Roads to choose, Lake District and Windermere to York

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Going to be in the Lake District later this week. Next Monday I'll be heading to York. Any recommended roads/routes in either:

1. The Lake District
2. The route towards York

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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 . Still would be interested in pointers to the 'right' roads to choose heading over to York though!

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Thanks Calinours and M1AGM; just the sort of info I was looking for. I'll get planning my route

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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

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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!