Itinerary
- Day 1
Edinburgh to Keswick
You'll leave Edinburgh early, driving south through the Scottish Borders and passing Moffat on your way to Penrith where the ruins of the castle are worth a quick look and lunch break. From there, head into Lake District National Park following the northern edge of Ullswater. There's a chance to walk into the forest toward Aira Force waterfall if you want to stretch your legs, and Castlerigg standing stones are also accessible if you have time. Settle into Keswick by evening once you reach your accommodation.
Optional Activities
- Forest walk to Aira Force waterfall
- Explore Penrith Castle ruins
- Visit Castlerigg standing stones
- Explore Keswick town
Landmarks Galloway Hills Southern Uplands Moffat Penrith Castle Lake District National Park Ullswater Aira Force Castlerigg Stone Circle 
- Day 2
Lakes and Charming Villages
Start with breakfast, then drive out along country roads to Ullswater Lake to take in the views. From there, continue south through Kirkstone Pass to reach Lake Windermere, where you can either do a 45-minute cruise or grab lunch with a view of the water. Later in the afternoon, head to Coniston Water and the village of Hawkshead to walk around and see the area. After that, travel north to Grasmere where you'll have free time to visit Wordsworth's Dove Cottage, try the local gingerbread, or spend time relaxing in the gardens before heading back to Keswick.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Islands Cruise on Lake Windermere - 45 minutes
- Explore Coniston Water
- Visit Hawkshead village
Optional Activities
- Leisurely lunch with views of Lake Windermere
- Visit Wordsworth's Dove Cottage
- Sample famous Grasmere gingerbread
- Relax in Wordsworth Daffodil Garden
Landmarks Ullswater Lake Kirkstone Pass Lake Windermere Coniston Water Hawkshead Grasmere Wordsworth's Dove Cottage Wordsworth Daffodil Garden Keswick 
- Day 3
Keswick to Edinburgh
Head out from your accommodation into Whinlatter Forest Park, crossing Whinlatter Pass through some beautiful Lake District terrain. You'll pass through High Lorton village and travel past Crummock Water and Buttermere before reaching Honister Mountain Pass. The old slate workings there show traditional crafts still being practiced by locals. After that, you'll travel through Borrowdale's forests and pass Derwent Water where you can stop for lunch and shopping. The journey back heads north through Penrith and into Scotland again, with a stop in the historic town of Biggar before the scenic drive through the border hills takes you back to Edinburgh.
Optional Activities
- Explore old slate workings at Honister
- Lunch at Derwent Water
- Shopping at Derwent Water
- Stop in Biggar
Landmarks Whinlatter Forest Park Whinlatter Pass High Lorton Crummock Water Buttermere Honister Mountain Pass Borrowdale Derwent Water Penrith Biggar 
