Best Campervan Routes in the Lake District

A curated guide to scenic drives, hidden valleys and unforgettable touring escapes.

The Lake District rewards those who travel slowly

Mountain passes unfold into vast valleys. Narrow lanes reveal sudden lakeside views. Light shifts across water and stone in ways that make you want to stop — not rush.

Exploring by campervan transforms the experience. You are not tied to a single base. You can follow the weather, extend a sunset, or change direction entirely.

Whether you're planning a relaxed escape, a cycling adventure or a scenic touring weekend, these are the finest campervan routes in the Lake District.

Discover at your pace.

The Western Lakes Scenic Loop

Wasdale • Wastwater • Eskdale • Ravenglass

Wastwater — England’s deepest lake — sits beneath towering screes that plunge directly into dark water. The surrounding roads feel remote yet remain manageable in a modern VW-style campervan.

Continue through Eskdale and down towards Ravenglass and the Irish Sea. Within half an hour, mountain scenery gives way to coastal calm.

Why this route works beautifully in a campervan:

Manageable roads with regular passing places
Quieter than the central Lakes corridor
Easy access to walking routes
Spectacular sunset opportunities on the coast

This route suits those drawn to slower, restorative journeys — perfectly aligned with our Retreats style escapes.

Kirkstone Pass & Ullswater Circuit

Windermere • Kirkstone Pass • Ullswater • Pooley Bridge

For classic Lakeland scenery with elevation and variety, this circular drive is hard to beat.

Climb Kirkstone Pass carefully and steadily — the views open quickly and reward every turn. Descend towards Ullswater and the landscape softens into one of Cumbria’s most elegant lakes.

The shoreline drive is gentle, scenic and ideal for unhurried touring.

Highlights include:

Elevated fell-top panoramas
Lakeside driving along Ullswater
Traditional Lakeland villages
Excellent café stops in Pooley Bridge

For first-time visitors seeking “postcard” Lake District scenery, this is a superb introduction.

Peak dates fill quickly, so checking Availability early is recommended.

Borrowdale & Buttermere Valley Drive

Keswick • Borrowdale • Honister Pass • Buttermere

Arguably one of the most beautiful drives in the entire national park.

Borrowdale feels almost alpine — wooded slopes, waterfalls after rainfall and steep valley walls rising dramatically on both sides.

Honister Pass demands confident but measured driving. In return, it offers unforgettable views.

Buttermere itself is quieter and more intimate than many larger lakes, particularly in the early morning or late evening.

Why it stands out:

Maximum scenery in a compact route
Lakeside walking circuits
Exceptional photographic opportunities
Peaceful evening atmosphere

This route pairs perfectly with our Exploring trip inspiration.

Braithwaite signposting for Buttermere.jpeg

The Northern Lakes & Caldbeck Fells

Bassenthwaite • Caldbeck • Uldale

If space, quiet and authenticity define your ideal escape, travel north.

The Northern Lakes see fewer visitors than Ambleside or Bowness. Roads are narrower but generally gentle, passing farmland, stone cottages and rolling fell landscapes.

Bassenthwaite offers wide open water views and spectacular sunsets, while Caldbeck retains a peaceful village charm.

Ideal for:

Couples seeking privacy
Off-peak spring or autumn trips
Writers, photographers and walkers
True retreat-style touring

For those exploring our Retreats page, this landscape embodies calm and restoration.

South Lakes Cycling-Friendly Route

Coniston • Grizedale Forest • Hawkshead • Esthwaite

Bringing bikes? This route delivers balance between driving and active days.

Coniston Water offers open lake views and accessible shoreline paths. Grizedale Forest provides established cycling trails for varying abilities. Hawkshead adds character without heavy congestion.

Why it works particularly well for cycling trips:

Forest trail networks
Rolling terrain rather than extreme climbs
Good road surfaces
Compact distances between key stops

This route pairs naturally with our Cycling trip inspiration.

Planning Your Lake District VW Campervan Route

The beauty of campervan touring lies in flexibility — but thoughtful planning ensures you make the most of it.

Understand Road Types

The Lake District includes a mixture of road styles, and understanding what to expect helps you plan realistically.

Single-track lanes with passing places
Mountain passes
Standard A and B roads

All routes listed above are suitable for a well-sized campervan when driven responsibly and unhurriedly. It is also important to pay close attention to local signage, including width, weight and height restrictions, particularly on narrower valley roads and older stone bridges.

Travel Fewer Miles, Enjoy More

Two to three core areas across a long weekend is ideal. The Lake District rewards depth, not distance.

Consider the Season

Spring: quiet roads, fresh green valleys
Summer: long evenings, busier hubs
Autumn: dramatic skies and golden tones
Winter: spectacular but weather-dependent

Checking Availability ahead of school holidays and peak months is strongly advised.

Choosing the Right Route for Your Style of Escape

Every traveller approaches the Lake District differently.

Seeking iconic views? → Kirkstone & Ullswater
Want scale and drama? → Western Lakes
Prefer peaceful solitude? → Northern Lakes
Planning active days? → South Lakes Cycling Route
Looking for scenic variety? → Borrowdale & Buttermere

Our trip inspiration pages — Exploring, Cycling and Retreats — help shape these routes into fully realised journeys.

The Route Is the Experience

In the Lake District, the journey often becomes the highlight.

Roads rise into mountain passes, descend into quiet valleys and curve gently alongside open water. The pace you choose shapes the experience — whether that’s early morning light over Ullswater or an unplanned stop overlooking Wastwater.

The most memorable trips aren’t about ticking locations off a list. They’re about allowing space for the landscape to unfold.

Travelling by campervan in the Lake District offers the freedom to explore narrow lanes, extended vistas and unhurried days — making each route a memorable journey.