Lake District Loop: Windermere, Honister Pass & Buttermere

Kendal – Windermere – Ambleside – Grasmere – Keswick – Honister Pass – Buttermere – Ullswater – Kirkstone Pass – Kendal

Road Trip Itinerary Overview

Experience the drama of the English Lakes on this comprehensive mountain loop. From Kendal, you cruise past Lake Windermere, through the bustling fell-walking hub of Ambleside, and historic Grasmere (home to William Wordsworth). After exploring Keswick and Derwentwater, the route climbs into the wild heart of the park over the thrilling 1-in-4 gradients of Honister Pass, descending to the reflective waters of Buttermere. Loop back past the majestic shores of Ullswater and cross the high Kirkstone Pass (1,489 ft) before descending back to Kendal.

The ultimate Lake District mountain driving loop, tackling Honister and Kirkstone passes with tranquil reflections at Buttermere and Ullswater.

Key Waypoints & Scenic Stops Along the Route

1. Kendal Market Town
2. Windermere & Bowness Bay
3. Ambleside & Waterhead
4. Grasmere & Dove Cottage
5. Keswick & Derwentwater
6. Honister Pass & Slate Mine
7. Buttermere Lake
8. Ullswater & Aira Force
9. Kirkstone Pass Summit

Recommended Places to Stay & Overnight Stops

• 🏨 The Daffodil Hotel & Spa, Grasmere (Accommodation):
• 🏨 Inn on the Lake, Ullawater (Accommodation):

Roadside Dining, Historic Pubs & Places to Eat

• 🍴 Sarah Nelson's Grasmere Gingerbread (Original Secret-Recipe Spicy Gingerbread):
• 🍴 The Lingholm Kitchen, Portinscale (Artisan Brunches & Lake District Bakery):
• 🍴 Bridge Hotel & Walkers Bar, Buttermere (Cumberland Sausage, Herdwick Stew & Cask Ales):
• 🍴 The Kirkstone Pass Inn (Traditional Pies & Roaring Fire Warmers):

EV Charging Stations & Rapid Hubs

• ⚡ InstaVolt Booths Kendal:
• ⚡ GRIDSERVE Keswick Lakeside:
• ⚡ ChargePlace Glenridding Pier:

Fuel, Petrol Stations & Rest Services

• ⛽ Windermere A591 Fuel Plaza:
• ⛽ Keswick Town Fuel Station:

Essential Driving Tips & Seasonal Advice

• Honister Pass is very steep (up to 25% gradient) and narrow. Keep your car in low gear both climbing and descending.
• Buy Grasmere Gingerbread in the morning to beat the queues that often stretch down Church Stile.
• Winter snow can temporarily close Honister and Kirkstone passes; check Cumbria police traffic updates if traveling between November and March.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Lake District Loop: Windermere, Honister Pass & Buttermere road trip and what are the main stops?

Lake District Loop: Windermere, Honister Pass & Buttermere covers 95 miles (153 km) over 3-4 Days, rated Challenging. It starts at Kendal and finishes at Kendal (Loop), passing through Kendal Market Town, Windermere & Bowness Bay, Ambleside & Waterhead, Grasmere & Dove Cottage, Keswick & Derwentwater, Honister Pass & Slate Mine, Buttermere Lake, Ullswater & Aira Force, Kirkstone Pass Summit.

Where are the EV charging stations on Lake District Loop: Windermere, Honister Pass & Buttermere?

InstaVolt Booths Kendal: Fast EV charging available. GRIDSERVE Keswick Lakeside: Fast EV charging available. ChargePlace Glenridding Pier: Fast EV charging available.

Where are the best places to stay along Lake District Loop: Windermere, Honister Pass & Buttermere?

The Daffodil Hotel & Spa, Grasmere (Stay): Inn on the Lake, Ullawater (Stay):