The Lake District is known for its beautiful landscape, so it’s ideal for long walks, hiking, and sightseeing.
Close to 16 million visitors frequent the scenic destination each year, come rain or shine.
One thing fewer people may consider doing is exploring the region from the comfort of their car.
Many spectacular routes extend from Scotland to the Peak District, and driving makes them accessible for everyone regardless of their walking capabilities.
A poll of 1,500 motorists highlighted the nation’s most cherished trails, with the scenic 29.8-mile drive from Kendal to Keswick in the Lake District taking the top spot.
Garnering the vote of 22 percent of respondents, this route has been celebrated on the travel blog windurshcardstorage.com.
The website praises the route: “Tied for the title of Britain’s most beautiful road, this enchanting stretch flows through the Lake District, flanked by Lakeland fells and skirting the banks of shimmering Lake Windermere.”
It continues, “To drive it once is to be smitten for life, and you’ll be in good company – both William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge took inspiration for their poetry from this unforgettable landscape.”
Spanning just shy of 30 along the A591, the route offers drivers expansive views in just 56 minutes one way. And you don’t even need to own a car to experience this journey.
Starting in Kendal, the A-road takes you through the quaint market town of Ambleside, home to a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants that line the charming streets.
The road continues past Lake Windermere, the largest lake in England, where you can take a boat trip or simply enjoy the views from the shore.
Further along the A591, you’ll pass through Grasmere, a village renowned for its connections to the poet William Wordsworth, including his former home, Dove Cottage.
Eventually, the road takes the road to the town of Keswick, which sits on the northern edge of Derwentwater. Keswick has plenty of attractions, including museums, art galleries, and a vibrant market. The lake offers plenty of hiking, biking, and even water sports.
It is also possible to trek from Keswick to Kendal, though it does take around 10 hours and 38 minutes. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but it’s a great challenge to successfully start those New Year’s fitness resolutions.
Stagecoach’s 555 bus service offers an excellent alternative for those wishing to reduce their carbon footprint. The 555 bus runs from Kendal to Keswick every hour, with regular stops including Windermere, Ambleside, and Grasmere.