The Honister Rambler 77 - One of Britain's most scenic bus routes - take a hike around Lake Buttermere or explore Honister Slate Mine.

The Honister Rambler: Your gateway to Lake District’s most scenic circular route

If you’re looking for one of the most spectacular bus journeys in the Lake District, look no further than The Honister Rambler.

This brilliant circular route, operated by Stagecoach as services 77 and 77A, takes you on a breathtaking loop from Keswick through some of Cumbria’s most dramatic mountain scenery.

What makes it special

The Honister Rambler is a great little bus that runs a loop from Keswick bus station, down along the west side of Derwentwater Lake, and around through Honister Pass, Buttermere and back to Keswick.

What’s clever about this service is that there are two buses running in opposite directions, so you can hop on and off at various points and always catch a bus back.

The route showcases some of the Lake District’s most iconic landscapes – from the shores of Derwentwater to the dramatic heights of Honister Pass, and the serene beauty of Buttermere.

It’s like having a guided tour of the region’s highlights, but with the freedom to explore at your own pace.

The route breakdown

Services 77 vs 77A: What’s the difference?

Both services cover the same spectacular circular route, but they run in opposite directions:

Service 77: Runs anti-clockwise from Keswick via Whinlatter first, then Buttermere and Honister Pass.

Service 77A: Runs clockwise from Keswick via Borrowdale, Honister Pass, then Buttermere and Whinlatter.

When does it run?

The Honister Rambler operates as part of Stagecoach’s summer timetable, typically running from spring through to autumn.

Great value for money

One of the best things about The Honister Rambler is how affordable it is. Travel on this route for just £3 per journey, until March 2027, making it incredibly good value for such a scenic journey.

Day tickets from as little as £12 a day give you unlimited travel, so you can hop on and off as much as you like.

Concessionary passes are accepted on this route, so if you’re eligible for free bus travel, you can enjoy this spectacular journey at no extra cost.

Top tips for your journey

Plan your stops: The circular nature means you can get off at any point and catch the next bus continuing in the same direction, or cross the road and head back the way you came.

Check for updates: Mountain routes can occasionally be affected by weather or road conditions, so it’s worth checking for any service disruptions before you travel.

Bring a camera: The views from Honister Pass alone are worth the trip – on a clear day, you’ll see some of the Lake District’s highest peaks.

Allow plenty of time: While it’s a circular route, the full loop takes a good chunk of the day, so don’t rush it.

The Honister Rambler experience

The journey over Honister Pass is undoubtedly one of the highlights. At 1,167 feet above sea level, it’s one of the highest road passes in the Lake District. The bus winds its way up through dramatic mountain scenery, past the working slate mine that’s been operating for over 300 years.

From Honister, the descent into Buttermere is equally spectacular. The valley opens up to reveal one of the most beautiful lakes in the region, surrounded by towering fells including Haystacks – Alfred Wainwright’s favourite mountain.

Planning your adventure

The Honister Rambler isn’t just a bus journey – it’s your gateway to some fantastic walking opportunities. Many people use it to access popular hiking routes like the Catbells walk, various routes from Seatoller into Borrowdale, or the paths around Buttermere.

Whether you’re a keen walker looking for transport to trailheads, a photography enthusiast chasing the perfect shot, or simply someone who wants to see the Lake District’s scenery without the hassle of driving narrow mountain roads, The Honister Rambler delivers an unforgettable experience.

So next time you’re in Keswick, head to the bus station and treat yourself to one of Britain’s most scenic bus journeys. At just £3 a ride, it’s surely one of the best value days out in the Lake District.