Cumbria and the Lake District are home to some of the UK’s most challenging and hazardous roads. These routes are known for their difficult terrain, high accident rates, and safety risks for drivers and cyclists alike.
This article lists the top ten most dangerous roads in the area, providing insight into their locations, accident statistics, and ongoing safety measures.
Hardknott Pass
Hardknott Pass is an old Roman road connecting Eskdale and the Duddon Valley. It is infamous for its narrow lanes and sharp hairpin bends. The 13-mile route links Boot in South Copeland to Ambleside in South Lakeland.
The pass offers scenic views of England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike, and the deepest lake, Wastwater. Despite its beauty, it is considered one of the UK’s most dangerous roads due to its challenging driving conditions.
M6 Motorway
The M6 motorway runs through Cumbria, connecting Scotland to Manchester. It has recorded the highest number of collisions in the county over recent years. Cumbria Constabulary noted 177 collisions in 2022, 237 in 2024, and 196 in the first ten months of 2025.
This motorway remains a critical but risky route for commuters and freight traffic.
Washington Street and Ramsay Brow
Washington Street, particularly the Ramsay Brow junction, is a major access route into Workington Town Centre. In 2023, it was identified as an accident black spot with 292 collisions recorded.
Work is ongoing to improve road layouts, making these areas safer and more accessible for heavy goods vehicles while addressing congestion and pinch points.
A66 at Brigham and Broughton
The junction between Brigham and Broughton on the A66 is known for serious accidents and near misses. It serves as a busy route between Workington and Cockermouth and provides access to local villages.
Calls have been made to install a roundabout to improve safety and traffic flow, especially during peak times.
Kirkstone Pass
Kirkstone Pass is the highest mountain pass in the Lake District, reaching 1,489 feet. It connects Ambleside to Patterdale and is popular with motorists and cyclists.
The road is hazardous due to its steep gradients, hairpin bends, and icy conditions in winter. Several fatal accidents have occurred here, highlighting the need for caution.
A595
Stretching about 85 miles from Broughton-in-Furness to Carlisle, the A595 is a vital road in Cumbria. It features sharp bends near Egremont and a bypass at Distington, both known for serious collisions.
In 2023, the A595 recorded 192 collisions, the highest number for any road in the county that year.
London Road, Carlisle
London Road, through Botchergate in Carlisle, recorded 22 traffic accidents between 2022 and 2024. While no fatalities occurred, six serious crashes happened between the Citadels and the retail park.
This area remains a concern for local road safety authorities.
Windermere Road, Kendal
The junction of Queen’s Road and Windermere Road was named an accident black spot in 2023. Between 2020 and 2024, there were 10 collisions, including one serious incident resulting in hospitalisation.
Efforts continue to monitor and improve safety on this busy road.
Newby Bridge on the A590
The A590 section at Newby Bridge runs alongside the River Leven and has been an accident black spot. From 2022 to 2024, seven collisions, both slight and serious, were recorded.
A notable serious collision involving two vehicles occurred near the Newby Bridge transport depot in 2022.
Carlisle Road, Brampton
Brampton has seen a cluster of road traffic collisions, particularly where Carlisle Road meets Longtown Road and Main Street. Between 2022 and 2024, there were four collisions, three of which were serious.
This area requires continued attention to reduce accidents and improve road safety.
