Covering more than 900 square miles, the Lake District in Cumbria is the UK’s largest National Park.
Home to spectacular scenery, picture-perfect villages, 16 lakes and countless other bodies of water, it’s the perfect place to pull on your hiking boots – or your wetsuit – and get outdoors.
Weather in the Lake District is notably changeable though – you can see four seasons in one day. So on some days you might fancy forgoing the fells and jumping in your car or camper to explore.
Whether you're road tripping in your campervan or camper truck and stopping at different places overnight, or staying at a campsite or B&B and heading out for a few hours exploring, these are some of the most scenic drives to enjoy.
The drives are also perfect for exploring if you’re hiring a Wild Camper Truck from Kendal. Sleeping four people (five if one’s a little one), the 4x4 truck has a fully stocked kitchen, heater, separate dining and eating area, and a solar panel to power your off-grid adventures.
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Kendal to Keswick – approx 30 miles
This scenic route along the A591 was voted one of the 10 best drives in the UK by motorists in a Fiat survey.
The route takes in epic Lake District scenery including Lakeland fells, drystone walls and the banks of Lake Windermere.
At just under 30 miles, you could cover the distance between the two market towns of Kendal and Keswick in under an hour. But if you did, you’d be missing out. We’d recommend making a day or half day out of it and exploring along the way.
Stop off at Windermere Lake – at 10.5 miles long it’s England’s largest, and arguably most famous – lake. Have a picnic while you watch SUPers, canoeists and kayakers enjoy the water or hire a boat or take a dip yourself
Another highlight is the picturesque village of Grasmere – once home to the poet Wordsworth. Nestling at the foot of stunning fells, it’s the perfect place to stop for lunch with a choice of traditional pubs and cafés. Pick up some of the famous Grasmere Gingerbread while you’re there, a kind of biscuit/cake hybrid, it’s ideal for fuelling outdoor adventures.
Keswick, Buttermere, Whinlatter Forest loop – approx 35 miles
Starting in Keswick, on this stunning circular route you’ll take the B5289 along the eastern edge of Derwent Water before climbing up the narrow, switchback road to Honister Pass. The views of hills and valleys from the top are breathtaking on a clear day – and romantically eerie in the mist.
As the road descends, you’ll pass alongside Buttermere Lake and the village of the same name. Pack your hiking boots and stop off for a walk around the lake’s perimeter. At just over four miles and mainly flat it’s suitable for the whole family.
When you reach the village of High Lorton, you can continue on to the town of Cockermouth. Or make your way back via the Whinlatter Pass where you’ll find the Whinlatter Forest, home to wild ospreys, woodland hikes and some of the longest mountain biking trails in the Lakes.
Coniston, Duddon Valley and Eskdale – approx 42 miles
This drive is going to take you through some of the Lake District’s most impressive mountain passes. It provides some amazing views but there are some pretty steep bends so it’s not one for less confident drivers.
Starting in the village of Coniston, with a backdrop of the Old Man of Coniston mountain, you’ll pass Coniston Water and travel through the Duddon Valley. On a warm day, make a stop at the Duddon River for a paddle or picnic on the banks, or or take a short walk from Trough House Bridge to see the impressive Stanley Force waterfall.
You’ll drive over the steep and twisting Hardknott Pass – it’s one of the steepest roads in Britain, with a 30% gradient, but the views of the Eskdale Valley are definitely worth it. Ascending the Wrynose Pass on your return to Coniston will feel like a doddle after.
‘We hired the camper truck and it was amazing. We enjoyed it very much. Great heating as well. The weather was terrible but we didn't have any problems going anywhere with the truck. Amazing experience.’ Lizzie
Where can I park my campervan or camper truck in the Lake District?
Legally you can only park overnight in official campsites in the Lake District – and there are loads to choose from. However, if you want something a bit wilder, there are a number of apps and websites listing off-grid sites where you can pay the landowner to camp.
We like:
- Park4Night – an app and website that’s regularly updated by campers sharing great places to stay in your campervan or truck.
- Off Grid Camp – a network of privately owned, off-grid spaces where you can pay the landowner to stay. When you hire a Wild Camper Truck you can get discounted access to the Off Grid Camp website. If you buy a demountable camper for your pick up truck, we’ll give you a year’s free membership.
Usually priced at £25 a year, membership means you can browse and book more than 165+ off grid camping locations across the UK.