Lake District · England
Windermere to Keswick
The A591 is the spine of the Lake District, passing Ambleside, Rydal Water and Grasmere before climbing over Dunmail Raise to Thirlmere and Keswick. It is more scenic than challenging, and the ideal link road.
- Distance
- ≈ 22 miles
- Twistiness
- 2/5
- Best season
- All year
- Best for
- Cars & bikes
Why go
What makes Windermere to Keswick special
- Lakeside run past Rydal Water and Grasmere
- Summit of Dunmail Raise
- Views along Thirlmere
Watch out for
- Heavy traffic through Ambleside
- Coaches and camper vans
- Pedestrians crossing near villages
Road conditions change. Check closures, weather and local restrictions before you set off, and always ride and drive within the limit.
As a group
Taking a group over Windermere to Keswick
Windermere to Keswick works well for groups. Brief the group at Windermere, keep two-second gaps through the bends and regroup at Grasmere. Sweep can see who's behind throughout.
One shared route
Everyone on the same line from the start.
Lead and sweep
Sweep sees exactly who's behind.
Planned regroups
Stop at Grasmere.
FAQ
Windermere to Keswick: common questions
How long is Windermere to Keswick?+
Windermere to Keswick runs for about 22 miles from Windermere to Keswick in Lake District.
When is the best time to drive or ride Windermere to Keswick?+
The best season is All year. Go early in the day to avoid traffic, and check for closures in poor weather.
Is Windermere to Keswick good for motorcycles?+
Yes — Windermere to Keswick is a popular motorcycle road with a twistiness rating of 2 out of 5. Heavy traffic through Ambleside.
Can I ride Windermere to Keswick as a group?+
Windermere to Keswick works well for groups. Brief the group at Windermere, keep two-second gaps through the bends and regroup at Grasmere. Sweep can see who's behind throughout.
Keep riding
More roads you'll like
Hardknott Pass
Hardknott Pass shares the title of steepest road in England, with sections around 1 in 3 and tight hairpins on a single-track lane. Past the Roman fort, it is a bucket-list climb that demands respect.
Wrynose Pass
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Kirkstone Pass
The A592 over Kirkstone Pass is the highest pass in the Lake District open to motor traffic. It climbs from Windermere past the Kirkstone Pass Inn and down to Brothers Water and Ullswater.