Garburn Pass from Staveley

The route

Start at Staveley Mill Yard and head out through Ings towards the fells. The route covers 30.6km with around 840m of climbing, built around the crossing of the Garburn Pass between Troutbeck and Kentmere. It links a string of quiet valleys, Kentmere, Troutbeck and the Kent, on bridleway and fell track, making a long but forgiving circuit of the far eastern Lakes.

The pass

The Garburn Pass tops out around 450m and is the pivot of the day. From the Troutbeck side the climb is a rough, stony bridleway with the Troutbeck valley falling away behind and the Ill Bell ridge and High Street rising ahead. The descent into Kentmere is steep and boulder-strewn, a proper technical drop that demands attention on tired legs. This is an old working route between the dales, and it still feels like one: hard-wearing, direct, and honest.

Why it works

This is a route with the length and climb of a serious day but the surface of a runnable one. Most of it is good bridleway and track, with the Garburn crossing providing the rough, rocky interest in the middle. It suits a long training run or a full day out, and the linking of two quiet valleys keeps it varied and away from the crowds. Navigation is largely straightforward on well-used tracks, though a few valley junctions reward a check of the map. The exposed pass catches the weather, so carry a layer and save the crossing for reasonable conditions. Staveley bookends the loop with Wilf's Cafe and the Mill Yard, which is exactly what you want after 30km on the fells. It is a strong stepping stone towards a full Kentmere Round, sharing much of the same ground at a more forgiving grade. Ride the wave of good conditions and it is one of the best long runs in this corner of the Lakes.