Getting around
Valley roads are narrow and car parks fill on dry weekends. A bus or a boat is often the simpler way between the main bases. Times change with the season, so check them with the operator.
Buses
The Stagecoach 555 is the main bus along the central lakes, linking Kendal, Windermere, Ambleside, Grasmere, and Keswick. The 505 runs between Windermere and Coniston. Seasonal services go into Borrowdale and over Honister when they are operating. The western valleys and Wasdale have thinner buses, and many walkers still arrive by car.
Boats
- Windermere Lake Cruises
The main boats on Windermere, including the run to Lakeside.
- Ullswater Steamers
Boats between Glenridding, Howtown, and Pooley Bridge.
- Keswick Launch
The hop-on service around Derwentwater.
- Steam Yacht Gondola
The National Trust steam yacht on Coniston Water.
Mountain weather
A summit can be in cloud when the valley is bright. Read the mountain forecast before a high fell, and turn back if the ridge is in wind or ice.
Rail
Windermere station is the end of the branch from Oxenholme, on the west coast main line. The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway is a separate narrow-gauge line into Eskdale, not a connection from the main line towns.