The Lake District has something for everybody, rolling hills, magnificent forests, wildlife, quaint villages and of course adventure, be it water sports on the Lakes, hill walking, cycling, fishing, climbing to name a few and the perfect way to explore it is in a Campervan.
It is actually not that easy to create a route that pulls in all that the Lake District has to offer without missing things out, and obviously I write this with my own personal perspective in mind that may not meet your interests and lifestyle so I have tried to include a little bit of something for everybody.
My starting point for the journey is the south banks of Lake Windermere, England’s largest lake at 10.5 miles long. Lake Windermere in itself has plenty of things to offer including Lake Cruisers www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk, you can hire motor boats, rowing boats, canoes, kayaks and paddleboards at a number of locations on the lake. Lake Windermere also has an abundant of fishing opportunities for catches of artic charr, brown trout, pike, perch, roach and eel’s salmon and sea trout.
The town of Windermere lies just over a mile from the shoreline and is separate to Bowness-On-Windermere, one of the busiest places along the shoreline. Much more information can be found at www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/places-to-go/explore-windermere-and-ambleside
When you have exhausted all that Windermere can offer you depart along the A592 Kirkstone Pass all the way to the edge of The Lake District National Park to the A66 near Penrith.
The road out of Windermere is a delightful route offering an array of sights and views around every corner, especially as you approach Troutbeck Tongue. From there, head on towards the villages of Brothers Water, Patterdale and Glenridding on the lake shores of Ullswater, giving stunning views of the surrounding area and the route you have just travelled.
Continuing on, a stop at the National Trust owned Aira Force Waterfall is an absolute must for an incredible view of the peaks in the distance and a hike up to the falls themselves. For the photographers amongst you, this is an ideal opportunity to show of your skills.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/aira-force-and-ullswater
The journey from Lake Windermere is only 25 miles, however with so much to see and do in between you could easily make this into a couple of days trip.
Good campsites can be found at
· Troutbeck Head Caravan Club Site, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0SS www.caravanclub.co.uk
· Windermere Camping and Caravanning Club Site, Ashes Lane, Kendal, LA8 9JS www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk
From the A66 on the outskirts of Penrith we would recommend the short journey to Keswick, a small market town set below the mountainous Skiddaw and the tranquil Derwent Water. Keswick has become a major tourist town within the Lake District and has access to many outdoor adventure shops, Tammy actually purchased her first pair of walking boots here many moon’s ago.
Heading South out of Keswick along the B5289 follow the shoreline of Derwent Water towards Borrowdale – the name of this place always reminds me of one of the fictional places created by J. R. R. Tolkien. The Borrowdale area lends itself to Brandlehow Woods on the shores of Derwent Water and is the first site acquired by the National Trust in 1902 – another useless fact to you quiz boffins.
Keeping on the B5289 you naturally join the mountain route of Honister Pass at Seatoller. The pass winds to an altitude of 356 metres as it winds its’ way to the southern end of Buttermere making it one of the highest roads in the region and also one of the steepest with gradients on places of 1-in-4 (25%).
Along the way you will pass through Honister Slate Mine which offer not only stunning views, a little bit of history but some nerve-jangling adrenalin rushes for such junkies, Via Ferrata (A mountain route made up of ropes, ladders and steps banged into sheer cliff faces. For more information, visit www.honister.com
Further along the pass you will come to Buttermere. Rumour has it that this is a great place to get out your Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) although it sounds rather cold for me. However, Tammy owns two “irocker SUP’s and is really keen to try out new locations. Stand Up Paddle boarding is growing in popularity within the UK be it along coastal waters, rivers, loch’s and lakes. Check out irockersup.co.uk for more information.
Beyond Buttermere is Crummock Water and you are surrounded by the hills of Red Pike (755 M), High Stile(806m) and High Crag (744m), depending on the time of the year you visit the views are always stunning be them snow-capped, sun drenched or just awe inspiring.
Continuing along the B5289 you will reach the village of Low Horton where you turn right onto the B5292 Whinlatter Pass. To the north, the pass is flanked by Whinlatter Fell, while to the south the Whiteside, Hopegill Head and Grisedale Pike fells borders the pass. From the top of the pass, paths climb Whinlatter and Grisedale Pike. There is also a Forestry Commission tourist centre there which is well worth a visit for its 9 walking trails, 3 cycle trails, play areas, Go Ape, café, picnic and BBQ areas.
At the end of the pass you will reach the A66 that will take you back into Keswick. This circular route is only 35 miles but there is so much to enjoy along the way and there is definitely something for everyone, no matter what your age.
Suggested places to stay: –
- Keswick Camping and Caravanning Site, Crow Park Road, Keswick, CA12 5EP, www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk
The Lake District offers so much more than what has been covered in this itinerary, I have not even made mention of some of our favourite locations such as Great Langdale and the walk up Stickle Tarn.
Much more information can be found by visiting www.visitcumbria.com/lake-district
Darren
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