By Bus in Lake District

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By Bus

Traveline handles public transportation inquiries. National Express serves the region from London's Victoria Coach Station and from Manchester's Chorlton Street Station. Average travel time to Kendal is just over 7 hours from London; to Windermere, 7 1/2 hours; and to Keswick, 8¼ hours. From Manchester there's one bus a day to Windermere (3 1/2 hours); it stops in Ambleside, Grasmere, and Keswick. There's direct bus service to the Lake District from Carlisle, Lancaster, and York.

Stagecoach in Cumbria provides local service between Lakeland towns and through the valleys and high passes. Contact Traveline for an up-to-date timetable. A one-day Explorer Ticket (£6) is available on the bus and valid on all routes. Service between main tourist centers is fairly frequent on weekdays, but much reduced on weekends and bank holidays. Don't count on reaching the more remote parts of the area by bus. Off-the-beaten-track touring requires a car or strong legs.

Cutting Costs

The YHA Shuttle Bus operates a door-to-door service for guests at eight popular hostels in the Lakes (Easter through October only). Get on and off where you like for £2 a journey, or send your luggage ahead to the next hostel if you want to walk unencumbered. The trip from Windermere station to the Windermere or Ambleside hostel is free.

Contact

YHA Shuttle Bus (Ambleside Youth Hostel, Waterhead. 015394/32304).

Fares & Schedules

Information

National Express (0870/580-8080. www.nationalexpress.com). Traveline (0870/608-2608. www.traveline.org.uk).