The Lakes 508 (Stagecoach in Cumbria)
Ride the 508: A Journey Through the Valley of the Kings
If you are looking for a bus route that perfectly captures the drama of the Lake District—shifting from rolling market town hills to tranquil lakeshores, and finally to rugged mountain passes—the Stagecoach 508 is it.
Connecting the historic town of Penrith with the bustling heart of Windermere, this route traces the entire length of Ullswater, often hailed as England’s most beautiful lake. It is a journey of two halves: the serene, gliding run along the water’s edge, and the adrenaline-filled climb over the highest inhabited pass in the Lakes.
Whether you are a walker tackling Helvellyn, a family heading for a steamer cruise, or just a sightseer wanting the best views without the stress of driving, the 508 is your ticket to the spectacular.
Why this route is special
The 508 isn’t just a shuttle service; it’s a tour of the Lake District’s changing moods. It serves as the primary lifeline for the “Ullswater Valley,” an area often called the “Dark Lake” due to the steep fells that shadow its waters.
What makes it unique is the sheer variety of terrain. One moment you are passing ancient Neolithic henges in Eamont Bridge, and forty minutes later you are staring up at the jagged edges of Striding Edge. If you catch the full route over to Windermere, you also get to experience the bus transforming into a “mountain goat” as it tackles the legendary Kirkstone Pass.
The journey: a route breakdown
The 508 offers a visual feast from start to finish. Here is what you can expect along the way.
1. Penrith to Pooley Bridge
Starting at Penrith Railway Station, the bus heads south through Eamont Bridge and the quiet village of Yanwath. Keep an eye out for King Arthur’s Round Table, a prehistoric earthwork visible from the road. Passing through Tirril, the anticipation builds until you hit Pooley Bridge. This is the gateway to the valley, where the river Eamont flows out of Ullswater.
2. The Ullswater shores
This is the section that brings people back year after year. The bus hugs the northern shore of the lake. For the best views, sit on the left-hand side of the bus if you are heading towards Patterdale. You will be treated to uninterrupted vistas of the water and the fells rising dramatically on the opposite bank.
Key stops in this section include:
- Gowbarrow: A favourite starting point for walkers.
- Aira Force: One of the most famous waterfalls in the Lake District. The bus drops you right at the National Trust entrance, making it incredibly accessible.
- Glenridding: The main hub for hikers climbing Helvellyn. It’s also where you can catch the Ullswater Steamers.
The lake section concludes at Patterdale, a rugged village that feels properly enclosed by the mountains.
3. The high road: Kirkstone Pass to Windermere
Note: This section of the route is often seasonal (typically Easter to October), though winter weekend services sometimes run. Always check the timetable.
If you stay on board after Patterdale, the engine will roar into life as the bus begins the ascent past the small and moody Brotherswater.
The climb up Kirkstone Pass is an experience in itself. As the road twists and turns, climbing to 1,489 feet, the views back down towards Patterdale are breathtaking. Once over the summit—the highest point you can reach by bus in the Lakes—you descend steeply through the historic village of Troutbeck, eventually dropping down into the bustling tourist centres of Windermere and Bowness.
Practical details
When does the route run?
The section between Penrith and Patterdale runs year-round, serving the local community and winter walkers. The full connection over Kirkstone Pass to Windermere is predominantly a summer service (usually late March to early November), though Stagecoach often runs a reduced service over the pass during weekends or school holidays in the colder months.
In the height of summer, Stagecoach sometimes operates open-top buses on this route. If you are lucky enough to catch one on a sunny day, the 360-degree views of the fells are unbeatable.
Service frequency
- Summer: Generally runs hourly during the day.
- Winter: frequency reduces, often to every two hours or fewer runs per day, and may terminate at Patterdale.
Value for money
The 508 is an incredibly affordable way to tour the Lakes. The route is part of the national fare cap scheme (currently capped at £3 for a single journey as of late 2025), making it cheaper than parking your car for an hour in Glenridding.
For a full day out, consider a North West Explorer ticket, which allows hop-on, hop-off travel on Stagecoach buses across Cumbria. There are also “Bus & Boat” combined tickets available, allowing you to catch the 508 to Glenridding, sail the lake on an Ullswater Steamer, and catch the bus back from Pooley Bridge.
Top tips for the journey
- Check the destination blind: In winter, ensure you know if the bus terminates at Patterdale or continues to Windermere.
- Combine with a walk: A popular option is to take the bus to Aira Force, walk the Gowbarrow fell loop for incredible views, and catch the bus back.
- Sit wisely: Heading from Penrith to the Lakes? Sit on the left. Heading from Windermere to Penrith? Sit on the right.
- Bring a layer: If you are catching an open-top service, it can get breezy up on Kirkstone Pass, even in July!
Planning a day out on this route
The Waterfall & Waterway Day:
Start at Penrith and take the 508 to Aira Force. Spend the morning exploring the waterfalls and arboretum. Hop back on the bus (or walk the Ullswater Way) to Glenridding for lunch. In the afternoon, take a steamer cruise before catching the 508 back to your starting point.
The 508 is more than just transport; it is an essential part of the Ullswater experience. Leave the car behind, save on parking, and let the driver handle the hairpin bends while you soak in the scenery.
