10 of the best Cumbrian summer walks by bus
8th July 2024
At last! the weather’s warmed up and the days are longer. Summer’s here and it’s the perfect time for exploring…
The Honister Rambler 77 - Keswick to Honister Pass & Buttermere
Stagecoach are bringing back their Spring & Summer timetables for the 2024 season. Exploring the Lakes by bus has never been easier, and remains great value with day tickets from as little as £9.50 a day
Places to visit along the way
Highlights
Sights to see along the way
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The Honister Rambler 77 - Keswick to Honister Pass & Buttermere
Escape the 9-to-5 and let Stagecoach be your driver.
Only one day? Make Keswick your base to discover World Heritage.
To get the most out of your day we recommend purchasing a bus & boat ticket offering great value with a day’s unlimited bus travel within the Keswick and Honister Zone, plus a boat ride on Derwentwater.
To reach the launch, wander down to the lake through Crow Park; did you spot the official World Heritage plaques? Keep going to the lakeshore to discover the breath-taking view south of the ‘Jaws of Borrowdale’ before boarding your cruise.
Following your boating adventure, see more of the area on service 77 from Keswick bus station. Be sure to get off at Braithwaite to discover the Lake District’s industrial heritage. Head up Coledale to reach Force Crag Mine, the last working mine in the Lake District which closed in 1991.
Force Crag was mined for lead in the 1800s and latterly for barites and zinc; it’s now looked after by the National Trust.
Next stop, Whinlatter. England’s only true mountain forest and home to stunning views, fantastic walks, exhilarating mountain biking, rare wildlife and adventure play for the kids to Go Ape.
If a pleasant stroll is on the agenda, Buttermere is the perfect place for lakeside views. For those wishing to continue the adventure, Honister Slate Mine offers just that, with a range of unique indoor and outdoor activities
suitable for all ages.
You might want to switch buses at Seatoller and take in the view from the top deck of our open top 78 service back to Keswick. Alternatively, keen walkers can continue on the 77 to Catbells, which offers a short, steep climb richly rewarded by stunning views.
A perfect pick me up is offered at The Lingholm Estate situated a short distance from Catbells and Portinscale. Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen and Walled Garden (the inspiration for Mr McGregor’s garden in The Tale of Peter Rabbit) has quickly become a popular destination for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea, serving a range of locally sourced foods all made in the adjoining Lingholm Bakery.
It’s then just a short bus journey back to Keswick from Portinscale with your appetite for the Lakes well and truly satisfied.
Dogs are welcome,
bring your adorable pooch onboard
Dogs can usually travel with you onboard this route. However, it's at the driver's discretion, the driver will consider things like if there is already another pet on the bus when making their decision. Guide dogs and assistance dogs are of course allowed at all times.
