England · North West/8 min read

The 10 most scenic drives in the North West.

From the forbidding gradients of the high Lake District passes to the sweeping, empty moorlands of the Forest of Bowland, the North West delivers unmatched topographical drama. These are the routes where the view out of the windscreen justifies every mile.

By Drivelines·Published 06 May 2026
REGION OVERVIEW

Landscape and Lines

The North West is defined by its verticality. The crags of Cumbria and the rolling expanses of the Pennines dictate the path of every road, forcing tarmac to cling to valley sides, climb brutal gradients, or trace the long, ancient ridges of the borderlands. While the surface quality can vary wildly—from impeccably smooth A-roads to gravel-strewn, single-track lanes—the visual rewards remain constant. This is a region that demands you keep your eyes up, reading both the geology and the next blind crest.

Routes mapped
10
Total distance
202km
Avg curve idx
8.2/10
Map of all 10 routes in england-north-west
StartEnd
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10
A591 · Central Lakes · Easy
Dual-trackVaried surface

Lake Road (A591)

The primary spine of the Lake District, this flowing trunk road sweeps past some of the region's most famous waters. Wide and well-surfaced, it is designed to carry volume, but outside of peak hours it reveals a lovely, languid geometry. It provides an effortless way to soak in the monumental geography.

Early summer mornings offer the best chance of a clear run before the caravans emerge.

Distance
20.1km
Drive time
0h 27m
Curve idx
5.8/10
Climb
361m
StartEnd
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09
B5343 · Great Langdale · Expert
Mixed widthVaried surface

Rossett Bridge (B5343)

Pushing deep into the dramatic U-shaped valley of Great Langdale, the road becomes progressively more narrow and demanding as the peaks close in. The tarmac is peppered with tight, technical corners that leave no room for error. It is a dead-end route, but the sheer scale of the surrounding rock faces makes the journey essential.

Parking at the valley head fills by mid-morning, so run the road early if you intend to stop.

Distance
8km
Drive time
0h 15m
Curve idx
10.0/10
Climb
169m
StartEnd
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08
B5285 · Hawkshead · Expert
Mixed widthVaried surface

North Lonsdale Road (B5285)

Connecting Windermere to Coniston, this intensely twisty section threads through traditional Lakeland stone walls and ancient woods. The surface is varied and the sightlines are heavily restricted by the undulating terrain. It is a route that demands absolute respect for its blind corners and narrow pinches.

The ferry queue at the Windermere end can back up heavily on summer weekends.

Distance
12.6km
Drive time
0h 24m
Curve idx
10.0/10
Climb
325m
StartEnd
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07
A5084 · Crake Valley · Expert
Dual-trackVaried surface

Bark House Bridge (A5084)

Skirting south from Coniston Water, this heavily winding route tracks through dense woodland and valley floor. The tarmac writhes with high-frequency corners, keeping your hands constantly busy despite the dual-track width. The changing light under the tree canopy makes reading the surface a challenge.

Grip levels on the shaded sections drop sharply in autumn when the leaves start to fall.

Distance
9.8km
Drive time
0h 13m
Curve idx
9.4/10
Climb
162m
StartEnd
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06
B6318 · Hadrian's Wall · Spirited
Mixed widthVaried surface

Glenwhelt Bank (B6318)

Following the ancient Roman frontier, this route offers dramatic skies and a rolling, hypnotic rhythm. The road rides the crests of the landscape, delivering sudden plunging dips followed by long, sighted ascents. It is an engaging, historic traverse that rewards smooth momentum.

The blind summits demand respect, as slow-moving agricultural traffic is common just out of sight.

Distance
16.3km
Drive time
0h 22m
Curve idx
7.2/10
Climb
253m
StartEnd
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05
A537 · Peak District · Spirited
Dual-trackSmooth surface

Buxton New Road (A537)

Crossing the high moors between Macclesfield and Buxton, this broad, smooth road is defined by long, linked curves and vast horizons. The generous width encourages a steady flow, making it deeply satisfying when driven with precision. It asks for reading the camber more than harsh braking.

Average speed cameras blanket the route, which naturally enforces a relaxed, observational pace.

Distance
13.7km
Drive time
0h 16m
Curve idx
7.9/10
Climb
492m
StartEnd
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04
C477 · Forest of Bowland · Spirited
Mixed widthVaried surface

Trough Road (C477)

A vital artery through the desolate beauty of the Forest of Bowland, this winding route avoids the congestion of the Lakes. It threads through deep valleys and open moorland, with a mix of wide sweeps and sudden dips. The surface quality fluctuates, rewarding a driver who reads the changing tarmac.

Sheep are entirely indifferent to cars on the unfenced moorland stretches, so keep your speed manageable.

Distance
32.4km
Drive time
0h 48m
Curve idx
6.0/10
Climb
669m
StartEnd
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03
B5289 · Borrowdale · Expert
Mixed widthSmooth surface

Honister Pass (B5289)

Threading the needle between Borrowdale and Buttermere, this steep, spectacular climb is framed by craggy slopes on both sides. The surface is reasonably smooth, but the valley walls mean sightlines are short and the road pinches unexpectedly over its twenty-mile run. It rewards patience and careful positioning.

The descent toward Buttermere has several blind crests that require a firmly covered brake pedal.

Distance
32.2km
Drive time
0h 58m
Curve idx
10.0/10
Climb
826m
StartEnd
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02
Hardknott Pass · Eskdale · Expert
Single-trackRough surface

Hardknott Pass

The most notorious pass in England trades flowing tarmac for sheer, unyielding geography. Climbing out of Eskdale on broken, single-track surfaces, it demands absolute focus, line-choice, and constant gradient management. The views from the summit are spectacular, provided you have the spare capacity to look.

Wheelspin is almost guaranteed on the tightest switchbacks in the wet; carry steady momentum.

Distance
4.8km
Drive time
0h 10m
Curve idx
10.0/10
Climb
329m
StartEnd
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01
A592 · Lake District · Spirited
Dual-trackSmooth surface

Kirkstone Pass (A592)

Climbing from Windermere to Ullswater, the A592 offers some of the most expansive vistas in the national park over its thirty-two miles. The surface is generously wide and well-sighted, allowing you to settle into a relaxed rhythm while taking in the high fells. It asks for smooth inputs rather than sharp reactions.

The sweep past Brothers Water is the visual highlight, though southbound traffic builds steadily by midday.

Distance
52.4km
Drive time
1h 17m
Curve idx
6.0/10
Climb
1115m
// KEEP READING
Sibling guide · Driving
Top 10 driving roads in the North West
Parent region · England
Top 10 scenic drives in England
Nearby · The east of England
Top 10 scenic drives in the east of England
Nearby · London and the Home Counties
Top 10 scenic drives in London and the Home Counties
Nearby · The Midlands
Top 10 scenic drives in the Midlands
Index · Every region
All Top 10 Field Guides

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