Lake District Landscapes: A Keswick, Borrowdale and Buttermere driving tour

Discover an abundance of natural beauty and history in the Borrowdale and Buttermere valleys, on a driving tour that loops around the Lake District National Park’s northwest corner.

Our tour starts at the popular and quaint town of Keswick, in the shadow of Skiddaw Mountain. There you’ll learn how pencil making sparked Keswick’s growth. You’ll have the chance to visit picturesque Derwent Water which inspired many scenes in Beatrix Potter’s children’s books. While passing through the spectacular ‘Jaws of Borrowdale’ wooded valley, you’ll discover quaint villages surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery. While you drive, I’ll reveal the area’s fascinating history which goes back thousands of years to when Neolithic man made axes in the high fells. I’ll tell you about the success of local graphite mining and its associations with the black market.

Explore two of the most scenic and unspoilt Lake District lakes, Buttermere and Crummock Water, where you can stop for a picnic and a paddle, and hear the shocking tale of the Maid of Buttermere which brought scandal to the sleepy village. You’ll also have a chance to wander down pretty Lorton Vale and up through the scenic mountain forest of Whinlatter with its many activities before heading back to Keswick.

On this tour, you’ll:

• Find out how the last ice age formed much of what we see today
• Behold beautiful vistas at Surprise View where you can take a photo of the iconic Ashness Bridge
• Climb a very large fragment of rock at the Bowder Stone
• Discover how medieval Vikings and Monks shaped the Borrowdale valley
• Learn how a local vicar helped form the National Trust and became known as the ‘Defender of the Lakes’
• Hear about William Wordsworth’s passion for Yew Trees and visit some of his favourites, estimated to be 1,500 years old
• Marvel at the life and times of the famous local author Alfred Wainwright
• Hear about a local eccentric who built a fort on Derwent Isle where he tried to reenact medieval battles
• Experience the exhilarating Honister Pass road and admire the Honister slate mine at the stunning summit

Our tour is around 34 miles (55km) long with magnificent lake and mountain scenery throughout. There are 17 main attractions where you can stop and learn more before deciding if you want to linger longer. Of course, you can also stop anywhere else along the route if you see something you like, it’s your adventure!

Please note: Car park and attraction entry fees are not included in the price of this tour. Refreshments and toilets are available at Keswick and a number of locations throughout the tour. Additional facilities en route are also highlighted.