England · United Kingdom
Shap Fell
A6Kendal to Shap
The old main road over Shap, a historic test of cars and lorries before the M6.
The A6 climbs over Shap Fell between Kendal and Shap, the great pre-motorway test of any vehicle heading north. It is quieter now but still high and exposed, with long gradients and fast-changing weather on the tops.
Where it runs16.5 mi · point to point
KendalStart · England
ShapEnd · England
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Character
Corners12bends
Tightness3of 10
Max gradient8%≈ 1-in-13
Hairpins1tight bends
Climb475 mtotal ascent
Summit423.6 mhighest point of the line · 1,390 ft
Corners
busiest around mile 1Elevation
under 4%4–8%over 8%48.5 – 423.6 mPoints of interest3 stops
- Kemp Howe Stone CircleLandmark15 mi in
- Muddy BrowViewpoint6.3 mi in
- Skellaw HillViewpoint16 mi in
Hazards
- Exposed summit, snow and wind
- Long gradients
- Cyclists
Sources
“The terrain is wild and uncultivated, and the skyline unspoilt by modern development”
Verified route: mapped from real road geometry and fact-checked by a human editor. How roads get checked
Driving the Shap Fell: quick answers
How long does it take to drive the Shap Fell?
Shap Fell runs 16.5 miles (27 km) and takes about 30 min to drive without stops.
How difficult is the Shap Fell to drive?
We rate it moderate: 12 corners including 1 hairpins, a maximum gradient of 8%, and a tightness of 3 out of 10.
When is the best time to drive the Shap Fell?
Spring and Summer and Autumn are best.
Nearby roads
The closest great drives to Shap Fell.
Shap Fell
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