Getting across the Lake District with out a automobile

Many individuals assume that you simply want a automobile to get across the Lake District. While it could possibly definitely be handy, it’s removed from needed. Certainly, not solely is it attainable, but it surely’s additionally a fairly pleasant solution to discover the area, to not point out environmentally pleasant. And, along with decreasing your envrionmental impression, you’ll additionally keep away from the issue of navigating unfamiliar, winding roads in addition to parking challenges and so forth.

On this article, we exhibit the way it’s attainable to get across the Nationwide Park with out a automobile however, earlier than studying on, you’ll want to consider the place to base your self. And, while we’re just a little biased, after all, we predict Kendal is a good choice. Not solely is there a bus and prepare station within the city, however there’s additionally the mainline station of Oxenholme the Lake District shut by (3 miles away, and accessible by way of the Windermere department line). What’s extra, if you happen to’re with out a automobile, you’ll almost definitely wish to have issues like retailers, cafés, pubs and eating places inside strolling distance, and by basing your self in a city, you get to tick all of those bins.

Public transport choices within the Lake District

Right here we discover a few of the commonest types of public transport within the Lakes – buses, trains and taxis.

Buses

The 555 Stagecoach bus runs via the center of the Lake District, from Kendal to Keswick, stopping Staveley, Windermere, Ambleside, Grasmere and Thirlmere en route. It runs at the least each hour (typically extra steadily) from round 7am till round 7pm and may after all be used along side different providers. The open-top 559 Stagecoach is one other enjoyable solution to see the Lakes; it operates primarily between Bowness and Grasmere, however the earliest trains on the service additionally start from Kendal, and the newest ones terminate in Kendal, extending the route that little bit additional.

Along with these providers, there are shuttle buses in locations like Wasdale and Buttermere, as effectively buses in Ullswater and out of the Nationwide Park in direction of Hadrian’s Wall.

What’s extra, all through 2024, a single bus fare on most routes in England exterior of London will set you again a mere £2, as a part of the federal government’s Assist for Households marketing campaign, so this will make getting across the Lake District by public transport very reasonably priced certainly!

Trains

Operating alongside the jap aspect of the county is the West Coast mainline route from London to Scotland, with stops at Lancaster, Oxenholme the Lake District, Penrith and Carlsile. Word that not all trains cease in any respect these stations however from Lancaster, you possibly can catch the Barrow line that takes you thru Arnside, Grange-over-Sands and Ulverston within the south of the county, while providers from Barrow wil take you up Cumbria’s west coast. From Oxenholme the Lake District, you possibly can take the Windermere line, which passes via Kendal, Burneside and Staveley. And from Carlisle, you possibly can traverse the northern aspect of the county till it, too, reaches the west coast at Maryport. Apart from the service to Windermere, the trains don’t take you into the center of the Lakes, however they are going to take you to different places the place you possibly can be part of up with the bus community or take a taxi.

Taxis

Taxis are pretty simple to come back by within the Lake District, however it’s not like London the place you possibly can simply hail a passing cab. You usually must name and request one. Don’t make the error of assuming they’re as plentiful as within the huge cities, although, particularly if you happen to’re in a small village. It’s often greatest to ebook your journeys effectively prematurely to keep away from disappointment. You received’t at all times be capable to simply name and have one arrive inside 10 minutes. Corporations like Lakeside Taxis working out of Kendal and Windermere have an app which you’ll be able to obtain. This allows you to see the price of a journey you intend to make, in addition to ebook it prematurely.

Lake District boat providers

Let’s not additionally neglect that you could get across the Lake District by boat! There are providers on 4 of the principle Lake District lakes – Windermere, Derwentwater, Ullswater and Coniston Water.

Windermere

Windermere Lake Cruises is definitely classed as the preferred attraction in Cumbria as a consequence of its customer numbers. You possibly can hop on or off at Bowness, Ambleside or Lakeside, having fun with cruises that final something 45 minutes to three hours. There’s quite a lot of tickets to select from, and these could be mixed with attraction tickets additionally. Or you possibly can go for their Freedom of the Lake ticket which provides you limitless boat journey for twenty-four hours on all their routes.

Windermere additionally has a hard and fast chain automobile ferry – on which foot passengers can journey, too – that runs from Ferry Nab simply south of Bowness-on-Windermere to Far Sawrey on the western aspect of the lake the place you possibly can get pleasure from a stunning shoreline stroll that takes in Claife Heights and Strawberry Gardens.

Derwentwater

Keswick Launch gives year-round scenic cruises on Derwentwater, in direction of the north of the Lake District Nationwide Park. It circles the lake, stopping at a number of jetties, permitting passengers to hop on and off to discover surrounding sights such because the Lodore Falls or the tranquil village of Grange-in-Borrowdale. With panoramic views of the fells and wooded shorelines, it’s an immersive solution to expertise the fantastic thing about the world. The corporate additionally gives rowing boats for rent.

Ullswater

Ullswater Steamers is a heritage boat service that has been cruising the waters of Ullswater for over 160 years. These conventional steamers, now modernised with quiet engines, glide alongside the lake’s crystal-clear waters between Glenridding and Pooley Bridge, providing breathtaking views of the encircling mountains and valleys. It’s well-liked with walkers who can mix a cruise with hikes alongside the Ullswater Means.

Coniston Water

Coniston Launch gives an informative solution to discover the serene fantastic thing about Coniston Water, one of many less-crowded however equally beautiful lakes within the Lake District. Each round cruises and self-guided tour choices are attainable with stops key places akin to Brantwood, the historic dwelling of John Ruskin, and Torver. These quiet electrical boats permit guests to peacefully glide throughout the water, taking in views of the Previous Man of Coniston and the encircling woodlands.

Additionally, on a lot of Cumbria’s lakes, you possibly can after all study to sail, or rent boats, kayaks or stand-up paddleboards.

Guided excursions

Small guided excursions could be one other nice solution to discover the Lake District. You received’t have to fret about driving, or an excessive amount of planning. You possibly can simply depart your self within the succesful fingers of an organised operator. Some of the well-liked of those is Mountain Goat Excursions, established in 1972, who’re primarily based out of Windermere and go to various places throughout the north of England. Their Ten Lakes Spectacular, which might begin from Kendal, is a full-day tour which takes in stunning surroundings, historic homes, foods and drinks, and a few wonderful viewpoints. Or you possibly can ebook a non-public tour with them to make sure you see precisely the websites you wish to see, in your phrases.

Strolling across the Lake District

In fact, don’t neglect you possibly can see an terrible lot on foot! There are some pretty town-to-town hikes that soak up a few of the Lakeland fells, round walks and loads of brief, accessible walks, too. Longer hikes akin to Catbells, Helvellyn and Coniston Previous Man can all be reached with out a automobile.

Biking across the Lake District

And there’s biking too, after all. Whether or not you’re a street bicycle owner or a mountain biker, there’s heaps to discover. Highway cyclists might prefer to journey round a few of the lakes or tackle a few of excessive mountain passes, while mountain bikers will benefit from the tracks and trails at Grizedale which cater for quite a lot of talents. You possibly can rent bikes there, too.

And for the actually match, there’s the Fred Whitton Problem, a 112-mile charity sportive across the Lake District, which is held in honour of the late Fred Whitton who was an excellent advocate for biking in Cumbria and North Lancashire.

Immersing your self within the pure fantastic thing about the Lake District

So, there you have got it… I hope this information has proven that touring round Cumbria and the Lake District with out a automobile shouldn’t be solely possible, however can in truth really improve your expertise. Through the use of public transport, taking scenic boat rides and strolling alongside the Lake District’s many public footpaths, you’ll have the prospect to immerse your self within the pure magnificence and tranquillity of the world. This additionally lets you take issues slowly whenever you vsiit, recognize the panorama, and expertise the Lake District in a extra genuine and sustainable means. Whether or not you’re in search of journey, rest, or a mixture of each, it’s fully attainable to have a hassle-free, memorable journey to the Lakes with out the necessity for a car.

Paul Johnson

Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxurious Journey Weblog and has labored within the journey business for greater than 30 years. He’s Winner of the Improvements in Journey ‘Finest Journey Influencer’ Award from WIRED journal. Along with different awards, the weblog has additionally been voted “one of many world’s greatest journey blogs” and “greatest for luxurious” by The Telegraph.