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 might probably definitely be handy, it’s removed from crucial. Certainly, not solely is it doable, nevertheless it’s additionally a quite pleasurable technique to discover the area, to not point out environmentally pleasant. And, along with lowering your envrionmental influence, you’ll additionally keep away from the problem of navigating unfamiliar, winding roads in addition to parking challenges and so forth.

On this article, we show the way it’s doable 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 slightly biased, after all, we expect Kendal is a superb possibility. 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 through the Windermere department line). What’s extra, should you’re with out a automobile, you’ll probably 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 packing containers.

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 by the guts 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 often) from round 7am till round 7pm and might after all be used together with different companies. The open-top 559 Stagecoach is one other enjoyable technique 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 companies, there are shuttle buses in locations like Wasdale and Buttermere, as properly 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 outdoors 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 inexpensive certainly!

Trains

Operating alongside the japanese 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’ll be able to catch the Barrow line that takes you thru Arnside, Grange-over-Sands and Ulverston within the south of the county, while companies from Barrow wil take you up Cumbria’s west coast. From Oxenholme the Lake District, you’ll be able to take the Windermere line, which passes by Kendal, Burneside and Staveley. And from Carlisle, you’ll be able to 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 guts of the Lakes, however they are going to take you to different places the place you’ll be able to be a part of up with the bus community or take a taxi.

Taxis

Taxis are pretty straightforward to return by within the Lake District, however it’s not like London the place you’ll be able to simply hail a passing cab. You sometimes must name and request one. Don’t make the error of assuming they’re as plentiful as within the massive cities, although, particularly should you’re in a small village. It’s often finest to guide your journeys properly prematurely to keep away from disappointment. You gained’t at all times have the ability 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 obtain. This allows you to see the price of a journey you propose to make, in addition to guide it prematurely.

Lake District boat companies

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

Windermere

Windermere Lake Cruises is definitely classed as the most well-liked attraction in Cumbria as a result 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 will be mixed with attraction tickets additionally. Or you’ll be able to 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’ll be able to take pleasure in a stunning shoreline stroll that takes in Claife Heights and Strawberry Gardens.

Derwentwater

Keswick Launch provides 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 technique to expertise the fantastic thing about the world. The corporate additionally provides 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 encompassing mountains and valleys. It’s well-liked with walkers who can mix a cruise with hikes alongside the Ullswater Method.

Coniston Water

Coniston Launch provides an informative technique 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 doable with stops key places comparable to Brantwood, the historic dwelling of John Ruskin, and Torver. These quiet electrical boats enable guests to peacefully glide throughout the water, taking in views of the Previous Man of Coniston and the encompassing woodlands.

Additionally, on lots of Cumbria’s lakes, you’ll be able to after all study to sail, or rent boats, kayaks or stand-up paddleboards.

Guided excursions

Small guided excursions will be one other nice technique to discover the Lake District. You gained’t have to fret about driving, or an excessive amount of planning. You possibly can simply depart your self within the succesful arms of an organised operator. Probably the most well-liked of those is Mountain Goat Excursions, established in 1972, who’re primarily based out of Windermere and go to quite a few places throughout the north of England. Their Ten Lakes Spectacular, which may 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’ll be able to guide 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

After all, don’t neglect you’ll be able to see an terrible lot on foot! There are some pretty town-to-town hikes that absorb a few of the Lakeland fells, round walks and loads of quick, accessible walks, too. Longer hikes comparable 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 bike owner or a mountain biker, there’s heaps to discover. Street cyclists might wish to experience 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 a fantastic 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 is just not solely possible, however can in reality truly improve your expertise. By utilizing 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 means that you can take issues slowly while you vsiit, admire the panorama, and expertise the Lake District in a extra genuine and sustainable method. Whether or not you’re searching for journey, leisure, or a mixture of each, it’s solely doable 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 trade for greater than 30 years. He’s Winner of the Improvements in Journey ‘Greatest Journey Influencer’ Award from WIRED journal. Along with different awards, the weblog has additionally been voted “one of many world’s finest journey blogs” and “finest for luxurious” by The Telegraph.