Honister Pass from Seatoller

Route overview

This ride suits cyclists ready for a short but very steep climb with mixed surfaces.

A 4.2 km climb from Seatoller to Honister Pass via mixed surfaces in the UK Lake District.

The route starts in Seatoller at 133 m elevation beneath High Doat (283 m). It climbs 463 m over 4.2 km to Honister Pass at 596 m, passing near Fleetwith Pike (648.9 m) and Black Star (634 m) close to the top. The climb is very steep, with an average gradient of 11%, a maximum gradient of 18.9%, and a steepest 500 m section at 21.8% right from the start. Surface-wise, the ride is a mix of 45% paved main road (1.9 km), 31% track (1.3 km), and 24% path (1 km). The main road section lacks a cycle lane and includes 1.8 km with posted limits of 80 km/h or more. Almost the entire route climbs, with 4.1 km above 5%, including 2.9 km above 8% and 2.2 km above 10%. Facilities are limited before km 2.3. The longest stretch without a café, shop, or water is those first 2.3 km, but there is a café (Sky Hi Cafe) and toilets about 13-14 m off route at that point, near Honister Slate Mine. The ride starts near The Yew Tree Pub in Seatoller. There are no shops, bike shops, petrol stations, or bailout points listed along the way.

Highlights

• Honister Pass summit at 596 m
• Steepest 500 m at 21.8% from the start
• Honister Slate Mine near 2.3 km
• Fleetwith Pike near route end

Practical information

Surface

Paved

Route shape

Point to point

Riding time

18 min

Best months

Jun to Aug — daily highs of 17–18 °C in those months

Know before you go

• 1.9 km on main roads without cycle lanes
• 1.8 km on roads with 80 km/h+ speed limits
• First 2.3 km with no cafe, shop or water
• 55% gravel or unpaved surface

Routes are for inspiration. Roads, surfaces and conditions change — check locally and ride within your limits.