UKC

Whisper it, but there is no law saying a walk has to include summits. Sometimes weather, lack-of-fitness or a desire for solid, well-graded trails can impel us to seek out the passes. These routes also come with a deep sense of history, having felt the footfall of many generations, often leading ponies. They offer a quick way of getting from one dale to another but here they are not just presented as a means to an end but as a pleasure in themselves. In the Far Eastern Fells, it is easy to link up Nan Bield Pass, Stile End and Gatesgarth Pass to make a manageable loop that can be completed either on foot or mountain bike. It is described as starting from Mardale but you could just as easily set off from Kentmere or Longsleddale.

10.50 miles, 16.90 km, 1,006m ascent, 1:45 – 5 hours. Shap

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In reply to Norman Hadley:

Great loop that. Although had it in my head it was a bit longer than 10.5 miles.

Certainly feels longer…!

In reply to plyometrics:

I know exactly what you mean, plyometrics. These pass-based routes might dodge summits but they're not to be dismissed a soft touches, due to amount of ascent. A vertical kilometre is about equal to the Fairfield Horseshoe, from memory.

In reply to Norman Hadley:

Hi Norman, aren't there signs discouraging/forbidding mtn biking on the Nan Bield segment on both sides of the Kent in Kentmere (i.e. the route to the west via Hartrigg Farm and the one you've given via Overend)? I'm not sure what the status of these signs is, maybe just nimbyish?  

In reply to Norman Hadley:

I've done a similar circuit quite a few times mainly from a start in Kentmere. I'm not sure, on arrival at Nan Bield, whether I could face the big loss of height down to Mardale? My naturally lazy nature would rationalise the short climb and traverse over Harter Fell instead. Once you're up there might as well stay high and walk south over Kentmere Pike etc. It's tough being idle.

In reply to felt:

If you follow the route to hallow bank instead you'll be on bridleways the whole way.

It's all totally rideable on public bridleways and Byways open to all traffic. 

In reply to felt:

Hi felt/MB

Same as D.Botts87, I've never had any problems with bike access on the legit, eastern side of the valley. I think there are signs keeping bikes off the footpath that forks acutely off at Overend towards the reservoir, but that seems fair enough.

In reply to Lankyman:

Summits are for wimps, Lankyman. 

In reply to Norman Hadley:

Ah, OK. Thanks.

In reply to Norman Hadley:

I know you're joking (?), Norman but I've had some very good walks on the fells where we've deliberately avoided the top. Two that stand out were Crinkle Crags and Harter Fell (the Eskdale one), high enough to get the views but poking into lots of little corners.

In reply to Lankyman:

Yes, lots of the fells lend themselves well to exploratory rummages.

https://www.ukhillwalking.com/articles/opinions/bagging_-_going_beyond_the_...