Check weather conditions in winter as it can be very unpredictable please check weather and road conditions before travelling. We advise not to drive on the mountain passes or fell roads in winter months. Temperature at sea level is higher (warmer) than in the fells. Some of the roads are narrow in places without road markings. In the winter Please drive responsibly.
You can check online to see what roads are open or closed. To reach the Western lakes you can take detours round these using the lower roads avoiding the passes. The A66 Penrith to Cockermouth (via Keswick), A595 Cockermouth via Whitehaven, Egremont, right through to Broughton-In-Furness.