21-05-16, 09:18 AM
From Ambleside the road over Wrynose Pass and Hardknott Pass is a must do. Include a stop at the station at Dalegarth where the Eskdale narrow gauge railway line ends. Good for a brew and a bite to eat as well as studying the trains. The other end of the line at Ravenglass is also worth a visit. Another good one is Honister Pass from Keswick. Both are slow routes and not to be rushed.
Be aware that the Lake District all through summer will be very busy with traffic. That is why I avoid the central part in the height of summer. Down the west side is not as bad and the A595 is a good road. The roads over the fells on the west and south west of the mountains are always quiet with some good views out to sea. A run into the Yorkshire Dales would also get you away from the worst of the traffic.
Be aware that the Lake District all through summer will be very busy with traffic. That is why I avoid the central part in the height of summer. Down the west side is not as bad and the A595 is a good road. The roads over the fells on the west and south west of the mountains are always quiet with some good views out to sea. A run into the Yorkshire Dales would also get you away from the worst of the traffic.