Itinerary 1 

Keswick - Cockermouth 

The X4 and X5 buses both go to Cockermouth but on different sides of Bassenthwaite. 

This itinerary can be done in either order depending on which bus you get, have a look at the timetable here to plan your journeys.

X5 – Hop off at Brathay Hill Bus Stop to go for a walk around Dubwath Silver Meadows. Dubwath is a unique wetland nature reserve and it is one of the best sites in Cumbria for people to see the plant and animal wildlife of wetlands and other traditional habitats like a hay meadow. After your walk you can pop into Bassenthwaite Lake Station for breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea. This award-winning café is based in a restored station and full-size replica steam train.

Then get back on to the bus to Cockermouth to visit Wordsworth House and Gardens, the birthplace of William Wordsworth, with activities for all ages.

X4 - Alternatively you can get the X4 bus (or take this one back from Cockermouth) and visit the Lakes Distillery. They have a bistro where you can have fresh, local food. Then of course why not book a tour, and as you're not driving you'll be able to take part in the whisky tasting.

Itinerary 2 

Honister Rambler 

From Keswick, get the Honister Rambler bus (77/77A. Summer season only - April to October) from Keswick to Borrowdale. If you get an all-day ticket you could hop off at various places. Start by getting off at Honister Pass. When there you can visit Honister Slate Mine and go on a mine tour, via ferrata or climb the mine experience. If that all sounds a bit much you could enjoy the views from the café or go for a walk up Fleetwith Pike.

You could then get the bus to Buttermere for a walk, dip in the lake or lunch in one of the cafes.

Then continue your bus journey to Whinlatter where you can hire a bicycle from Cyclewise to explore the trails, go on a segway or try out the Go Ape. After this you can continue on the Honister Rambler back to Keswick

IMPORTANT INFORMATION : Due flood damage between Honister & Buttermere over the August Bank Holiday weekend 2024. The 77 service will only be able to operate between Keswick & Buttermere, the 77A will operate between Keswick & Honister, there will be no bus between Honister and Buttermere until the road is fixed. You will still be able to get to Honister and Buttermere from Keswick. 

Itinerary 3

Keswick - Grasmere 

The 555 bus goes from Keswick to Grasmere, Ambleside, Windermere and Kendal. 

Windermere and Kendal stops connect up to national rail stations so you could make your whole journey from home on public transport.

If you get off at Grasmere you can visit Wordsworth Grasmere, Dove Cottage and museum. This was where William Wordsworth lived with his family and wrote some of his most famous poems. While there you can also explore the beautiful Grasmere village and maybe walk around Grasmere lake or up Loughrigg or Hallin Fell. 

If you want more inspiration, how about you check out all the bus routes and create your own itineraries.

Itinerary 4 

Keswick to Penrith via Glenridding

The 509 is a Brand New Bus Service for the year 2024

Running Saturday and Sundays only for now

This new bus route will take you from Keswick to Penrith and back via, Aira Force, Glenridding, Patterdale, Pooley Bridge and Lowther.

Get off the bus for Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park owned by the National Trust,  take a walk through the beautiful woodland trails to the dramatic 65-foot waterfall Aira Force Waterfall, and try and spot some of the red squirrels on the route. There are toilet facilities and a cafe on site. 

Stay on the bus and have a day out at Lowther Castle & Gardens and get to know the history of the estate dating back to 1150. 

Or stay on the bus to the final destination and explore the historic market town of Penrith, have a mooch around the independent shops and grab some lunch before heading back on the bus to Keswick.