Roads to choose, Lake District and Windermere to York
Discussion
Probably not what you really want to hear, but the roads around the south lakes can get pretty gummed up with tourist traffic and are narrow enough that they get easily constricted by busses, trucks, caravans, camper vans - especially if two meet in the wrong place - with dry stone walls limiting the available width.
Limited overtaking opportunities mean you can be crawling along for miles, often in a queue, behind a slow vehicle (when you’re past the A590 there are a few very short sections of DC).
I was up there last week in a Range Rover and actually commented to MrsLT that I was glad we’d taken that in preference to an Aston. The run to York might make it worthwhile as there can be some cracking views going across the country in the North.
Limited overtaking opportunities mean you can be crawling along for miles, often in a queue, behind a slow vehicle (when you’re past the A590 there are a few very short sections of DC).
I was up there last week in a Range Rover and actually commented to MrsLT that I was glad we’d taken that in preference to an Aston. The run to York might make it worthwhile as there can be some cracking views going across the country in the North.
LooneyTunes said:
Probably not what you really want to hear, but the roads around the south lakes can get pretty gummed up with tourist traffic and are narrow enough that they get easily constricted by busses, trucks, caravans, camper vans - especially if two meet in the wrong place - with dry stone walls limiting the available width.
Limited overtaking opportunities mean you can be crawling along for miles, often in a queue, behind a slow vehicle (when you’re past the A590 there are a few very short sections of DC).
I was up there last week in a Range Rover and actually commented to MrsLT that I was glad we’d taken that in preference to an Aston. The run to York might make it worthwhile as there can be some cracking views going across the country in the North.
You've confirmed what I was expecting in the LD but just wondered if there were any bits that made it more interesting Limited overtaking opportunities mean you can be crawling along for miles, often in a queue, behind a slow vehicle (when you’re past the A590 there are a few very short sections of DC).
I was up there last week in a Range Rover and actually commented to MrsLT that I was glad we’d taken that in preference to an Aston. The run to York might make it worthwhile as there can be some cracking views going across the country in the North.
. Still would be interested in pointers to the 'right' roads to choose heading over to York though!Forget the lakes, there aren’t really any roads where you can enjoy an Aston.
To York, we used to take A65 via Kirby Lonsdale and Skipton via Ilkely moor (baa tat). There’s many more cameras and speed restrictions these days on that main A road, so these days, after stopping for a bacon Sarnie and brew at the famous Devils Bridge butty van at Kirby Lonsdale (and seeing lots of bikes if a weekend), I’d hand a left at Ingleton and head for Hawes via Ribblehead viaduct and the white scar caves. From Hawes you can continue on to York via Aysgarth and Ripon.
For an alternative route to Hawes, twistier roads but less restrictions head direct from Kendal to Sedbergh, then on to Hawes and onward.
Coming from Kendal, the loop from Kendal, Devils, Ingleton, Hawes, Sedbergh and back to Kendal was my favourite back in my biker days. Be careful not to cut blind corners though, there will be lots of bikes of a weekend. I had my biggest knock between Hawes and Sedbergh, when a Cavalier got me and my RD500LC head on. I was Hospitalised for weeks.
To York, we used to take A65 via Kirby Lonsdale and Skipton via Ilkely moor (baa tat). There’s many more cameras and speed restrictions these days on that main A road, so these days, after stopping for a bacon Sarnie and brew at the famous Devils Bridge butty van at Kirby Lonsdale (and seeing lots of bikes if a weekend), I’d hand a left at Ingleton and head for Hawes via Ribblehead viaduct and the white scar caves. From Hawes you can continue on to York via Aysgarth and Ripon.
For an alternative route to Hawes, twistier roads but less restrictions head direct from Kendal to Sedbergh, then on to Hawes and onward.
Coming from Kendal, the loop from Kendal, Devils, Ingleton, Hawes, Sedbergh and back to Kendal was my favourite back in my biker days. Be careful not to cut blind corners though, there will be lots of bikes of a weekend. I had my biggest knock between Hawes and Sedbergh, when a Cavalier got me and my RD500LC head on. I was Hospitalised for weeks.
Edited by Calinours on Tuesday 7th May 08:42
From the lakes go over to Devils Bridge, then pick up the road to Sedburgh, then Hawes, Leyburn, then you have a choice of… either going via Ripon and then Boroughbridge, or across to Northallerton and down. Depends on how much you want to do, you could make your way to Stokesley and then down to Helmsley to York, great roads all over tbh.
For a 5 star lunch book Grantley Hall, or for a more humble experience one of the cafes in Leyburn town square is a nice place to watch the world go by. Devils Bridge usually has a food van with excellent bacon baps, a stop at Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes is worth a quick visit or food too.
If you enjoy gastronomy then whilst in York you should try and eat at Skosh.
For a 5 star lunch book Grantley Hall, or for a more humble experience one of the cafes in Leyburn town square is a nice place to watch the world go by. Devils Bridge usually has a food van with excellent bacon baps, a stop at Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes is worth a quick visit or food too.
If you enjoy gastronomy then whilst in York you should try and eat at Skosh.
I am Kendal based - the lake district is really building up to the summer season now. Granted it was May Bank Holiday weekend just past, but the traffic through Windermere and Ambleside was pretty dense. Roads around the lakes really aren't set up for fast road driving, they can be very busy and very tight, alongside poorly parked cars, hikers crossing and bad lines of sight. While undoubtedly stunning, the national park is really most enjoyable beyond the car park.
That being said, once east of Kendal and into the Yorkshire Dales you are golden. I would second the B6255 Hawes-Ingleton road - much more suitable for some fun in the Aston, also up to Buttertubs Pass north of Hawes - bit of a detour but worth it.
That being said, once east of Kendal and into the Yorkshire Dales you are golden. I would second the B6255 Hawes-Ingleton road - much more suitable for some fun in the Aston, also up to Buttertubs Pass north of Hawes - bit of a detour but worth it.
pissonheads said:
I am Kendal based - the lake district is really building up to the summer season now. Granted it was May Bank Holiday weekend just past, but the traffic through Windermere and Ambleside was pretty dense. Roads around the lakes really aren't set up for fast road driving, they can be very busy and very tight, alongside poorly parked cars, hikers crossing and bad lines of sight. While undoubtedly stunning, the national park is really most enjoyable beyond the car park.
That being said, once east of Kendal and into the Yorkshire Dales you are golden. I would second the B6255 Hawes-Ingleton road - much more suitable for some fun in the Aston, also up to Buttertubs Pass north of Hawes - bit of a detour but worth it.
Thanks for that, Ill take a look That being said, once east of Kendal and into the Yorkshire Dales you are golden. I would second the B6255 Hawes-Ingleton road - much more suitable for some fun in the Aston, also up to Buttertubs Pass north of Hawes - bit of a detour but worth it.
My 2007 vantage went home on a low loader after my first road trip to the lakes.
Sadly the vantage is too low and wide for many of the scenic roads there. The roads are bordered by sharp rocks with little margin for error - I ended splitting an alloy wheel in half and bent another one within the space of an hour.
Sadly the vantage is too low and wide for many of the scenic roads there. The roads are bordered by sharp rocks with little margin for error - I ended splitting an alloy wheel in half and bent another one within the space of an hour.
Sorry not picked up which direction you're entering from. I'm I'm the North West Lakes. While I'd echo the sentiments that it can be busy and not enjoyable there are some nice routes. A66 from Penrith is fine with some dual carriageway sections you can make quick progress with decent views of the likes of Blencathra and Skidaw fells. The A591 from Keswick to Windermere is generally scenic and doesn't snarl up until you approach Ambleside. I think on a Monday at this time of year you should be OK however. Then if scenery is the driver several passes worth considering.
paulrog1 said:
I've driven around the Yorkshire dales a few times, the road I loved was the one from the Ribblehead viaduct to Hawes, spot on.
For OP, this is the road I and others have mentioned. It’s the B6255 from ingleton to Hawes. About 15 miles of soaring swooping open heaven that has been beloved by local bikers (like me) for decades. I’d likely still recommend the road Kendal - Sedbergh - Hawes if heading to York from South Lakes (Kendal), but that road is well worth a little detour just to experience it - if only just as a little jaunt to get a bacon sarnie at devils bridge. Trust me - the local bikers love to see an Aston…To close the thread just thought I'd post up some pictures after closely following the advice from previous posts.
Firstly, parked up at Coniston Water
Keeping good company at Langdale Chase Hotel:
Ribblehead viaduct:
And finally, lunch at Grantley Hall:
As you can see the weather gods smiled upon us and we had a wonderful time helped massively by your contributions. As an aside I thoroughly recommend Grantley Hall - beautiful location, good service and very friendly staff. Might even plan to stay next time!
Firstly, parked up at Coniston Water
Keeping good company at Langdale Chase Hotel:
Ribblehead viaduct:
And finally, lunch at Grantley Hall:
As you can see the weather gods smiled upon us and we had a wonderful time helped massively by your contributions. As an aside I thoroughly recommend Grantley Hall - beautiful location, good service and very friendly staff. Might even plan to stay next time!
caiss4 said:
To close the thread just thought I'd post up some pictures after closely following the advice from previous posts.
Firstly, parked up at Coniston Water
Keeping good company at Langdale Chase Hotel:
Ribblehead viaduct:
And finally, lunch at Grantley Hall:
As you can see the weather gods smiled upon us and we had a wonderful time helped massively by your contributions. As an aside I thoroughly recommend Grantley Hall - beautiful location, good service and very friendly staff. Might even plan to stay next time!
Great to see you had a good trip, the weather really was spectacular for some top down motoring - dw the rains returned to the lakes since! Lovely spec and great photos.Firstly, parked up at Coniston Water
Keeping good company at Langdale Chase Hotel:
Ribblehead viaduct:
And finally, lunch at Grantley Hall:
As you can see the weather gods smiled upon us and we had a wonderful time helped massively by your contributions. As an aside I thoroughly recommend Grantley Hall - beautiful location, good service and very friendly staff. Might even plan to stay next time!
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