Kirkstone Pass Inn: The 3rd Highest Pub in England
Last Updated on 6th October 2023 by Sophie Nadeau
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Even on a warm July afternoon the smell of logs burning in an open hearth waft out of the front door at the Kirkstone Pass Inn, a traditional pub in the heart of the Lake District, an area famed for its outstanding beauty.
But what makes this Lake District attraction perhaps so notable is that it’s purportedly the 3rd highest pub in England! Please note that, unfortunately, the pub is closed until further notice. During our 2023 visit, we saw that there were some major renovation works going on!
The fire burns continuously on the hearth in the very heart of the Lake District (or so the story goes!)… And at 1500 feet up above sea level, the smell drifting from the pub is stark in contrast to the otherwise fresh air of the mountain pass.
A history of the Kirkstone Pass Inn
The Kikstone Pass Inn is the third highest Inn in England and sits in the middle of the Kirkstone Pass, a perilous stretch of road connecting the settlements of Windermere (one of the most famous towns in the Lake District) and Patterdale.
The notable stretch of road which passes mere yards from the doorstep of the Inn is simply known as ‘the Struggle’, an indication that this road is not for the faint of heart, nor should it be driven in difficult or dangerous conditions (such as during snow or ice). If I would give you just one Lake District travel tip, it would be to be cautious while driving around the region!
There has been a building on site where the pub now stands since the 15th-Century (since 1496 to be precise!) and it’s the highest inhabited building in all of Cumbria. It’s thought that the Inn was originally connected with a nearby Monastery at Ullswater.
Over the centuries the monastic building was transformed into a coaching Inn. ‘Kirk’ is the Old Scottish-English Word for ‘church’, owing to a nearby stone which resembles a church’s spire (and which can be viewed from close to the pub).
In the past, the Inn would have been a welcome source of rest and comfort for local residents herding their livestock across the harsh terrain.
Before an era of tarmac and asphalt, the already difficult roads would have been dirt and almost impassable, even in the best weather conditions. (And, let’s be honest, you don’t come to the Lake District for the weather!)
Visiting the Kirstone Pass Inn
Today, the Kirkstone Pass welcomes weary adventurers, locals and tourists alike in its cozy setting. Sit inside and enjoy the fire, or venture out into the elements and admire the views below from the picnic tables set up opposite the Inn. Just sitting and watching people go by in both settings are experiences of their own…
The Inn is making an extra effort to be environmentally friendly and runs solely on wind power from a nearby turbine! There are also many vegetarian options on offer (which was a pretty nice surprise if you’re a non-meat eater like me!)
All in all, a visit to the pub is a must if you’re in the area, particularly because one of the best things to do in the Lake District is to enjoy all of the local food and produce on offer!
