Introduction
The route from the Lake District to the Yorkshire Dales is one of the best scenic drives in England. Running from Penrith through the Howgill Fells to Craven, this route takes you through the wildest parts of northern England. The single-track roads, the rolling hills, and the dramatic valleys make it one of the best van life routes in the UK.
This guide covers the best stops, wild camping spots, campsites, budget tips, and everything you need to know about driving this route by van.
- Scenic route — Penrith to Settle via Kendal, Arnside, and Ingleton
- Wild camping — Best spots along the route
- Campsites — From basic fields to premium parks
- Budget tips — Eating, fuel, and shops
- Activities — Hikes, waterfalls, villages
- Weather & seasons — When to go
- Practical tips — Roads, mobile, waste
“The route from the Lake District to the Yorkshire Dales is one of the best scenic drives in England. The single-track roads, the rolling hills, and the dramatic valleys make it one of the best van life routes in the UK. This is the best road trip in England.
Table of Contents
- The Route
- Wild Camping Along the Route
- Best Campsites
- Budget Tips
- Food & Supplies
- Weather
- Practical Tips
- FAQ
1. The Route <a name="route"></a>
1.1 Penrith to Kendal (35 miles)
The A6 from Penrith to Kendal is one of the best drives in England. The road runs through the Eden Valley, past the Yorkshire Dales, and through the Lake District. The views are stunning, and the villages are charming.
1.2 Kendal to Arnside (25 miles)
The A592 from Kendal to Arnside is a single-track road that runs along the coast. The views are dramatic, and the villages are charming. Wild camping is tolerated here.
1.3 Arnside to Kirkby Stephen (30 miles)
The B6255 from Arnside to Kirkby Stephen is one of the best drives in England. The road runs through the Howgill Fells, past the Ingleton Falls, and through the Yorkshire Dales. The views are dramatic, and the villages are charming.
1.4 Kirkby Stephen to Ingleton (15 miles)
The B6255 from Kirkby Stephen to Ingleton is one of the best drives in England. The road runs through the Yorkshire Dales, past the Ingleton Falls, and through the wild landscape. The views are dramatic, and the villages are charming.
1.5 Ingleton to Settle (20 miles)
The A65 from Ingleton to Settle is one of the best drives in England. The road runs through the Yorkshire Dales, past the Ribblehead Viaduct, and through the wild landscape. The views are dramatic, and the villages are charming.
2. Wild Camping Along the Route <a name="wild-camping"></a>
- Penrith — The area around Penrith has wild camping potential. The Eden Valley is beautiful and wild.
- Kendal — The surrounding fells have wild camping potential. The views are dramatic.
- Arnside — The coastal headlands have wild camping potential. The views are dramatic.
- Kirkby Stephen — The Howgill Fells have wild camping potential. The views are dramatic.
- Ingleton — The Yorkshire Dales have wild camping potential. The views are dramatic.
- Settle — The Ribblehead area has wild camping potential. The views are dramatic.
3. Best Campsites <a name="campsites"></a>
1. Penrith Campsite (Penrith)
- Facilities: Showers, toilet, washing-up, WiFi
- Price: £18-28/night
- Why: Near Penrith, central, dog-friendly
2. Kendal Campsite (Kendal)
- Facilities: Showers, toilet, electric, WiFi
- Price: £16-24/night
- Why: Near the coast, good value, dog-friendly
3. Kirkby Stephen Campsite (Kirkby Stephen)
- Facilities: Electric, shower, toilet, washing-up
- Price: £20-26/night
- Why: Near the coast, good value, dog-friendly
4. Ingleton Campsite (Ingleton)
- Facilities: Basic, toilet, washing-up
- Price: £14-20/night
- Why: Near the falls, wild, quiet
5. Settle Campsite (Settle)
- Facilities: Electric, shower, toilet, WiFi
- Price: £18-24/night
- Why: Near the viaduct, good value, dog-friendly
4. Budget Tips <a name="budget"></a>
- Shop at Aldi or Lidl in Penrith or Settle
- Fuel — The M6 junction 35 (Kendal) has cheap Tesco petrol
- Eat in Kendal — Better value than Penrith
- Wild camp — The Howgill Fells are perfect for wild camping
5. Food & Supplies <a name="supplies"></a>
- Penrith — All the big chains, cheap fuel, Halfords
- Kendal — Small shops, good pubs
- Kirkby Stephen — Small shops, good pubs
6. Weather <a name="weather"></a>
| Season | Temp | Rain | Wind | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 6-12°C | Moderate | Moderate | Wildflowers, fewer crowds |
| Summer | 14-20°C | Moderate | Light | Busy, beautiful |
| Autumn | 8-14°C | High | Moderate | Beautiful colours, storms |
| Winter | 2-8°C | High | Strong | Snow, some roads closed |
7. Practical Tips <a name="practical"></a>
- Mobile coverage — EE is best, Vodafone is good on the coast
- Roads — Single-track roads. Drive slowly.
- Weather — Can change rapidly. Always carry waterproofs.
FAQ <a name="faq"></a>
Q: Is wild camping legal on this route? A: Permission-based, but tolerated in the Howgill Fells and Yorkshire Dales.
Q: What's the best time to go? A: May to September. Shoulder seasons are quieter.
Q: How expensive is this route? A: Generally cheaper than the Lake District. Wild camp to save money.
