Golden Hour: 5 Scenic Sunset Drives in Cumbria
A weekend drive through Cumbria offers some of the most scenic and rewarding routes in the UK. With its winding roads and many lakes, this region is a paradise for those who appreciate a great drive. But what makes these journeys even more special is the chance to catch the sunset as you finish your day behind the wheel.
From country roads to more challenging mountain passes, these five drives offer the perfect mix of adventure and vantage points to end your day with a spectacular view and sunset.
Read more to discover your next road trip.
HARTSIDE SUMMIT
This renowned stretch of the A686 is known as one of the finest driving roads in the UK. Winding through the Pennines, this road climbs the Hartside Pass to a height of 1904 ft which provides both drivers and cyclists with an exciting journey. The viewpoint provides views of Helvellyn, Great Gable, Skiddaw, and in Southern Scotland – Criffel. The road continues to Alston, England’s highest market town.
Pictured: Hartside Summit.
Pictured: Hartside Summit.
KIRKSTONE PASS
At an altitude of 1,489 feet, Kirkstone Pass is the highest pass in the Lake District accessible to motor vehicles. It links Ambleside in the Rothay Valley with Patterdale in the Ullswater Valley via the A592. Another route from Troutbeck connects to the Ambleside road at the Kirkstone Pass Inn.
You can stop at the top into the car park to take in the views, watching the sunset across the valley before making your descent.
Pictured: Kirkstone Pass, Lake District.
Pictured: Kirkstone Pass, Lake District.
KESWICK LOOP VIA BUTTERMERE AND BORROWDALE
Starting from Keswick, this circular route winds its way through the Newlands Valley, offering stunning views of Dale Head and Grizedale Pike. Once you reach Buttermere, you'll need to park in the designated spots and step out to take in the breathtaking reflection of the lake. Continuing across Honister Pass, before making your way back to Keswick through the Borrowdale villages of Rosthwaite and Seatoller, you can take in the views alongside Derwentwater.
Keswick, Buttermere and Borrowdale are all great bases for scenic drives and walks. Discover the full 23 mile driving route here.
Pictured: Keswick, Lake District.
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Pictured: Honister Pass, Lake District.
Pictured: Buttermere, Lake District.
ULLSWATER - POOLEY BRIDGE
Pooley Bridge is a busy tourist village located at the northern end of Ullswater lake. The village is full of charm, with plenty of cosy pubs, cafés, and local shops to explore—perfect for unwinding after a lakeside drive.
If you follow the A592, you'll find yourself driving along a scenic road that hugs the lake's shoreline, offering views of the surrounding fells and trees with plenty of opporunities to stop and admire the views. At all angles, you're able to take in the full expanse of Ullswater. Alternatively, you can enjoy the sunset from the left side of the bridge for a different perspective.
Pictured: Ullswater, Lake District.
Pictured: Ullswater, Lake District
CUMREW - BRAMPTON - CASTLE CARROCK
Cumrew is a small village and civil parish in north-east Cumbria England. About 7 miles south of Brampton and 13 miles east of Carlisle. The village is surrounded by beautiful countryside and is a popular destination for tourists who come to enjoy the stunning scenery and peaceful atmosphere.
Pictured: Cumrew, Brampton.
For those who enjoy a hike, you can drive from Cumrew to Castle Carrock, where you'll find Talkin Fell. This is a short walk from near Castle Carrock on the edge of the North Pennines AONB which provides excellent views from the summit across to the Lakes. It's a renowned spot to watch the sunset on a clear evening.
To start this walk, if you drive from Castle Carrock and follow the Geltsdale Road up the hill to reach the bend in the road at Jockey Shield, there is verge parking available. This is where you can start your walk. For the route, click here.
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Pictured: Talkin Fell, Castle Carrock.
Pictured: Talkin Fell, Castle Carrock.
Share your driving experiences with us! We welcome all road-trippers to share photos of your travels with our community.
Simply tag us on Facebook at Lloyd Motor Group or Instagram at @lloyd_motor_group to showcase your memorable moments on the open road for a chance to feature.
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