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Weekend Campervan Itinerary – North Lakes (2 Nights)

buttermere and crommock water from haystacks in the lake district
Buttermere and Crummock Water from Haystacks

Weekend Campervan Itinerary – North Lakes


Day 1 – Friday Evening: Arrival and Sunset

Arrive in the Lake District in the late afternoon or early evening, depending on your departure point. Make your way toward the northern Lakes, for peaceful scenery and easy access to amenities/bars/restaurants at either Keswick or Penrith.


Suggested Campsite: Castlerigg Farm Campsite (Near Keswick)

Tucked into the hills above Keswick, Castlerigg offers stunning views of the surrounding fells, including Blencathra and Skiddaw. The site is well-equipped for campervans (booking required), with hardstanding pitches, clean facilities, and a peaceful atmosphere. Website: www.castleriggfarm.com


If you arrive with time to spare, take a gentle walk to Castlerigg Stone Circle. This Neolithic site is one of the most atmospheric in England, especially as the sun begins to dip behind the mountains. It’s just a short stroll from the campsite and offers a powerful sense of place.


For dinner, either cook in the van using our hob or drive down to Keswick. Some of our favourite eateries include: Barua for Indian Street Food, Bar Es for Tapas, Fellpack for British Fusion, or take a classic fish and chips down to the lake from the Old Keswickian. If you wish to take the opportunity to sample one of Cumbria's many fabulous Michelin star restaurants, we would recommend the Dog and Gun in Skelton, just outside of Penrith.


Day 2 – Saturday: Ridge Walks and Mountain Roads

Start the day early and head towards one of the Lake District’s most accessible yet rewarding walks: Catbells. This small but iconic fell offers a satisfying ridge-line hike with expansive views over Derwentwater and the Borrowdale valley. It’s popular, but for good reason. Note that towards the top you are required to clamber over uneven terrain. Arrive early to get parking at Hawes End or catch a launch boat across the lake from Keswick.


Catbells Walk Overview:

Length: 3.5 miles round trip

Time: 2–3 hours

Difficulty: Moderate (short scramble sections)


After the walk, take the scenic drive over Honister Pass. The road itself is steep and dramatic, cutting through craggy hills and opening up to expansive valleys. Stop at Honister Slate Mine for a tour, a coffee and a sweet treat/sausage roll, or even a short Via Ferrata adventure if you're feeling bold. The area is rich with mining history and industrial grit, adding texture to the surrounding natural beauty.


Continue your journey to Buttermere, where the landscape softens into one of the most picturesque lake valleys in the region. The drive from Honister down into Buttermere is one of the most scenic in the country, with hairpin bends, craggy peaks, and sweeping views.


Suggested Campsite: Syke Farm Campsite (Buttermere)

A small, rustic site just a short stroll from Buttermere Lake. The location is unbeatable, enabling you to wake up to birdsong and a view of the fells right from your campervan door.


Evening options include a gentle stroll around Buttermere Lake (a flat, 4.5-mile loop) or dinner at the nearby Bridge Hotel or Buttermere Court Hotel for some hearty pub grub.


Day 3 – Sunday: Quiet Peaks and Forest Roads

If you’re keen for a final walk, choose between a loop of the lake or a short, sharp ascent of Rannerdale Knotts. The latter is often overlooked but delivers fantastic views in under two hours of walking. In spring, the surrounding hills are carpeted with native bluebells.


Rannerdale Knotts Walk Overview:

Length: 3 miles round trip

Time: 1.5–2 hours

Difficulty: Moderate


Grab breakfast or coffee at the Croft House Farm Café before packing up and heading back. If you have time on your return, take the quieter route back via Newlands Pass or Whinlatter Forest. Both offer an alternative side to the Lakes – quieter, wooded, and often less travelled.


Whinlatter Forest offers short walks, wildlife hides, bike trails, and a visitor centre. It’s a great final stop to stretch your legs before rejoining the main roads home.


Campsite Booking Resources:

Walk Planning & Navigation:


Convenient Supermarkets and Petrol Stations:

  • Booths, Keswick CA12 5EA

  • Sainsburys, Penrith CA11 7FG

  • Aldi, Penrith CA11 7GS


  • Morrisons Petrol Station, Penrith CA11 7JU

  • Shell, Keswick CA12 4SP

 
 
 

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