Road Most visitors to the Lake District come by car using the motorway network and the fast dual carriageway. From the south follow the M6 north to Junction 36 and turn left onto the A590 heading North West. This fast road passes Kendal to the right and leads onto the A591 which leads to Windermere, Ambleside and then onto Keswick. From the north follow the M6 to junction 40 and turn right onto the A66 heading to Keswick and then onto the western side of the Lake District. At Keswick, you can head south on the A591 through the heart of the Lake District to Ambleside and Windermere. Estimated journey times are from London 5 hours, Birmingham 2.5 hours, Manchester 1.5 hours and Glasgow 2 hours. The following mileage chart shows approximate distances to Windermere from major UK cities: Distance from Windermere (Miles): Birmingham 150 Bristol 240 Edinburgh 155 Glasgow 155 London 270 Manchester 85 Newcastle-upon-Tyne 95