If you’re chasing winding roads, wild mountain views and lakeside campfires with your dog by your side, few adventures compare to The Lake District Loop road trip.
This circular driving route connects some of the most spectacular corners of the National Park including Keswick, Ullswater, Ambleside, Langdale and Coniston. It blends scenic drives with incredible hikes and dog friendly campsites, creating the ultimate vanlife experience.
It’s a trip that sums up what vanlife in the Lakes is all about: slow travel, big landscapes and endless opportunity for four legged adventure.
What Is the Lake District Loop?
The Lake District Loop is a 129 mile circular road trip that can be completed in anything from a long weekend to a full week. The particular route starts and finishes in Ambleside, looping through the heart of the park via Ullswater, Buttermere and Coniston before returning to Ambleside to complete the loop.
The route itself can be done in as little as 5 hours, but we suggest taking your time and spending at least a full day in each of the locations. It’s not a race, after all.
It offers a mix of iconic views, accessible walks and welcoming camping spots, making it ideal for vanlifers and dog owners who want to see the best of the region without rushing.
Stop 1: Ambleside
Best for: Lakeside walks and a relaxed starting point
Ambleside makes an ideal base to begin the Lake District Loop. It’s well connected, easy to stock up on supplies, and surrounded by dog friendly trails.
Take a stroll to Stock Ghyll Force, a short waterfall walk that’s perfect for stretching the legs after the drive. If you’re staying a night before setting off, Great Langdale Campsite is just a short drive away and offers incredible views of the surrounding fells.
Before you leave town, grab a coffee at one of Ambleside’s many dog friendly cafes and head north towards Ullswater.
Stop 2: Glenridding and Ullswater
Best for: Lakeside hikes and waterfalls
Your first major stop after Ambleside is Glenridding, on the southern shore of Ullswater. This is one of the most picturesque sections of the Loop, combining water, woodland and fellside paths.
If you’ve got time for a short walk, explore the Aira Force waterfall trail, which is dog friendly and easy to access. For a longer day, try a section of the Ullswater Way or climb towards Helvellyn via Keppel Cove if you and your dog are confident hikers.
Where to stay:
Side Farm Campsite sits right on the lake with views across to Place Fell. Dogs are welcome and you can walk straight from your pitch into the surrounding hills.
Alternatively, Waterside House Campsite near Pooley Bridge offers lakefront pitches and calm, open spaces ideal for travelling dogs.
Stop 3: Buttermere
Best for: Peaceful trails and dramatic scenery
From Glenridding, follow the winding route west towards Buttermere. This stretch is among the most scenic on the entire loop, climbing over Kirkstone Pass and later the narrower Newlands Pass before dropping down into Buttermere Valley.
The Buttermere Circuit is one of the best dog friendly walks in the Lake District, circling the entire lake on a clear, level path with constant mountain views.
There are several cosy pubs nearby that welcome dogs, including The Bridge Hotel, where muddy paws are no problem.
Where to stay:
While wild camping spots exist in the area, for vanlifers it’s best to book a nearby campsite such as Syke Farm Camping, right in the village and walking distance to the lake.
Stop 4: Coniston Water
Best for: Classic lake views and relaxed camping
From Buttermere, the road winds south through Eskdale before looping towards Coniston Water. This is the quieter side of the Lake District and perfect for recharging after the mountain passes.
The Old Man of Coniston is a brilliant, moderately challenging hike with spectacular views from the summit. For something easier, the Coniston to Torver Trail offers a gentle lakeside walk ideal for dogs.
Where to stay:
Park Cliffe Camping and Caravan Estate is one of our top picks, combining excellent facilities with a genuinely dog friendly atmosphere. There’s also Coniston Hall Campsite, right beside the lake, where you can paddle or launch a kayak with your dog.
Stop 5: Return to Ambleside
Best for: Final lakeside stop and great food
The final leg of the Lake District Loop brings you north again, tracing the eastern edge of Coniston before returning to Ambleside.
If you have time, detour through Grasmere for a stroll around Rydal Water and a visit to the original Grasmere Gingerbread Shop. It’s a sweet way to round off an unforgettable trip.
Back in Ambleside, enjoy a relaxed evening meal at one of the many pubs that welcome dogs and vans alike, then spend a final night under the fells.
Practical Tips for Vanlifers
- Total distance: 129 miles
- Driving time: Around 5 hours (allow longer for scenic stops)
- Best months: April to October
- Vehicle type: Campervan or small motorhome
Good to know:
- Many car parks use PayByPhone or RinGo, so download it before you travel.
- Some passes are narrow; check conditions before tackling routes like Hardknott or Wrynose.
- Stick to official campsites when possible, especially when travelling with dogs.
- Always follow the Countryside Code and keep dogs under control near livestock.
- The route is littered with amazing dog-friendly hikes and walks for the more adventurous road trippers
- If your dog likes water, there are plenty of incredible swimming spots for dogs
Final Thoughts
The Lake District Loop captures everything that makes vanlife special: freedom, scenery and the companionship of your dog.
From the quiet beauty of Ullswater to the rugged drama of Buttermere and the open waters of Coniston, every section offers something unique. Take your time, chase the best weather and let the road lead you through one of Britain’s most breathtaking landscapes.
The Lakes aren’t just a destination. They’re an experience. And this loop delivers it in full.