Discover Ullswater by bus this bank holiday

With mountain views, lakeside villages, and plenty of walking trails, Ullswater has it all. Travelling around this corner of Cumbria couldn’t be easier by bus!

Our 508, 509, UB1 & UB2 Services offer a flexible network around the lake, with services connecting with Penrith Railway Station and Ullswater Steamers, making it easy to enjoy weekends, day trips and walking adventures in the area.

 

The Ullswater Bus Routes 🚌

Before planning your day out, here’s a quick guide to the buses:

• 508 - the backbone route linking Penrith, Pooley Bridge, Aira Force, Glenridding, Patterdale (And Windermere, when Kirkstone Pass reopens)
• 509 - links between Keswick, Aira Force, Glenridding, Patterdale, Pooley Bridge, Rheged and Penrith. Ideal for visitors staying in Keswick.
• UB1 - the Ullswater Hopper connects Aira Force, Pooley Bridge and Howtown. Perfect for walkers, steamer trips and those staying in the local area.
• UB2 - connects Aira Force, Pooley Bridge, Askham and Lowther Castle. Great for sightseeing days.

 

1. Visit Aira Force without the parking stress 🏞️

Aira Force is one of Ullswater’s most famous waterfalls, and one of the easiest attractions to reach by all 4 bus services.

 

 

2. Catch the UB1 to Howtown for a Legendary Lakeside Walk

The UB1 unlocks one of the best linear walks in the Lake District.

Take the bus to Howtown, then walk back along the western shore of Ullswater toward Pooley Bridge or Aira Force. The route passes:

• Quiet bays
• Lakeside woodland
• Hidden beaches
• Panoramic fell views

 

 

3. Explore Pooley Bridge by Bus

Pooley Bridge is the social heart of Ullswater and the easiest village to reach by public transport.

The 508, 509, UB1 and UB2 all connect here during the summer season, making it a natural base for a car-free day.

Things to do:

• Browse independent shops
• Enjoy the pubs
• Take an Ullswater Steamer cruise
• Hire bikes or e-bikes
• Start a walk along the Ullswater Way

 

 

4. Use the 509 for a Keswick to Ullswater Adventure

If you’re staying in Keswick, the 509 is the perfect bus route for you!

The 509 offers a direct route into the Ullswater valley, linking Keswick with:

• Dockray
• Aira Force
• Glenridding
• Pooley Bridge

Alternatively, you could catch the X4/X5 to Penrith, and the 508/509 to Ullswater.

 

5. Discover Lowther Castle on the UB2 🏰

The UB2 adds something different to the Ullswater experience.

Rather than focusing purely on lakes and mountains, it connects visitors with:

• Askham village
• Lowther Castle & Gardens
• Countryside pubs
• Quieter western valley locations

Lowther Castle has become one of Cumbria’s standout attractions, with dramatic ruins, landscaped gardens and one of the UK’s best adventure playgrounds.

Using the UB2 means you can visit entirely car-free from Penrith or Pooley Bridge.

 

6. Combine a Bus & Boat ticket for the Ultimate Ullswater Day 🛥️

Travel around Ullswater in a multimodal way! Purchase a Bus & Boat ticket on the bus, our website, or the app, and travel by bus to an Ullswater Steamer Pier!

A classic itinerary might look like this:

1. 508 to Glenridding
2. Ullswater Steamer to Howtown
3. Walk to Pooley Bridge
4. UB1 to Aira Force
5. 508 to Penrith