The BBC has done a number of TV series on Wainwright's walks, which are out on DVD (ideal for armchair walking), but I don't know if they're available to buy or rent in the US.

To the OP: is early April the only time you do this? Because I don't think you can count on the weather being as nice as last year. More likely, you'll have rain and low-hanging clouds, no views. Of course, that's probably true year-round

lynny2, exactly when is peak season when these buses are available?

The timetables aren't published yet but this year the rambler buses ran from Easter through to the end of October. Buses on the main routes ie to Keswick/Kendal/Coniston run all year.
There are also ferry routes around and across Lake Windermere that will drop you off at different start points for walks.

Thanks to all the posters for the information.
Mimar: Fortunately, airfares from Chicago to England haven't increased greatly, so I'm trying to work out a trip later in the spring. I'll still be cold and rained-on but that's part of the fun for me. (Odd that I complain daily to any available ear from January 2nd to April 15th of the weather in Chicago.)

I've been focusing on walking a portion of the Cumbria Way using a luggage transport service from one village to the next.