When we’re adventuring in the outdoors, the default is to drive to the trailhead or crag. By and large, public transport can be unlikely or just not that frequent when it comes to rural places. However, with the Lake District being one of the most popular spots in the UK, there are ways to visit without a car.
Whether you’re on a budget or want a more relaxing weekend, here’s how to explore the Lake District by public transport.
The Lake District by Train
The most common way to get to the Lake District without a car is by train. The main UK West Coast line that runs between Manchester and Glasgow goes directly through the Lake District, so there are a couple of places you can jump off, depending on what part of the Lakes you want to visit.
On this main line, you’ll find:
- Lancaster
- Carnforth
- Oxenholme Lake District
- Penrith
- Carlisle
This is a great base, as from most of these stations you’ll find regional lines and routes. For example, there’s a coastal train route that runs around the edge of the Lakes from Carnforth to Carlisle. From Oxenholme Lake District, there are also trains to both Windermere and Kendal, which are major attractions.
The Lake District by Bus
Once you’re in the Lake District, it’s likely that you’ll be getting around the region by bus. While there are some regional trains, to get to trailheads, buses are going to be your go-to method of transportation.
The main bus station towns are:
- Kendal
- Keswick
- Cockermouth
- Penrith
- Windermere
From these bases, there are buses all over the lakes, including to popular hiking destinations like Rydal, Grasmere, Ambleside, Buttermere, Coniston, and more.
It’s worth mentioning that these routes are seasonal, with the most buses running in the peak summer season. Check the times in advance and make sure you give yourself a decent buffer if you’re hiking, paddleboarding, or adventuring in this beautiful region.
Coaches to the Lake District
If you’re on a budget, you can also get a coach to the Lake District, instead of the train. Both National Express and FlixBus operate routes that stop at Lancaster, Penrith, and Carlisle. This is a cost-effective way to get to the Lakes, and you can usually bring more luggage.
Each ticket includes one piece of hold luggage and a carry-on bag. This allows you to bring a decent-sized hiking backpack, or a tent bag, for instance. Some buses allow you to bring bikes on board as well, with prior reservations.
Ferries in the Lake District
Given the name of the region, there are, of course, ferries across various lakes in the Lake District. Probably the most famous and popular is the Windermere ferry. You can walk on or bring your bike on the ferry to get from one side to the other. This opens up hiking opportunities if you’re using Windermere as your base.
It’s super cheap and effective. A single pedestrian passenger ticket costs just £1 and can be paid by card on board. If you have a bike, the cost is just £2 each way.
Why you should go car-free to the Lake District
If you’re going to visit a natural place of outstanding beauty, you should consider leaving the car at home. Although exploring the Lake District by public transport requires more thought and planning, it’s a more creative and adventurous way to experience the region.
As well as being a more sustainable way of exploring, it also allows you to do more point-to-point experiences, without having to circle back to the car. You can also relax knowing that you don’t have to drive back with tired, post-hike legs.
Especially given how popular the Lake District gets in the summertime, parking is at a premium, and traffic can be a major problem. This also affects the locals who live and work in the national park. By taking one car off the road, you’re helping to keep the ecosystem of the Lake District going for longer.
