A590

The A590 corridor slices through some of Lake District's quieter countryside, where rolling fells meet ancient woodlands and the pace feels wonderfully unhurried. This stretch of southern Westmorland sits between Windermere's tourist bustle and the coast, offering proper walking country without the crowds.

Barrow Hollin and Bigland Barrow provide cracking views across to the Pennines, while the historic Bigland Barrow Look out Tower rewards the climb with panoramas that stretch to Morecambe Bay. Chapel House Plantation and Parting Tree Wood offer gentler rambles through mixed woodland - lovely on a drizzly afternoon when the fells disappear into cloud.

Lakeside station connects you to the heritage railway that chugs up to Haverthwaite, though frankly the countryside walks here are more rewarding than another tourist train ride. The area feels properly rural - you'll spot red deer on Finsthwaite Heights and hear little beyond birdsong in Sour Butts Wood.

Getting here means the M6 to junction 36, then the A590 westbound. Kendal lies 15 minutes east if you need proper shops or a decent pub meal. The positioning works brilliantly for a touring base - Windermere's just 10 minutes north, while the Cartmel peninsula and its famous racecourse sit 20 minutes south.

Staying at one of the local parks makes sense for exploring both the central Lakes and the lesser-known southern fells. You're close enough to Ambleside for a day out, yet far enough from the main tourist routes to enjoy some peace. The network of bridleways and footpaths here connects beautifully, making it ideal for longer walking holidays.