Fodor's Expert Review Honister Pass and Buttermere

Beyond Seatoller, B5289 turns westward through Honister Pass (1,176 feet) and Buttermere Fell. Boulders line the road, which is one of the most dramatic in the region. The road sweeps down from the pass to the village of Buttermere, sandwiched between its namesake lake and Crummock Water at the foot of high, craggy fells. Beyond the pass, at the edge of Buttermere village, Syke Farm sells fantastic local ice cream, with flavors including marmalade and brown bread. Both Buttermere and Crummock Water have excellent walking options, away from many of the crowds farther east. Newlands Pass is an equally spectacular route back to Keswick via the pastoral Newlands Valley.