Top 16 Mountain Passes around Eden
Best mountain passes around Eden traverse a diverse landscape in Cumbria, UK, offering routes through mountainous terrain. This region features a mix of challenging hikes and more accessible trails, providing varied experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. The natural environment includes fells, tarns, and valleys, characteristic of the Eastern Lake District passes.
Best mountain passes around Eden
- The most popular mountain passes is Grisedale Tarn, a lake situated high in the mountains at the head of three valleys. It represents a…
Last updated: April 28, 2026
Grisedale Tarn
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Hartside Pass Ascent from Melmerby
Highlight (Segment) • Climb
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Sticks Pass Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Mountain Pass
Tip by
Scandale Pass
Highlight • Trail
Four paths meet …
Tip by
Descent Towards Brothers Water via Kirkstone Pass
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
Shap Summit
Highlight • Mountain Pass
Tip by
Hartside Summit Descent
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
View of Small Water and Haweswater from Nan Bield Pass
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
Hause Gap
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
Hartside Descent to Alston
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more mountain passes around Eden.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Eden
Ephemeral Lines – Stunning UK Winter Ridges
Bothies of Britain: hiking and biking adventures to unique mountain shelters
Lakeland 100 – ultra tour of the Lake District
Yorkshire Dales National Park – A Walk in the Parks
A Dales High Way – Hiking in winter
GB Divide — Great Britain end to end off-road on GBDURO
GBDURO 2021 — Gravel racing Land's End to John O'Groats
All the Wainwrights in seven weekends — a book by book adventure
Lake to Lake Walk — Windermere to Kielder across the beautiful North
Teesdale Way — A riverside hike from wild Pennines to the North Sea
Other adventures around Eden
Tips from the Community
Nan Bield Pass Shelter
0
0
Going up from Glenridding will be a push for most, I think. Can be quite windy up there, but still good fun.
0
0
See also https://youtu.be/nwLbBGsuhsI?si=76Hnn6wo_SsBwWXE Cycling video with the ascent from Melmerby
0
0
The stone built shelter will provide a good spot for a tea break on your way to Mardale Ill Bell and High Street from Haweswater via Small Water. It is at less than 2 miles from Haweswater head car-park so may be too early for lunch yet.
0
0
Amazing views of the vallay
0
0
Stunning views of Mardale
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most popular mountain passes around Eden?
Visitors frequently enjoy Grisedale Tarn, a high-mountain lake that serves as a pass between Grasmere and Patterdale, offering various hiking routes. Another favorite is the View of Small Water and Haweswater from Nan Bield Pass, known for its access to the Kentmere Horseshoe and stunning views.
Are there any challenging mountain passes for experienced hikers in the Eastern Lake District passes?
Yes, for challenging routes, consider the Sticks Pass Trail, which is noted for its demanding terrain. The Gatescarth Pass also offers a challenging experience, as does the Hause Gap, which features challenging sections and ridge walks.
What are the best mountain passes for views near Keswick or in the Eden area?
For spectacular views, the View of Small Water and Haweswater from Nan Bield Pass offers breathtaking vistas over the fells of the Kentmere Horseshoe. Additionally, the descent towards Brothers Water via Kirkstone Pass provides impressive views towards Patterdale.
What outdoor activities can I do near the mountain passes around Eden?
The region offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking opportunities, including challenging routes like Striding Edge and Helvellyn, or easier trails such as Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park. For cyclists, there are road cycling routes around Ullswater and Shap summit. Explore more options on the Hiking around Eden and Road Cycling Routes around Eden guide pages.
Are there any family-friendly mountain walks near Appleby-in-Westmorland or other parts of the Eden Valley?
Yes, for family-friendly walks, you can find easier trails around the Eden area. For example, the Easy hikes around Eden guide includes routes like the Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park Trail, and the Brothers Water loop, which are suitable for families.
What natural features can I see when visiting the mountain passes around Eden?
The mountain passes around Eden are rich in natural beauty. You can encounter high-mountain tarns like Grisedale Tarn, fells, and valleys characteristic of the Eastern Lake District. Many passes also offer stunning viewpoints over lakes such as Small Water and Haweswater from Nan Bield Pass.
Is there a quieter alternative to Kirkstone Pass for walkers between Ambleside and Ullswater?
Yes, for those traveling on foot between Ambleside and Ullswater, Scandale Pass offers a much wilder and quieter option compared to the busier Kirkstone Pass. It's a great choice for a more serene experience.
What is the best time to visit Kirkstone Pass for cycling or scenic drives?
While specific 'best time' tips are not provided, Kirkstone Pass is known for its spectacular views. It's advisable to check weather conditions, especially for the 'technical' sections at the top, as this can impact the experience for both cyclists and drivers. Spring and autumn often offer pleasant conditions and vibrant scenery.
Are there any notable climbs for road cyclists among the mountain passes in Cumbria?
Absolutely. The Hartside Pass Ascent from Melmerby is highly regarded, listed as number 77 in the '100 Greatest Climbs' books. It's a five-mile-long climb with a consistent gradient, considered one of the best in the Lakes/Pennines. The Shap Summit is another significant climb in the region.
What do visitors enjoy most about the mountain passes around Eden?
Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse landscape, from challenging hikes to scenic climbs and viewpoints. The region's natural environment, including fells, tarns, and valleys, is a major draw. Many enjoy the sense of achievement from tackling climbs like Hartside Pass and the stunning views offered by passes like Nan Bield Pass.
Are there any wild camping spots near the mountain passes in Eden Valley?
Yes, Grisedale Tarn is mentioned as a great wild camping spot. Its atmospheric setting high in the mountains makes it a popular choice for those looking to camp in the wilderness.
What are the weather conditions typically like on mountain passes in Eden?
Mountain weather can be unpredictable. While specific conditions vary, it's always recommended to be prepared for changes. For passes like Grisedale Tarn, valley routes are recommended in bad or stormy weather, as ridge walks can become dangerous. Always check the forecast before heading out.
Most popular routes around Eden
Most popular attractions around Eden
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Didn’t find what you were looking for?
Find even more amazing mountain passes around Eden organized by region:
Explore more
See even more epic mountain passes by checking out these guides around Eden:
