🍂 4-Night Lake District Autumn Hikes Campervan Itinerary | Vandango Campervan Hire
- Jack Evans
- Sep 14
- 4 min read
Looking for a short break that mixes adventure with downtime? The Lake District is unbeatable in autumn — fiery colours across the fells, crisp mornings for hiking, and cosy pubs to collapse into at the end of the day.
This 4-Night Lake District Autumn Hikes Campervan Itinerary is designed for groups of friends who want to take on tougher trails (including Helvellyn), enjoy the pub culture the Lakes are famous for, and even fit in a spa session before heading home.
👉 Book Vandango for your Lake District adventure and make this trip your own.
Why Choose this 4-Night Lake District Autumn Hikes Campervan Itinerary?
World-class hikes: Conquer Helvellyn, Catbells, and the Langdales.
Cosy evenings: Pubs, log fires, and hearty food after a day on the fells.
Scenic drives: Lakeside roads and mountain passes at their most colourful.
Friendship focus: Perfect mix of challenge, reward, and downtime.
Day 1 – Isle of Man → Keswick & Castlerigg Campsite
Morning
Take the ferry from Douglas to Heysham.
Stop for a coffee en route (Lancaster’s The Hall is a great halfway stop).
Afternoon
Drive into the Lake District (2 hours).
Base yourself at Castlerigg Hall Campsite, perched above Keswick with stunning views of Derwentwater.
Evening
Stroll into Keswick for dinner and pints at The Dog & Gun (famous for its goulash).
Cosy night in the van overlooking the fells.
Day 2 – Helvellyn via Striding Edge (or Easier Routes)
Morning
Big breakfast in the van.
Drive to Glenridding and grab a coffee at Fellbites Café.
Set out on the legendary Helvellyn via Striding Edge hike — a grade 1 scramble that’s a real bucket-list adventure for those up for the challenge.
Alternative Routes
Not keen on Striding Edge? No problem — there are easier paths to Helvellyn’s summit:
Keppel Cove Path (from Glenridding): Steady, direct route with fewer technical sections.
Thirlmere Route: A gradual climb starting near Swirls car park, easier underfoot but still rewarding with big views.
Afternoon
Summit Helvellyn, descend via Swirral Edge (if tackling Striding Edge) or your chosen easier path.
Reward yourself with a pint at The Travellers Rest Inn near Glenridding.
Evening
Return to Keswick. Optional stop at Keswick Brewing Co. for a flight of local beers.
Overnight again at Castlerigg Hall Campsite.
Day 3 – Ambleside, Grasmere & Pub Stops
Morning
Drive to Ambleside. Coffee at Rattle Gill Café or The Apple Pie Café.
Short waterfall walk at Stock Ghyll Force.
Afternoon
Continue to Grasmere. Visit Dove Cottage or just stock up at the famous Grasmere Gingerbread Shop.
Lunch stop at The Jumble Room (quirky, great food).
Evening
Head into the Langdale Valley. Park up at Great Langdale Campsite.
Dinner & ales at The Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel — a classic hikers’ pub with history.
Day 4 – Langdale Adventure & Spa Evening
Morning
Tackle a hike in the Great Langdale Valley — options include Stickle Tarn or a circuit via Pike of Stickle.
Grab a post-hike coffee and cake at Chesters by the River (Skelwith Bridge).
Afternoon
After three days of hard hiking, it’s time to relax. Drive to Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa (near Keswick). Book a few hours in the spa — hot tubs with lake views.
Evening
Final pub stop at The Kings Head at Thirlspot, perfectly placed for hearty food and a last pint before bed.
Overnight wild park-up nearby or return to Castlerigg Campsite for comfort.
Day 5 – Scenic Return Home
Morning
Easy morning drive via Windermere. Short walk at Tarn Hows for one last hit of autumn colour.
Coffee stop in Hawkshead village.
Afternoon
Ferry back from Heysham to the Isle of Man.
Return the van with tired legs, full bellies, and memories banked.
🍻 A Note on Responsible Travel
The Lake District is full of cosy pubs and breweries, but always plan responsibly:
Don’t drink and drive — use the van as a base and walk to pubs where possible.
Alternate drivers if needed.
Campsites near villages make it easy to enjoy an evening without moving the van.
Practical Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit: October for peak autumn colours.
Driving Distance: ~250 miles round trip from Heysham.
What to Pack: Proper hiking boots, waterproofs, warm layers, swimwear for the spa.
Campsite Options: Castlerigg Hall (Keswick), Great Langdale Campsite, Low Wray (Ambleside).
Why Book Your Lake District Campervan Adventure with Vandango?
With Vandango, you get the freedom to:
Base yourself in the Lakes with a comfy, fully equipped campervan.
Mix epic hikes with pub stops, cafés, and spa downtime.
Travel easily from the Isle of Man with ferry connections.
👉 Hire Vandango today and take on the Lake District’s best autumn hikes with your friends.
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