Scarth Gap Pass, Black Sail Pass and Seathwaite loop — The Lake District
Scarth Gap Pass, Black Sail Pass and Seathwaite loop — The Lake District
5.0
(2)
62
riders
Scarth Gap Pass, Black Sail Pass and Seathwaite loop — The Lake District
04:10
28.0km
1,440m
Mountain biking
The Scarth Gap Pass, Black Sail Pass and Seathwaite loop offers a challenging mountain biking experience in the Lake District. This difficult 17.4-mile (28.0 km) route takes around 4 hours and 10 minutes to complete, with a significant elevation gain of 4728 feet (1441 metres). You will navigate diverse terrain, including technical singletrack and bouldery descents, with spectacular views of towering peaks from Scarth Gap Pass and vistas into Ennerdale and Mosedale from Black Sail Pass.
Prepare for a demanding ride; this loop requires very good fitness and advanced skills, with sections that will necessitate pushing your bike. The ascent of Scarth Gap Pass is arduous and technical, often unrideable, and Black Sail Pass involves a hard, steep slog to climb. While much of the trail is rideable, expect hike-a-bike sections, even if you are using an e-bike. The route is highly rated by the Komoot community, so you can expect a rewarding adventure.
This loop is known for its
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Tips
Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted
After 458 m for 69 m
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
2.54 km
Little Gatesgarthdale Bridleway to Grange
Highlight (Segment) • Climb
It's semi-technical, but it's also a perfect opportunity to soak up the scenery (in between thrutches) as you head below High and Low Scawdel towards Grange.
Tip by
11.3 km
Scarth Gap Pass
Highlight (Segment) • Mountain Pass
It's an arduous, technical and occasionally unrideable ascent, but the views from the top more than make up for your efforts!
Tip by
13.9 km
Black Sail Pass
Highlight • Mountain Pass
Tip by
17.5 km
Wasdale Head Inn
Highlight • Pub
As a walkers inn the pub has a drying room, useful for those soggy expeditions!
Tip by
28.0 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
13.0 km
12.1 km
2.72 km
150 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
17.0 km
5.66 km
2.29 km
1.86 km
862 m
284 m
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Elevation
Highest point (540 m)
Lowest point (80 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Thursday 7 May
15°C
6°C
30 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 6.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
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Trail Reviews
The toughest 16 miles you will do with your bike. If you don't believe me give it a go and report back. Note: be prepared this is not for the faint hearted 🤘
A very, very difficult route - much of the uphill is 'hike a bike' and downhills are very technical (given the extent of the downhill, they eventually hurt the body - well for a 62 years old they did!!). I wouldnt recommend using an e-bike, although it helps for some of the uphill, the bike eventually becomes a dead weight the hike a bike sections. Allow plenty of time for the route - doubtful you'll be able to manage much more than 8-10km p/h