Ambleside, Keswick, Whinlatter Pass, Cockermouth, Mockerin, Loweswater, Buttermere, Crummock Water, Honister Pass, Derwent Water, Keswick, Thirlmere, Ambleside.

Approx 50 miles.

Like many drives, this one can take as long or as little as you like, within reason. But it is probably best enjoyed over a whole day as it takes in three wonderful Lakeland towns (including the start / end point), six lakes and two passes! I also found a fantastic hotel and bar; the Kirstile Inn at Loweswater.

So the route in a little more detail.

From Ambleside, take the A591 towards Keswick.

This road takes you passes the outskirts of Grasmere. Just before reaching the Grasmere, there are some lovely views across Rydal Water and Grasmere (the lake) to your left; both nestling beneath the done of Loughrigg. You will then make your way up a long hill as the Helvellyn range comes into view on your right and Thirlmere on your left.

Look for the A5271 road into Keswick. I think it is always more fun to drive through the towns and villages rather than hunting out the local by-pass; and while Keswick can be very busy, something may take your eye and you’ll want to find somewhere to park and take a look at the charms the town as to offer.

However, whether you stop or not, follow the road signs for Cockermouth / A66. You will not be on the A66 for long. Look for Braithwaite and the Whinlatter Pass on your left and take this road.

The Whinlatter Pass is not like some other passes in the Lake District. It is a predominantly wide road that weaves over modest hills but through a rising forest with tempting glimpses of the surrounding fells.

Once over the pass, pass by Lorton and head to Cockermouth.

Cockermouth is another Lakeland village you might choose to explore. Properties in the centre of the village were badly damaged in the November 2009 floods.

On leaving Cockermouth, take the A5086 towards Ergemont in the South West of the Lake District. Just a couple of miles along this road, turn left towards Mockerin, but after passing the turning for Pardshaw.

Having weaved through the delightful village of Mockerin, head for Loweswater, which will appear through the trees on your right. About a kilometre after the end of the lake, look out for a small turning on the right as the road forks. This road will take you to the Kirstile Inn.

The position of this delightful inn, is just superb with a marvellous for of the fells from the inside seating at the back of the bar and the garden outside. The Food and beer are excellent too!

You can either re-trace your steps back to the Loweswater road and turn right or turn right out of the car par then turn left by the church; either way you need to head towards Low Lorton and the B5289.

Turn right onto the B5289 and make your way towards Crummock Water and Buttermere. There are plenty of opportunities to stop and take pictures here as the road hugs the eastern shoreline of both picture-perfect lakes.

Once beyond the southern tip of Buttermere, the ascent to Honister Pass starts. Again there are lots of places to stop and record the views for your album – digital or otherwise - as the road winds its way between the high fells.

At the top of the pass is the Honnister Slate Mine with a plethora or attractions and things to do as well as a café.

The road then winds down the other side towards Seatoller and Derwent Water. Soon, the river you have been driving alongside empties into the lake which will be with you on your left hand side as you journey back towards Keswick. As you approach the town, the road comes away from the lake. As you reach the A5271 in the centre of the town, look for and take the A591 towards Windermere and Ambleside. (If you do take a wrong turn and end up heading towards the A66, don’t worry, you’ll soon be able to turn back in towards Keswick and pick up the A591 from the other side of town.)

The A591 then takes you back towards Ambleside with wonderful views of the Helvellyn range to your left, Thirlmere to the right and having passed the turnings for Grasmere village, Grasmere lake and Rydal Water on the right.