosion-prone environments; recent , such as the –14, closure of for replacement, ongoing efforts to mitigate from use.

Contemporary Aspects

Conservation and Maintenance

The conservation of hill passes in the Lake District involves coordinated efforts by public and charitable organizations to mitigate and preserve the upland landscape's integrity. The Fix the Fells partnership, led by the Lake District and involving the , , and , a initiative since , focusing on repairing eroded paths across the national park. Over the past two decades, this program has restored damaged routes, including over 29 km of paths and 32 hectares of surrounding habitat, addressing caused by foot traffic and weather. Maintenance techniques emphasize durable, low-impact methods suited to the rugged terrain, such as stone pitching, where local rock is laid to form stable, stepped surfaces on steep gradients exceeding 15%. This approach minimizes further soil disturbance while blending with the natural environment, as seen in recent repairs along routes like those near Kirkstone Pass. Drainage improvements, including culverts and cross-drains, are also integral to prevent water runoff from exacerbating erosion; for instance, works at Sty Head Tarn have included revegetation and path reprofiling to stabilize surrounding peat areas. Volunteer contributions are vital, with Fix the Fells engaging around 130 participants who delivered over 3,000 days of labor in 2024 alone, a record high equivalent to thousands of hours of hands-on maintenance. The plays a significant role, owning approximately 20% of the , which includes key hill passes and enables targeted stewardship of these routes. Collaborations extend to mapping and monitoring, with organizations like the providing updated topographic data to support precise restoration planning, though direct path-specific partnerships focus more on broader access tools. Challenges persist due to environmental pressures, including accelerated linked to warming; the 's upland peats, which store substantial carbon, are drying out amid rising temperatures, with projections indicating dramatic loss if trends continue. Positive outcomes include enhancements from reseeding and revegetation efforts, which restore native grasses and mosses along path edges, reducing flow into watercourses and supporting like that bolster habitat resilience. These interventions, such as reprofiling haggs around passes, have improved local by curbing and aiding , contributing to the park's overall recovery goals.

Access and Tourism Impacts

The Countryside and Rights of Way Act (CROW Act) established open access for the to walk on mapped areas of , moor, heath, and downland within the , encompassing most hill passes and unrestricted pedestrian access across approximately 489 square miles (126,649 hectares) of access . However, these are subject to restrictions on certain routes to protect environmental , with motorized access banned on several unsurfaced byways and passes; for instance, motor have been prohibited on Walna since to prevent and preserve its status as a restricted byway for non-motorized users only. Such measures balance recreational access with conservation, though enforcement remains challenging amid growing visitor numbers. Tourism in the Lake District exerts significant pressure on hill passes, with approximately 18 million visitors in 2023 and 17.7 million in 2024 contributing to , including erosion from repeated foot traffic. Popular routes like experience peak summer crowds, leading to widened paths and loss as informal tracks proliferate to accommodate off-trail deviations. Following the , an initial surge in in 2021 heightened these issues, with increased staycationers exacerbating wear on high-traffic passes before numbers declined below pre-pandemic levels by 2024. To address these pressures, the has implemented measures, including expanded services as part of broader strategies launched in 2023, such as the Hopper to reduce private vehicle use on passes like Kirkstone and Honister. The UK's , including the , have committed to the UN's Race to Zero initiative, targeting a 50% reduction in by 2030 through promoted low-emission and . These efforts aim to mitigate the park's tourism-related , estimated to stem largely from travel. Human-induced impacts on hill passes include litter accumulation and wildlife disruption, prompting targeted responses from conservation groups. A 2021 survey indicated that over a quarter of tourists admitted to discarding items, contributing to broader waste issues across the park; more recent 2025 surveys reported 97% of respondents encountering litter, highlighting an ongoing "epidemic." Annual litter removal efforts by volunteers and rangers address waste left by visitors. Nesting birds on passes like Esk Hause face disturbance from off-path activity, potentially reducing breeding success for species such as dotterel and golden plover, as noted in assessments of open access effects. In response, signage and seasonal closures are enforced during breeding periods, while post-COVID recovery plans emphasize education to curb such disruptions and promote responsible access.

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  80. https://www.mwis.org.uk/assets/forecasts/ld-mwi-wm14262_2025-10-07_160922_2048.pdf
  81. https://www.fixthefells.co.uk/what-we-do/sticks-pass-west/
  82. https://www.ullswaterheritage.org/heritage-knowledge-bank/landscape-contents/water/geology
  83. https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2085560
  84. https://www.hill-bagging.co.uk/hill-view/?rf=3821
  85. http://www.cbdc.org.uk/CumbriaLGS/Leaflets/7_080.pdf
  86. https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/pygs/article/55/2/73/149143/the-caradoc-volcanoes-of-the-english-lake-district
  87. https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/places-to-go/explore-ullswater-glenridding-and-pooley-bridge
  88. https://www.contours.co.uk/coast-to-coast-short-break-central-section
  89. https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/cars/1714195/driver-warning-dangerous-winter-roads-lake-district-scotland
  90. https://www.westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk/news/2025/emergency-road-closure-a592-kirkstone-pass
  91. https://www.walkingbritain.co.uk/walk-1109-description
  92. https://mountain-bike-cumbria.co.uk/articles.php?id=garburnpass
  93. https://www.britainexpress.com/attractions.htm?attraction=2343
  94. https://www.westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk/news/2024/resurfacing-works-complete-multi-million-pound-a592-investment
  95. https://co-curate.ncl.ac.uk/kentmere/
  96. https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/gsl/pygs/article/54/2/65/149168/Early-Palaeozoic-magmatism-in-the-English-Lake
  97. http://www.rural-roads.co.uk/lakes/wrynose3.shtml
  98. https://www.britainexpress.com/attractions.htm?attraction=2336
  99. https://wikishire.co.uk/wiki/Wrynose_Pass
  100. https://wikishire.co.uk/wiki/Hardknott_Pass
  101. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g499540-d7161703-Reviews-Hardknott_Pass-Eskdale_Lake_District_Cumbria_England.html
  102. https://www.yha.org.uk/experience/walking-and-rambling-black-sail
  103. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/england/cumbria/black-sail-pass-pillar-and-wind-gap-circular
  104. https://www.active-traveller.com/travel/hiking-to-the-remote-black-sail-youth-hostel-in-the-lake-district
  105. https://wikishire.co.uk/wiki/Walna_Scar_Road
  106. https://www.walkingbritain.co.uk/walk-1911-description
  107. https://lonewalker.net/walkinfo.php?walk=213
  108. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c93x9e66wx4o
  109. https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/23725157.fix-fells-celebrates-improving-32-hectares-land/
  110. https://www.thebmc.co.uk/en/get-stuck-in-lake-district-june25
  111. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/lake-district
  112. https://www.visitlakedistrict.com/ideas-and-inspiration/the-national-trust-in-the-lake-district
  113. https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/news/os-mountain-rescue-partnership
  114. https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/caringfor/projects/fixthefells
  115. https://www.facebook.com/nationaltrust/posts/spot-the-difference-with-millions-of-feet-passing-through-the-lake-district-each/1270235034473800/
  116. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cumbria-51183134
  117. https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/plan-your-visit/rowupdates/crow_act
  118. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/open-access-land-management-rights-and-responsibilities
  119. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cumbria-16942068
  120. https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/learning/factstourism
  121. https://www.bournemouth.ac.uk/news/2021-09-28/opinion-how-pandemic-has-changed-holidaymaking-britain
  122. https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/caringfor/lake-district-national-park-partnership/partnership-annual-report-2023-24/sustainable-travel-and-transport
  123. https://www.nationalparks.uk/race-to-zero/
  124. https://www.friendsofthelakedistrict.org.uk/news/litter-research
  125. https://www.friendsofthelakedistrict.org.uk/news/summer-of-discontent-new-survey-shows-the-scale-of-fly-camping-and-littering-in-the-lake-district
  126. https://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/file/76011
  127. https://www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/wildlife-disturbance-cumbrias-coastline
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