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7.
(13 miles)
Turn right across the stepping stones and follow singletrack around the right hand bank. Continue along trail as it climbs up becoming a boulder slope. Although the zigzags of this are hard to follow it is difficult to stray too far from the natural lie of the climb. follow until eventually the stone shelter at the top of the pass is reached.
Go straight on down opposite side (check out the view of that singletrack, one of the longest and best in England)(14 miles and a lot of carrying). Half a dozen steep, tight switchbacks lead down to a gentle breather before a nasty rock drop which should be treated with caution. From there follow the rock studded singletrack above and past Kentmere Reservoir. Continue to follow this trail until you reach a tarmac road and farm at
8.
(16.8 miles)
Crossing a peat section and at least three fords on the way. Notice this incredible trail is mostly downhill and almost three miles long. At the farm bear right through iron gate, do not climb tarmac hill. Go straight from gate even though first hundred yards is indistinct, soon becomes sweet grass trail between hedged banks. Follow on in same direction through several gates and one ford (or over stone slab to stay dry) until finally the trail climbs a short pitch and re-joins the road at
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9. (18 miles)
From trail here bear right on to tarmac which soon climbs to cross roads from earlier (Maggs Howe). Go on down tarmac passing by entrance to Cocklaw Fell Bridleway. Take care of on-coming traffic on narrow road, soon feeds on to local road
following River Kent back to Staveley. When you reach the Staveley T-junction turn right and follow back to start/finish at (23 miles).
Notes
The Gatescarth Pass is closed to all horses and motorised vehicles
at present. This is said to be in order to protect the fragile path
from erosion. The gates at either end are locked with hefty
combination padlocks and so you will need to lift your bikes over
the top. The "Fix The Fells" Project is currently working
to restore the natural beauty and sustainability of dozens of trails
in the Lake District. They need donations to help with the work and
every pound donated will be matched with twice as much lottery
funded money! To find out more and make a contribution visit: www.fixthefells.co.uk.
We don't make a
habit of putting warnings on the site but one section on the descent
from the Nan Bield Pass is worth a mention. Near the bottom of the
steep section (Matt is shown at the top of below): there is a short
steep and rocky pitch you need to be skilled to attempt safely. Matt
made it, but so far from civilisation the rest of us gave it a miss.
It's only around twenty yards, so you may wish to do the same.
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