Lake District public transport
Spring & summer timetable information 2022
Welcome to spring & summer 2022! Easter school holidays are always a joyful turning point where we see new public transport timetables and many attractions opening up again or opening longer. The Lake District is a great place to visit this time of year with spring in full bloom. Daffodils, blossom and bluebells with lambs leaping around the fields. There is already a lot more daylight than a few weeks ago and it’s a good time to be out exploring the area. With fuel prices so expensive now, there has probably never been a better time to use public transport and you can get some good value tickets for transport and attractions. The following is a summary of the main timetable changes for Easter and beyond.
Buses – There are a lot of all year round bus services that all increase the number of services between Easter and November. On top of that a number of seasonal services over the same period have now been introduced. This includes the 77/77A service which is one of the most scenic in the Lake District, from Keswick, through Borrowdale, over Honister Pass, past Buttermere and Crummock Water before returning via Whinlatter. Also, the 508 bus which now runs between Windermere and Penrith via Kirkstone Pass and Ullswater, thus directly linking Windermere and Ullswater. You can also get to Ullswater from the north of Cumbria and Keswick on the seasonal 73 bus although it only runs on Saturdays. Another favourite seasonal bus is the 525 from Ferry House on Windermere to Beatrix Potters Hill Top house and Hawkshead, forming part of the Cross Lakes Experience. Unfortunately, this service looks like it is again suspended this year due to Covid and staffing issues.
Boats – There are extra boats and services between Easter and November on the 4 Lake District lakes of Windermere, Ullswater, Derwent Water and Coniston Water.
Windermere Cruises – The Red, Yellow and Island cruises operate all year round but the only seasonal service running at the moment is the Green cruise around the northern part of the lake between Waterhead (Ambleside), Wray Castle and Brockhole visitor centre. Due to Covid related staff shortages the other seasonal services haven’t yet started unfortunately. That includes the shuttle boat services between Bowness & Ferry House, Lakeside & Fell Foot and Brockhole & Bark Barn (Bike boat). Hopefully they will be running in the near future.
Ullswater Steamers – The Glenridding – Howtown – Pooley Bridge service runs all year but the frequency has now increased. Also, the Aira Force Shuttle has been reintroduced allowing you to go from Glenridding to Aira Force to see the waterfall. The return can be the boat again, the 508 bus or the pleasant 2.5 mile walk along the lakeshore back to Glenridding.
Derwent Water, Keswick Launch – The round the lake cruise is much more frequent between Easter and November with boats every 30 mins alternating clockwise or anticlockwise around the lake. There are several jetties around the lake making it easy to hop off and walk sections on the excellent lakeshore footpath.
Coniston Water, Coniston Launch – The number of sailings on the regular northern cruise has increased with additional Wild Cat Island cruise and Southern Lake Themed cruises until November, both of which head from Coniston down to the south of the lake.
Coniston Water, SY Gondola – The magnificent Steam Yacht Gondola is also running until end of October and has 3 different cruises on offer, north, south and full lake.
Trains
The national network trains are all running but timetables can change to account for demand and staff Covid issues. See websites for further info.
The two Lake District tourist trains are running for the season now. The Lakeside & Haverthwaite railway have steam trains running every day until end of October and also connect with Windermere Cruises at Lakeside. The beautiful Ravenglass & Eskdale miniature railway is also running every day until end of October between the two terminus stations at Ravenglass and Dalegarth, but not stopping at any intermediate stations until late spring.
It is always advisable to check transport websites for details and any changes. You can normally book advance tickets online as well. If you want to combine public transport with attractions there is further information on this website.
I hope you can enjoy your spring in the Lakes!