Route: Aire Force CP, Hartsop, KIRKSTONE, Grassmere, Dunmail Raise, Blinks Moss, Aire Force CP

This Climb

OS Map Link:

After a long flattish section along side Ulswater and through Patterdale this climb officially starts in line with GCC 83 at Horseman Bridge, Hartsop, starting through woodland striking onto the open fell at the Brotherswater Inn. From there there are two climbs linked by a flattish stretch. The lower section is not too taxing, with the gradient briefly peaking at 6%, the upper part though is a different kettle of fish. Having a true mountain pass feel with the peaks Stoney Cove Pike and Red Screes rising to the left and right, and a consistent 8-14% slope topping out at 16% before a gentler cruise to the top. The Ebike was kept in ECO mode but BOOST employed as I tired at the final push. After all this was the first ride out since last June.

The ride down was by the narrow, often steep occasionally twisting “The Struggle” a way up to be explored in the future.

Points of Interest.

Brothers Water, I believe named for two young brothers who drowned there as one attempted to rescue the other, is noted for having one of only four a population of schelly,  a rare land locked salmon. Unlike their cousin the Willoughby’s char, schelleys are not worth catching even if it were legal.

The Kirkstone Pass Inn sadly appeared to be at least temporarily moribund. This article by the BBC gives some clues as to its future, however some locals are unsure of the developers motives.