Three Day Itinerary

 

Based in and around Keswick? Our bus routes take you to quaint villages, glorious lakes, historical houses and adventure centres all over the Lake District.

Day one: Walk

A splendid walk around Buttermere with its towering crags and dancing becks is a welcome change from the busier waters of the South Lakes.

From Keswick bus station, board the 77A. Via Portinscale, passing the base of Catbells, look back and admire the view high above Derwentwater. The route picks up the road to Borrowdale through the steep Honister Pass towards Buttermere village. Get off at Gatesgarth, towards Peggy’s Bridge and take the path around the lake, finishing up with a bite to eat in Buttermere.

On the 77A, journey back to Keswick along the edge of Crummock Water, through the Whinlatter Forest with its visitor centre and osprey nest CCTV screens, or you can return on the 77 via Borrowdale. Still game for another walk? Hop off at the Catbells’ cattle grid and head downhill towards Low Brandlehow. Take a paddle or skim a stone then the relaxing boat ride under spectacular scenery will deliver you safely back to Keswick.

 

 

Day two: Water

From Keswick, hop on the 78 service to Borrowdale. Get off at Calf Close Bay and enjoy a quick paddle, or alight at the Ashness Youth Hostel. Up the road is the picturesque Ashness Bridge, a famous packhorse bridge with views across Skiddaw and Derwentwater. Continue uphill to Surprise View to see what the name’s all about. The magnificent vista gives you views across Borrowdale, Derwentwater and all the way to Bassenthwaite. Detour to the remote Watendlath Tarn, take the launch around Derwentwater, or walk up to the spectacular Lodore Falls behind the Lodore Hotel.

 

 

Day three: Wordsworth

You can’t go far in the Lakes without stumbling across William Wordsworth. The famous writer and poet fell in love with Dove Cottage in Grasmere on a walking tour of the Lake District, and by day-tripping to Grasmere on our comfy 555 bus from Keswick bus station, you’ll understand why.

Grasmere has galleries, bookshops and cafes, and the famous Grasmere Gingerbread shop is well worth a visit, originally a school where Wordsworth taught. Walk up the main road to Dove Cottage and the Wordsworth Museum, where Wordsworth composed many of his well-known verses. In need of further history? Head to Rydal Mount, the poet’s home, where he published the final version of Daffodils. You can jump on the open top 599 Lakesider to take you from Grasmere to Rydal.

Return to Keswick from Grasmere on the 555 route.

The Lake District is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was awarded this accolade for its inspiration to writers - Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter to name just two - but also for its commitment to farming. While travelling through the Lakes you'll see sheep dotted across the hillsides, a sight that's at its best in Spring when the lambs make their appearance.

Only have one day? Make the most of your time with our one day itinerary.

Download The Lakes By Bus brochure for route, timetable and ticket information