We woke after a peaceful night at The Outgate Inn, ready for one final gentle detour before heading home. With no rush and the Lake District on our doorstep, we decided to make the short trip to Windermere for a morning coffee and a stroll — a soft landing after the intensity of the Highlands.

A twenty‑minute drive brought us into Bowness‑on‑Windermere, already bustling with tourists weaving between shops, cafés and boat tours. We parked in the main car park and made a beeline for The Old Pump House café. It turned out to be an excellent choice: good coffee, friendly service, and — crucially — facilities to freshen up. Teeth cleaned, faces washed, and spirits lifted, we embraced the simple, back‑to‑basics rituals that make life on the road oddly satisfying.

Bowness-on-Windermere The Old Pump House café

We wandered through the local market afterwards, browsing homeware stalls and soaking up the lively atmosphere before returning to the van for the final leg. Compared to the epic drives of the previous days, the two‑and‑a‑half‑hour journey home felt almost effortless.

Browsing the market at Windermere

By 2pm, we rolled onto the driveway after a trouble‑free run, the NC500 officially complete.

In total, the adventure covered 1,478 miles, £412 in diesel, £268 in campsites, £750 in spending money, and — most importantly — a lifetime of memories. From wild weather and mountain passes to quiet lochside mornings and cosy pub evenings, it was a journey that delivered everything we hoped for and more.

A perfect end to an unforgettable trip.