Ravenstonedale Kirkby Stephen Cumbria

Lake District

Ravenstonedale is a short drive away from the Lake District National Park which lies to the west. Visitors to Ravenstonedale enjoy the best of both worlds, a quiet village without parking restrictions in which to stay and easy access to the Lakes just round the corner. In short, all parts of the Lakes are easy to get to from Ravenstonedale. Below are just a few suggested itineraries.

Ravenstonedale-Shap-Askham-Pooley Bridge-Glenridding-Kirkstone Pass-Ambleside-Windermere-Kendal-Ravenstonedale

The drive from Ravenstonedale to the Lakes via Shap, Askham and Pooley Bridge is very picturesque. The drive then involves a fabulous drive down the shores of Ullswater, arguably the most picturesque lake in the English Lake District. A boat trip on the lake with Ullswater Steamers is definitely recommended. The rise to the summit of Kirkstone Pass adds drama and the descent into Ambleside offers lovely views over Lake Windermere. Finally a straightforward drive down to Kendal with an easy road to Ravenstonedale completes the circular route.

Askham
Askham
Askham
Pooley Bridge
Pooley Bridge
Pooley Bridge
Glenridding
Glenridding
Glenridding
Ullswater
Ullswater
Ullswater
Kirkstone Pass
Kirkstone Pass
Kirkstone Pass
Kendal
Kendal
Kendal

Ravenstonedale-Kendal-Windermere-Ambleside-Rydal-Grasmere- Keswick-Penrith- Ravenstonedale

This round trip takes in the main axis road of the Lake District, the A591, which essentially runs from the bottom of the Lakes (Kendal in the south) to the top (Keswick in the north). This route is a good start for those new to the Lake District as it offers a glimpse of popular places such as Kendal, Windermere, Ambleside, Rydal, Grasmere and Keswick along with Lake Windermere, Rydal Water, Grasmere and Thirlmere. There are also many variations of this route that give access to other popular Lakeland destinations such as Langdale, Coniston and Derwentwater. Note that in summer the A591 can become congested at times.