Kirkstone Pass in Cumbria is, purportedly, riddled with ghosts

Kirkstone Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 459m (1,505ft) above the sea level, located in Lake District, in the county of Cumbria, in England. It is, purportedly, riddled with ghosts.

Kirkstone Pass

Where does the Kirkstone Pass start and end?

The road to the summit is 18.50km (11.5 miles) long, running south-north from Windermere (in the South Lakeland District) to Patterdale (in the Ullswater valley of Eden District). It’s called A592. The road follows the route of a drover's road, used by farmers.

How hard is Kirkstone Pass?

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. Keep in low gear. Due its steepness it was traditionally known as 'The Struggle'. It can get dangerous in the winter when covered with snow and ice. It goes up quite high and you sometimes get mist at the top.

Is the Kirkstone Pass open?

At 459m (1,505ft) above the sea level it is the Lake District’s highest pass that is open to motor traffic. Winter conditions can be hazardous. It’s frequently closed in winter.

Is Kirkstone Pass scary?

Located a few miles north of Ambleside, the picturesque road has lots of folklore and tales around it. It's said to be haunted. There are tales of a frightening grey woman and the ghost of a lost hiker who play poltergeist tricks there. Another ghost, of a woman hanged for murdering her child, haunts a nearby tree, appropriately called the Hangman's Tree.

Where is the highest pub in the Lake District?

Plan about 30 minutes to complete the remarkable drive without stops, although you may want to block out extra time to stop. Near the summit is the Kirkstone Inn, the 3rd highest inn in England and the highest pub in Cumbria, opened for over 500 years. The scenery is fabulous and the drive offers great views over the Lakeland fells and Brothers Water, a small lake at the foot of the pass.