From the shipyards of the coast to the sparkling shores of England’s largest lake, the The Lakes 6 (and its express sibling, the X6) offers a journey of dramatic contrasts. Operated by Stagecoach in Cumbria, this route isn’t just a way to get from A to B; it is a timeline of Cumbrian life, connecting the industrial heritage of Barrow-in-Furness with the genteel Victorian charm of Windermere.
Whether you are a local commuter or a visitor looking to explore the South Lakes without a car, this route serves as the perfect artery through the peninsula.
What makes this route special
While many visitors stick to the central lakes, The Lakes 6 takes you through the “real” Cumbria. The journey begins in the hustle of Barrow, a town built on iron and shipbuilding, before winding through ancient market towns, lush river valleys, and finally emerging at the foot of Windermere. It is a route that showcases the transition from the Irish Sea coast to the National Park’s rolling fells, offering a diverse window into the region’s character that few other routes can match.
A journey from coast to lake
The route can be broken down into three distinct chapters, each with its own flavour and attractions.
The Furness Peninsula
The service starts at Barrow Town Hall, an impressive Victorian structure that hints at the town’s wealthy industrial past. As you leave the town centre, passing stops like Ramsden and the Strawberry Hotel, the landscape quickly shifts to green.
You’ll soon reach Dalton-in-Furness. Once the ancient capital of Furness, it is now a quiet town with a hidden gem: the South Lakes Safari Zoo is just a short walk from the route, making this a popular leg for families. Continuing through Lindal-in-Furness and Swarthmoor, you arrive at Ulverston. This festival town is famous as the birthplace of Stan Laurel. Look out for the Hoad Monument on the hill—a replica of the Eddystone Lighthouse that watches over the town.
The Leven Valley
After Ulverston, the scenery becomes decidedly more “Lake District”. The bus traces the Leven Estuary before heading inland.
- Haverthwaite: This is the southern terminus of the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway. You can often see the steam trains puffing away as the bus passes.
- Backbarrow: Famous for its ironworks and the Lakeland Motor Museum, which houses a tribute to the Campbell Bluebird speed record legacy.
- Newby Bridge: A picturesque stone bridge spans the water here, marking the very southern tip of Lake Windermere.
The lake shores
The final leg is arguably the most scenic. As the bus travels north along the A592, you are treated to glimpses of the water.
- Fell Foot: A National Trust park right on the water’s edge, perfect for a picnic stop.
- Storrs: Passing grand hotels and woodlands.
- Bowness: The bustling heart of the Lakes. Here you can hop off for the World of Beatrix Potter or catch a Windermere Lake Cruise.
- Windermere: The journey concludes at the railway station, offering easy connections to the rest of the UK.
Practical information
The Lakes 6 and X6 services generally combine to provide a robust schedule.
- Frequency: Buses run roughly every hour Monday to Saturday, with a slightly reduced service on Sundays and Bank Holidays. The X6 is the “express” version which skips some smaller stops, while the 6 serves them all.
- Tickets: Stagecoach offers excellent value for visitors. If you are doing a return journey, a DayRider ticket is usually cheaper than two singles. For those exploring further, the North West Explorer ticket allows unlimited travel on Stagecoach buses across Cumbria and beyond.
- Payment: Contactless payment is accepted on all buses, so you can simply tap and go.
Value for money
Driving in the Lake District can be expensive, with parking in Bowness and Windermere often costing more than the bus fare itself. With the price of fuel and the stress of navigating narrow, busy roads, the bus offers a relaxing and wallet-friendly alternative. The “Central Lakes DayRider” zone covers the northern end of this route, but for the full journey from Barrow, you will need an “Explorer” or a “Plus” zone ticket—check with the driver for the best deal for your specific day plan.
Planning a day out on this route
For a perfect day trip, start in Barrow or Ulverston and catch the morning bus north.
- Alight at Haverthwaite and take the steam train to Lakeside.
- From Lakeside, catch a boat to Bowness (you can buy combined bus and boat tickets).
- Spend the afternoon exploring the shops and cafes in Bowness.
- Hop back on the 6 bus from Bowness Pier or Windermere Station for the return journey, watching the sun set over the fells.
Top tips for the journey
- Sit on the left: If you are travelling North (from Barrow towards Windermere), try to get a seat on the left-hand side of the bus. This will give you the best views of Lake Windermere as you drive up from Newby Bridge to Bowness.
- Check the X6: If you are in a rush to get from Ulverston to Windermere, the X6 is faster, but if you want to see every village, the 6 is your leisurely friend.
- Combined travel: Look out for “Bus & Boat” tickets which can save you money if you plan to use the Windermere Lake Cruises.
Whether you are a history buff interested in Barrow’s industrial past or a nature lover heading for the fells, The Lakes 6 connects the best of both worlds. Sit back, relax, and let the Cumbrian landscape unfold past your window.
