Gatescarth Pass
Status: Open but with restrictions
The Traffic Regulation Order on Gatescarth Pass was lifted on 1 November. The December 2009 permit day is fully booked. The pass is closed to 4x4s and quad bikes until April 2010. Thank you to everyone for your co-operation.
To reduce damage on the track all routes will now be North to South.
U5257 Gatescarth Pass: Permit System for Motorcycles and 4x4 Vehicles
Gatescarth Pass Map (opens Document Library) and Gatescarth Pass Byway 548015 and 361002 Order and Map - March 2009 (opens Document Library)
From 4 November 2004 a permit system has applied to all motorcyclists and 4x4 drivers.
What you need to know before applying for a permit
1. 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.
2. Sections of Gatescarth Pass have a fragile and vulnerable surface that is very difficult to maintain. If use is to continue, riders and drivers have to 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 and drivers in his/her group read the Driver and rider guidance before the permit day.
3. 4x4 vehicles are not permitted from December to March inclusive each year. This is to safeguard the most vulnerable sections of the Pass from disturbance.
4. Gatescarth Pass is open for one day per month to users of recreational motor vehicles who have been issued with an authorising permit by the Lake District National Park Authority (subject to conditions below). Permit days are the first Friday, Saturday or Sunday of each month. To reduce damage on the track all routes will now be North to South. Forthcoming dates are:
2010
- Saturday 9 January 2010 North to South
- Sunday 7 February 2010 North to South
- Friday 5 March 2010 North to South
- Saturday 3 April 2010 North to South
- Sunday 2 May 2010 North to South
- Friday 4 June 2010 North to South
- Saturday 3 July 2010 North to South
- Sunday 1 August 2010 North to South
- Friday 3 September 2010 North to South
- Saturday 2 October 2010 North to South
- Sunday 7 November 2010 North to South
- Friday 3 December 2010 North to South
5. In the event of bad weather and ground conditions open days will be cancelled.
6. 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, by email, on the voicemail of Ranger (North) Ian Clemmett on 07799 793 841 and Ranger (South) Sue Thompson on 07788 991 610. However the ultimate responsibility to check if the permit is valid and the permit day is to go ahead lies with the permit holder.
7. The gate-lock combination number issued to permit holders will apply from 9 am to 4 pm on the permit day. All users should be off the route by 4 pm at the latest. Please remember the gate-lock combination number will be changed after 4pm.
8. 4x4 vehicles with a wheelbase of over 100 inch are not permitted to drive Gatescarth Pass. This is because of the damage caused by larger 4 x 4s. Please read the Driver and rider guidance for more detailed information. You will be refused access on the permit day if your vehicle does not meet these requirements.
9. 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.
10. A maximum of 12 4 x 4s or quad bikes (in groups of two, three or four vehicles) will be permitted on any one permit day.
11. A maximum of 18 motorcycles (in groups of two, three four, five or six vehicles) will be allowed on each permit day.
12. For 4 x 4s and quad bikes the permit allows one pass of the route in one direction only - North to South.
13. Motorcyclists can return over the Pass if they wish but must start from the North side.
14. 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.
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
15. Download Application Form for Gatescarth Pass permit - new for 2010 - (opens Document Library) and email it as an attachment to stephanie.conway@lakedistrict.gov.uk or by post to:
Lake District National Park Authority
Murley Moss
Oxenholme Road
Kendal
Cumbria
LA9 7RL
The permit holder must ensure that all drivers and riders named on the permit have read and understood the Driver and rider guidance.
16. The permit application requires the registration number of each vehicle, the name of each rider / driver, and for 4 wheeled vehicles, and the length of the wheelbase.
During the week before the permit day
17. A permit will be sent to the applicant with the relevant permit day date and other information.
18. One permit will cover all the vehicles in a club or organisation’s application, subject to the limits of four 4 x 4s, quad bikes and six motorcycles. The minimum number of vehicles in any application is two to facilitate self-recovery. This also applies to motorcycles.
After you've received your permit and before you visit Gatescarth Pass
19. On the Thursday before a permit day permit holders must phone the Lake District National Park Authority on 01539 724555 to be given the combination code for the gate locks. The codes will apply from 9 am to 4 pm on the permit days. Permit holders will be permitted to lock and unlock the gates themselves. Our staff will continue to carry out patrols. Permit holders must not share lock codes with others nor invite other users to join their permitted groups.
20. Individual applicants will normally be issued only one permit in any calendar year. If demand is low and not all permits or numbers are filled, this could be increased.
21. This system has been developed and agreed by the Gatescarth Pass Working Group. It consists of National Park Authority staff and representatives from motorcycle and 4 x 4 groups, Cumbria Bridleways Society and Friends of the Lake District. Any changes to this system will be recommended by the Group. Contravention of a TRO is a motoring offence punishable by fine and / or penalty points.
For more information
Contact Stephanie Conway, telephone 01539 792676, e-mail stephanie.conway@lakedistrict.gov.uk or write to:
Lake District National Park Authority
Murley Moss
Oxenholme Road
Kendal
Cumbria
LA9 7RL
Want even more visitor information?
Visit Golakes (opens in new window), the official website of the tourist board for The Lake District and Cumbria. Browse and book accommodation and attractions online and see what's on in the area.
