Amazing Lake District Drives – Best drives for spectacular views
While nothing beats an exhilarating, mind-clearing and soul-cleansing walk amongst the awe-inspring scenery of the Lake District National Park, sometimes, for whatever reason, physical exercise just isn’t on the cards.
That doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the jaw-dropping views however. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most spectacular drives the Lakes has to offer. Incredible mountain vistas, tantalising glimpses of distant lakes and (sometimes) white-knuckle excitement as you brave a thrilling mountain pass – these drives are all a truly incredible way to see the Lakes on four wheels.
Wrynose and Hardknott Passes
These two connecting mountain passes link the three Lakeland valleys of Dunnerdale, Eskdale and Langdale and, due their engine-testing incline of up to 33% (1 in 3) are one of the better-known mountain passes in the Lakes.
Going west to east, the single-track Hardknott Pass begins in Upper Eskdale, just below Hardknott Roman Fort, and is around 2.2km long. Rising to an elevation of 393 metres it descends nail-bitingly steeply into the Duddon Valley before crossing the River Duddon and becoming Wrynose Pass. Wrynose reaches the same height as Hardknott at 393 metres but thankfully, the gradient only manages 1 in 4. At the top of the pass sits the Three Shire Stone, which marks the meeting point of the historic Lakeland counties of Cumberland, Westmoreland and Lancashire.
From the Three Shire Stone the road makes its way, in most spectacular fashion, down into the Langdale Valley, with astounding views of the Langdale Pikes as you make your careful descent. The road along the base of Greater Langdale is amazing in its own right and well worth a visit even if you don’t fancy tackling Wrynose Pass (though it can get very busy in summer so is best enjoyed in the winter months).
Refreshments en route? Two traditional pubs; the Woolpack in on the Eskdale side and Old Dungeon Ghyll in Langdale bookend these passes.
Birker Fell
Connecting the Duddon Valley to Eskdale this lesser known-drive is a true gem. As you reach the highest point of the road, you’ll be treated to extraordinary views of the Scafells and surrounding peaks. There are ample places to pull over too, allowing the driver, and not just the passengers, to soak up these impossible views.
The east to west route starts at Ulpha in the Duddon Valley and deposits you in Eskdale Green. Just past the small village of Ulpha, a sharp left sign-posted Eskdale and Whitehaven marks the start of the road and a triangular sign warns of the 25% gradient to come. This first section through the woods is by far the steepest and the gradient soon lessens as the views begin to open up. Soon you’ll be gaping open-mouthed at the magnifcent mountain views to the north.
To make your drive circular, turn right at the King George IV pub at Eskdale Green to head towards Upper Eskdale and pick up Hardknott Pass back to the The Duddon Valley (see above).
Refreshments en route? Fresh, home-made cakes, sandwiches and coffee at Crosbythwaite Farm on the Duddon side of the pass. King George IV pub in Eskdale Green.
Honister Pass
Linking two of the most beautiful valleys in the Lakes; Borrowdale and Buttermere, Honister Pass is one of the Lake’s best known mountain passes. With looming, dramatic mountains and far-reaching valley views, once driven it will never be forgotten.
From Keswick, head south on the B5289 along the eastern shore of Derwent Water to Borrowdale and stay on the road as it reaches Seatoller village and becomes Honister Pass and begins its ascent. While it’s not strictly a two-lane road, it is wider than Hardknott Pass for example and 2 cars can generally squeeze past, given enough care and attention.
Passing Honister Slate Mine, the road begins its decent into Buttermere with a maximum gradient of 25%. The dramtic, broken slopes of Fleetwith Pike loom on your left and the Buttermere giants of High Stile and Red Pike appear ahead of you as you snake your way down the valley.
Dropping down into Buttermere the road then skirts along the picturesque lakeshores of Buttermere and Crummock Water.
A return journey via Newlands Pass, by heading north-west out of Buttermere village, makes a wonderful, circular route with varied and impressive views throughout.
Refreshments en route? The Bait Cabin at Honister Slate Mine at the top of the pass, serves handcrafted delicacies made from locally sourced Lake District ingredients. And if you’re feeling brave you can even have a go at the nerve-jangling Via Ferrata Extreme or the adrenilin-charged Infinity Bridge suspended 1000ft above the valle while you’re there. Or you could just have a nice cup of tea, a fresh scone and meander back to your car to continue your gentle drive.
Refreshments are also available in down Buttermere village, although parking can sometimes be an issue during busy times (which is most times).
Kirkston Pass (A592)
If you’re slightly nervous of taking on the single track Hardknott and Wrynose Passes, often necessitating much reversing, squeezing and breathing-in as you shuffle and edge your way past various inevitable farm traffic, then the good news is that Kirkston Pass offers incredible views with TWO traffic lanes. On both your ascent and descent you can marvel at much magnificent scenery as you travel between the iconic lakes of Windermere and Ullswater.
Kirkston Pass starts at the roundabout on the A591 just north of Windermere and passes nearby our Stables Cottage. The gradient is steady as it climbs towards the highest point, wedged dramatically between the crumbling, boulder strewn slopes of Red Screes and Stony Cove Pike mountains.
The top of Kirkston can also be reached via the aptly named “The Struggle” from Ambleside, however this route is slightly narrower – but just as scenic.
The descent towards Patterdale and Ullswater provides glorious views of Place Fell beyond Brothers Water. And in the opposite direction, heading south to north, the views are just as impressive, with jutting peaks and huge boulders dominating the views as you climb back to the top of the pass. A stop at the top to admire the views down to Windermere is a must.
Refreshments en route? At the time this blog was written (September 2024), the legendary Kirkston Inn, the highest pub in the Lakes, was closed for major refurbishments. Once work is complete and the pub once again serving customers, it’s almost compulsory to pop in for the highest pint (or non-alcholic equivalent) in the county. Another great pub en route is the Queen’s Head at Troutbeck on the Windermere side of the pass.