Here’s a little circuit of the Lakes which I can vouch for as an awesome run out - we did it Saturday on the way back from Morpeth in Northumberland to Cannock in South Staffs. Sunny, warm, not too many tractors and camper vans, the usual odd idiot who cannot drive or has no respect for other road users…sorry, back off soapbox…
Start - Cockermouth
B5292 via Whinlatter pass, to Keswick.
A66 then A5091 to Troutbeck, Dockray, then A592 through Glenridding, Petterdale, carry on up Kirkstone pass.
Turn r at Kirkstone Inn down “The Struggle” to Ambleside.
Take A593 the B5343 to the Langdales, go past Wall End farm and up the wee pass to Blea Tarn…a bit tight this one, great in second gear.
Just before Little Langdale Tarn, turn r and carry on up Wrynose Pass, into Wrynose Bottom…then bear r.
This takes you up Hard Knott Pass.
Carry on through boot and Santon Bridge, to Gosforth, turn r along A595, then r along A 5086 through Frizington.
Look for a mall road for “Lamplugh” and Loweswater, follow it to B5289, turn r.
Picnic by Crummock Water definitely recommended.
Carry on through Honister Pass to Seatoller, and follow through Borrowdale Valley - many people’s favourite part of Lakes - to Keswick.
Take A66 east again, then A591 through Ambleside, Windermere, and carry on through to Kendal.
Finish here and head for home.
Loads of terrific views and photo opportunities, loads of great places to stop and picnic or buy food.
This can be done from any starting point and made into a fabulous circuit - there are other challenging passes which can be added in - ask the locals, they’ll know, but this is a favourite circuit of mine…used to motorbike it. It takes in enough passes of varying difficulty to be a challenge for anyone in any car. Enjoy!
[H]