Golden Hour: 5 Scenic Sunset Drives in Cumbria
Need a little road trip inspiration?
From open fells and winding lakeside stretches to the odd challenging mountain pass, the Lake District and its surrounding countryside offer some of the most rewarding routes in the UK. It's the kind of place where the journey genuinely matters as much as the destination and where timing your drive to catch the sunset makes it all the better.
We've picked five of our favourite routes through the region, each offering something a little different depending on how you like to drive. Whether you're after a relaxed Sunday cruise or something with a bit more character, there's a road here for you.
All that's left is finding the right car to take on it.
HARTSIDE SUMMIT
One of the finest driving roads in the UK, the A686 winds through the Pennines and climbs to 1,904ft at Hartside Pass offering sweeping views across Helvellyn, Great Gable, Skiddaw, and on a clear day, as far as Criffel in Southern Scotland. Time it right and the summit makes for an incredible spot to watch the sun go down before the road winds you back down into Alston, England's highest market town.
Pictured: Hartside Summit.
Pictured: Hartside Summit.
KIRKSTONE PASS
At 1,489ft, Kirkstone Pass is the highest motorable pass in the Lake District, linking Ambleside in the Rothay Valley with Patterdale in the Ullswater Valley along the A592. It's a drive full of character, and the pull-in at the top gives you the perfect excuse to pause, take in the views across the valley, catch the sunset if the timing's right, and then make your descent as the light fades.
Pictured: Kirkstone Pass, Lake District.
Pictured: Kirkstone Pass, Lake District.
KESWICK LOOP VIA BUTTERMERE AND BORROWDALE
Starting from Keswick, this circular route winds through the Newlands Valley with sweeping views of Dale Head and Grizedale Pike before arriving at Buttermere where it's well worth stepping out to take in the lake's famous reflections. The route then climbs across Honister Pass before descending back towards Keswick through the Borrowdale villages of Rosthwaite and Seatoller, with Derwentwater accompanying you on the final stretch. With welcoming pubs and cafes dotted along the way, there's plenty of reason to take your time and make a proper day of it.
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
Following the A592 along Ullswater's shoreline, this is one of those drives where you'll find yourself pulling over more than once. The road hugs the water's edge with the surrounding fells reflected across the lake, and the views open up at almost every turn. At the northern end of the lake sits Pooley Bridge, a charming village with cosy pubs, cafés, and local shops, making it a natural place to stop and unwind. Before you leave, the bridge itself offers one of the best spots on the route to catch the sunset from a different angle entirely.
Pictured: Ullswater, Lake District.
Pictured: Ullswater, Lake District
CUMREW - BRAMPTON - CASTLE CARROCK
Cumrew is a small village set among beautiful north-east Cumbrian countryside, sitting around 7 miles south of Brampton and 13 miles east of Carlisle. The drive through to Castle Carrock is peaceful and scenic, but it's what awaits at the end that makes it special.
Pictured: Cumrew, Brampton.
From Castle Carrock, a short walk up Talkin Fell on the edge of the North Pennines AONB rewards you with sweeping views across to the Lakes and on a clear evening, it's one of the finest sunset spots in the region. Park up along Geltsdale Road at Jockey Shield and the walk begins right there.
For the route, click here.
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Pictured: Talkin Fell, Castle Carrock.
Pictured: Talkin Fell, Castle Carrock.
We'd love to see where you end up. Share your road trip photos with our community by tagging us on Facebook at Lloyd Motor Group or on Instagram at @lloyd_motor_group for a chance to be featured.
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