If you’re wanting to escape the crowds of Windermere, and experience The Lake District like a local, I’ve got you covered. This Western Lake District road trip will take you off the beaten track of the Lakes without compromising on stunning views. With real hidden gems, this one day road trip will take you through the western and southern fringes of the Lake District – Wasdale, Eskdale, the Cumbrian coast.
I drove this exact route on the first sunny day of Spring, and it left me feeling genuinely grateful to call Cumbria home. If you’ve ever felt the Lakes getting a little too busy, this is the route that’ll remind you why you fell in love with it in the first place.
If you’re looking to explore the northern Cumbrian coast too, I’ve also put together a road trip taking in Silloth, Maryport and Cockermouth, as part of my Lake District Road Trip Series!
Start Your Day Right : Breakfast at Woodlands Tea Room, Santon Bridge
Stop one on our Western Lake District Road Trip is to Woodlands Tea Room Santon Bridge. This little tea room is tucked off on a little country lane, and is the perfect place to stop for breakfast after driving through some incredible scenery.
With it being a blue sky and sunny day, we decided to sit outside in the little courtyard. It was a perfect place to sit with the dog as there was lots of space, and they had hooks next to the table to attach the lead to!
Ordering my usual decaf oat milk flat white, it might not have been the best coffee in the world, but it was tasty nonetheless and full of flavour. It was good to see so much local produce being used as well; Carvetti Coffee from near Keswick and Ice Cream from Ravenglass.
I went for a simple poached eggs on toast and it was a perfect poached egg for me. It really was a brilliant start to the road trip, and it was so calm and relaxing sat in the garden area, hearing the birds chirping and enjoying some delicious food.
Good to know
- Open Friday – Tuesday, 09:30-16:30
- Closed Wednesday & Thursday
- Dog friendly
- Serves breakfast, lunch, cakes and afternoon tea
- Takeaway available
📍 Santon Bridge, Holmrook, Cumbria CA19 1UY
Head for an easy and ACCESSIBLE walk in Eskdale : Miles Without Stiles Walk 19 from Dalegarth Station
It’s a quick 15 minute drive to stop number two on our Lake District Road Trip, and we’re heading to Dalegarth for Boot Station. The station is part of the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, and they have a public car park you can use.
If you’re a railway fan, this steam journey will take you through some stunning scenery. There aren’t many railway journey’s better, and the stations along the line are very traditional, and take you back to a time of stylish travel,
If you’re looking for an accessible walk, from here you can do the Miles Without Stiles 19 : Dalegarth to St Catherine’s Church circular.
Run by the Lake District National Park, Miles without Stiles is a collection of walks across the National Park that are specifically designed to be accessible to everyone, whether you’re pushing a buggy, using a wheelchair, or simply prefer a gentler, stile-free route. Each walk is graded and clearly described so you know exactly what to expect underfoot before you set off.
Even if accessibility isn’t something you need personally, these routes have a habit of taking you through corners of the Lakes you’d never otherwise find and I really enjoyed this gentle walk.
Good to know;
- STARTING POINT – Dalegarth station, Postcode: CA19 1TG, Grid reference: NY 173007, W3W: ///surgical.jogging.encroach
- Toilets available at the station, plus at the pub in Boot
- Map of the route
A real Hidden Gem : The Byre Cafe, Bootle
It’s a 25 minute drive to our lunch stop, and when I say this is a hidden gem, I really mean hidden.
Just off the main road, The Byre Cafe in Bootle looks like nothing from the outside. I actually found it slightly difficult to find the entrance door as it looks like an old village hall, and we were parked next to the bins. However, opening the doors, you really are welcomed into a beautiful cafe, with really friendly service.
We sat outside with the dog, and had some of the most delicious toasties. I want to come back here to try their full menu because the food here is 10/10. It’s homemade, tasty and full of flavour. I have the goats cheese and homemade beetroot chutney toastie and I’m still thinking about it days later!
Good to know;
- Closed on Mondays
- Tuesday – Saturday 09:30-15:30
- Sundays 10:30-15:00
- Dogs only allowed outside
📍Millstones Barn, Bootle, Millom LA19 5TJ
Haverigg Beach : Sand Dunes, Ice Cream and a Hidden Cumbrian Coastline
Our fourth stop on our Western Lake District Road Trip is Haverigg Beach. You can expect sand dunes to walk though, a big beach to walk along, and a walk down to Hodbarrow lighthouse. The Cumbrian Coast is a real hidden gem, and on a sunny Spring day, it was so lovely to see so many people out, enjoying a day at the beach.
No day at the beach is complete without an ice cream, and we headed straight to Betty’s Beach Hut. With a full menu available, you can stop here for lunch at the beach or, like us, go for your ice cream. They sell Walling’s ice cream, including a vegan vanilla and a dog ice cream, and it was the perfect afternoon treat.
Good to know;
- Free parking is available
- Open every day 10am-3pm
📍Sea View, Haverigg, United Kingdom, LA18 4ER
Our final stop : Watching the Sunset at Bardsea Beach, Ulverston
My favourite way to end any road trip, especially on a sunny day, is to watch the sun set and Bardsea Beach at Ulverston delivers one of the best in Cumbria. As the day wound down, the light over Morecambe Bay turned golden and hazy, fading into the softest pastel pinks across the horizon. It’s the kind of sunset that makes you put your phone down for a moment and just breathe it in.
It was the perfect, unhurried end to a brilliant day — a reminder that sometimes the best thing you can do is simply sit by the sea and watch the light change.
Whilst you’re here, the Chill and Grill is right on the doorstep for a coffee or sweet treat to enjoy as the sun goes down. And if you have a few extra hours, it’s worth knowing that the Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre is nearby. It’s a beautiful Buddhist monastery with sweeping views across the bay that’s well worth a visit.
Good to know;
- Bardsea Beach is a great dog walking beach
- The Chill and Grill is open 10am-16:30pm everyday
If this route has got you in the mood for more Cumbrian road tripping, I’ve got you covered. Head north and you’ll find an equally brilliant route taking in the Victorian seaside charm of Silloth, the working harbour town of Maryport and the gorgeous market town of Cockermouth and you can find that full northern Cumbrian coast road trip here. Don’t forget to check out our other Days Out guides, and follow along on instagram for daily microadventure and travel inspo!
