Gatescarth Pass

What you need to know before applying for a permit

The permit system applies to all motorcyclists, 4x4 drivers, horseriders and off road wheelchair users. The pass is open for vehicles one day a month. Please look at:

• Green Road Gatescarth Pass Map (PDF)
• Gatescarth Pass Traffic Regulation Order 2004 (PDF)
• Gatescarth Pass Traffic Regulation Order Map 2004 (section subject to TRO) (PDF)

4x4’s and motorcycles…

• Use of Gatescarth Pass by motor vehicles is regulated by Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) in accordance with The Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. Contravention of a TRO is a motoring offence punishable by fine and/or penalty points.
• Gatescarth Pass is open one day per month to users of recreational motor vehicles issued with an authorising permit by the Lake District National Park Authority (subject to conditions outlined). Permit days are the first Friday, Saturday or Sunday of each month.
• To reduce damage on the track 4x4's can only proceed North to South.
• For 4x4s and quad bikes the permit allows one pass of the route in one direction only - North to South.
• Motorcyclists can return over the Pass if they wish and can start from either the North or the South side.  Please be aware vehicles may be coming in the opposite direction; give way as necessary, particularly if they are ascending.
• A maximum of 12 4x4s or quad bikes (in groups of two, three or four vehicles) will be permitted on any one permit day.
• A maximum of 18 motorcycles (in groups of two, three four, five or six vehicles) will be allowed on each permit day.
• Users are not allowed to use the Pass as a single user, they must be part of a group of at least 2 motorcycles or 2 4x4s.
• 4x4 vehicles are not permitted from December-March inclusive each year to safeguard the most vulnerable sections of the Pass from disturbance.
• Sections of Gatescarth Pass have a fragile and vulnerable surface that is very difficult to maintain. If use is to continue, riders and drivers must use it with great respect and care. You must read the Driver and rider guidance before applying for a permit. It will be the responsibility of the applicant to ensure all the riders/drivers in his/her group read the Driver and Rider Guidance before the permit day.
• 4x4 vehicles with a wheelbase of 100 inch+ are not permitted to drive the Pass  because of damage caused by larger 4 x 4s.  Please read Driver and Rider Guidance for information. You will be refused access on permit day if your vehicle does not meet these requirements.
• It is each permit holder's responsibility to prove and ensure that their vehicle falls within the wheelbase limits, that their vehicle is suitably equipped for the conditions to be encountered on the route, and that all persons listed on the permit know the Driver and Rider Guidance.
• In the event of bad weather and poor ground conditions, permit days will be cancelled. Any decision to cancel will be based on the series of monthly inspections of route condition, previous weather conditions and weather forecasts. Information will be posted on this web page and/or sent by email to permit holders. The ultimate responsibility to check if the permit is valid and the permit day is to go ahead, lies with the permit holder.
• The gate-lock combination number issued to permit holders will apply from 9am to 4pm on the permit day. It is the permit holder’s responsibility to lock the gate behind them. All users should be off the route by 4pm at the latest.  The gate-lock combination number will be changed after 4pm.
• 4x4 users and quad bikes must be at the locked gate on the Mardale side no later than 1pm. Access will not be allowed after this time.

Horseriders and off-road wheelchair users

Horse riders and off-road wheelchair users can apply for a permit at any time. They can get the lock combination for the gates up until the next vehicle permit day. Please send an email with your details to: pmadminsouth@lakedistrict.gov.uk  

Mountain Bikers

Mountain bikers can use the Pass at any time. They can access the Pass using the kissing gates adjacent to the locked gates, or by lifting the bike over the locked gate on the South side (Brownhowe Bottom).

Associated routes

Since the enactment of the Natural Environment Rural Communities Act 2006 Katebarrow Lane at Garnett Bridge (off A6 north of Kendal, between Grid References. SD520998 and SD527993) is now closed to motor vehicles.

How to apply

Applicants MUST provide details of all permit holders - names, addresses and registration numbers.  We may refuse applications which do not have the correct information.

Details of what information we hold and why can be found in our Privacy Notice or upon request.

Use the button here to access the Gatescarth Pass 4x4  application form.

Apply for a 4x4 permit

Use the button here to access the Gatescarth Pass motorcycle  application form.

Apply for a motorcycle permit