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Travel by Bus and Explore on Foot with walks along the Lake District’s 555 Bus Route

Travel by Bus and Explore on Foot with walks along the Lake District’s 555 Bus Route

If ever a bus route was made to leave you flabbergasted at the sheer number of choices to alight and enjoy a stunning stroll through spectacular landscapes – it is the Stagecoach 555 service between Kendal and Keswick. If you are travelling from North Lancashire this service conveniently starts in Lancaster and calls at Carnforth.

Arriving by train? Alight at Oxenholme the Lake District and change for the connecting Lakes Line service to Windermere. You also have the option of alighting at Kendal to explore this historic market town, before catching the 555 service from its centrally located bus station.
 

Morning


If you are travelling from Lancaster, be sure to stop at Levens Hall (there’s a bus stop directly outside) and enjoy a walk through the Deer Park, which in autumn is cloaked in colour. After your stroll visit Levens Kitchen in the grounds of the hall, which serves delicious homemade cakes and hot food. The Hall and its famous topiary gardens are open to visit until 6th October.

Hop back on the 555 (the north bound stop is just over the bridge) and continue your journey north. Almost every stop between Kendal and Keswick offers the opportunity for a memorable walk. And where better to start than the village of Windermere.

Get off the bus at the Windermere Railway Station stop and you are just moments away from the walk to a viewpoint which first ignited the Lakeland passion of Alfred Wainwright – Orrest Head.

From the station bus stop you have to cross over the busy A591 to find the track up to Orrest Head which is marked by a sign.

It’s a steep but pleasant stroll which will take around half an hour to reach the summit. And for the effort put in – the views are simply stunning. It’s a little leg stretcher that gives you sweeping views over the waters of Windermere and the surrounding fells.

From there, you could head out on longer walks or simply head back down into Windermere on the same route and resume your journey on the 555. Other stunning walks await on the journey.
 

Lunch


Continue your journey towards Ambleside. If you are looking for a nice spot for lunch, brunch or just a drink while enjoying waterside views – you might step off the 555 at the Waterhead Inn stop. There are pubs, cafes, shops, even the chance to hire your own self-drive boat for a little jaunt on the water. Waterhead is a short, 15 minute walk from Ambleside’s centre; or a few stops on the 555 bus.

Ambleside is the bustling Lakeland town at the northern tip of Windermere. It also offers the opportunity to enjoy a walk to see the beautiful Stockghyll Force. From the village centre, walk to the former Barclays Bank building in Market Place. The road just before the bank bends behind the building to the left and uphill, signposted ‘To the Waterfalls’. Within 10 minutes you should reach the beautiful waterfalls called Stockghyll Force.

The path is well signposted to make the route a circular walk and can be extended to take up to 1.5 hours (depending on how many times you stop to take photographs!). Return to the village by retracing your steps and explore the wonderful array of historical buildings from Ambleside’s milling heritage.

From the centre of Ambleside, you can pick up the 555 to travel on to Keswick or return to Windermere and Kendal.
 

Top Tips


Appropriate clothing can make all the difference. It is important to be warm, comfortable and dry when out exploring so make sure you have the appropriate kit and plenty of layers.

Public Transport

Travel by Avanti West Coast, Northern or TransPennine Express to Oxenholme the Lake District and change for the Lakes Line to Windermere. At Windermere Train Station catch the Stagecoach 555 service.

Travelling with Dogs on Public Transport

When travelling by train, dogs are generally allowed on board. However, we recommend checking ahead for guidance on how to travel with your dog.

Dogs are allowed to travel on Stagecoach buses at the discretion of the driver. Please be aware that the driver will consider things like if there is already another pet on the bus when making their decision. Assistance and guide dogs can travel at all times.

Accommodation and tourist information:

Visit our accommodation page for lots of information on places to stay and things to do.

Weather:

The weather in the Lake District can change quickly: clear morning skies can rapidly give way to rain, sleet or even snow so be prepared! Changes in weather can dramatically alter the difficulty of a route so please consider this before setting off.

Useful Walking Maps: OS Explorer OL 7

Stagecoach 555 bus route  Levens Hall & Gardens  Waterhead, Ambleside

In association with Avanti West Coast and Stagecoach Bus

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Itinerary Items

Item
1 Stagecoach 555
2 Kendal
3 Levens Hall, Gardens & Kitchen
4 Windermere
5 The Waterhead Inn - Food & Drink
6 Stock Ghyll Force
7 Keswick
8 Avanti West Coast
9 Stagecoach Buses
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Product Information

  1. Stagecoach 555
    Stagecoach 555

    Stagecoach 555

    Kendal

    Lancaster • Kendal • Windermere • Ambleside • Grasmere • Keswick

  2. Kendal

    Kendal

    Kendal is a large market town situated on the River Kent, on the eastern Cumbrian border, and is the southern gateway to the Lake District.

  3. Gardens and Topiary at Levens Hall & Gardens in Levens, Cumbria
    Gardens and Topiary at Levens Hall & Gardens in Levens, Cumbria
    Seasonal Flora at Levens Hall & Gardens, in Levens, Cumbria
    Delicious Hot Drinks at Levens Kitchen in Levens, Cumbria
    Delicious Food at Levens Kitchen in Levens, Cumbria
    The shop at Levens Hall, Gardens & Kitchen in Levens, Cumbria
    The shop at Levens Hall, Gardens & Kitchen in Levens, Lake District
    Adventure Playground at Levens Hall, Gardens & Kitchen in Levens, Cumbria
    Historic interior at Levens Hall & Gardens in Levens, Cumbria
    Historic interior and lounge at Levens Hall & Gardens in Levens, Cumbria
    World's oldest topiary gardens at Levens Hall & Gardens in Levens, Cumbria
    Gardens and Topiary at Levens Hall & Gardens in Levens, Cumbria
    Seasonal Flora at Levens Hall & Gardens, in Levens, Cumbria
    Delicious Hot Drinks at Levens Kitchen in Levens, Cumbria
    Delicious Food at Levens Kitchen in Levens, Cumbria
    The shop at Levens Hall, Gardens & Kitchen in Levens, Cumbria
    The shop at Levens Hall, Gardens & Kitchen in Levens, Lake District
    Adventure Playground at Levens Hall, Gardens & Kitchen in Levens, Cumbria
    Historic interior at Levens Hall & Gardens in Levens, Cumbria
    Historic interior and lounge at Levens Hall & Gardens in Levens, Cumbria
    World's oldest topiary gardens at Levens Hall & Gardens in Levens, Cumbria

    Levens Hall, Gardens & Kitchen

    Kendal

    A stunning Elizabethan mansion with spectacular interiors and impressive collections of antiques. Also home to the world's oldest topiary gardens, designed by Guillaume Beaumont, retain many original features. Cafe, Gift Shop and Plant Centre.

  4. View from a Jetty over Windermere with a Dramatic Sunset in the Lake District, Cumbria
    View from a Jetty over Windermere with a Dramatic Sunset in the Lake District, Cumbria
    View from a Jetty over Windermere in Winter in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Visitors Watching a Canoe on Windermere in the Lake District, Cumbria
    View from a Jetty over Windermere with a Dramatic Sunset in the Lake District, Cumbria
    View from a Jetty over Windermere in Winter in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Visitors Watching a Canoe on Windermere in the Lake District, Cumbria

    Windermere

    Windermere is England's largest and most popular lake, stretching over 11 miles (18km) through the heart of the Lake District. Windermere has attracted visitors for centuries, and today it is still a great escape for water activities, boat rides, and lakeside strolls.

  5. Bar seating at The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside
    Bar seating at The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside
    Relax with friends at The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside
    Comfortable pub surroundings at The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside
    Lakeside garden area at The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside
    Cosy bar seating at The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside
    Great food at The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside
    Food and drink at The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside
    Seating area at The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside
    Dining area at The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside
    Relax and unwind at The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside
    Bar seating at The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside
    Relax with friends at The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside
    Comfortable pub surroundings at The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside
    Lakeside garden area at The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside
    Cosy bar seating at The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside
    Great food at The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside
    Food and drink at The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside
    Seating area at The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside
    Dining area at The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside
    Relax and unwind at The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside

    The Waterhead Inn - Food & Drink

    Ambleside

    There is no better way to refuel after a long day exploring than with a hearty, home-cooked meal. The Waterhead Inn offers just that! With delicious Cumbrian classics as well as exciting culinary twists served all day every day, there is something for everyone on their fantastic menu.

  6. Stock Ghyll Force near Ambleside, Lake District
    Stock Ghyll Force near Ambleside, Lake District
    Stock Ghyll Force near Ambleside, Lake District
    Stock Ghyll Force near Ambleside, Lake District
    Stock Ghyll Force near Ambleside, Lake District
    Stock Ghyll Force near Ambleside, Lake District
    Stock Ghyll Force near Ambleside, Lake District

    Stock Ghyll Force

    Ambleside

    Stock Ghyll Force is a 70-foot waterfall nestled in woodlands right in the heart of Ambleside - some call it Ambleside's best-kept secret!

  7. Keswick

    Keswick

    Keswick is an attractive traditional small market town, which offers a variety of attractions, friendly shopping and a range of local delicacies.

  8. Avanti West Coast Pendolino train on the West Coast mainline in Cumbria
    Avanti West Coast Pendolino train on the West Coast mainline in Cumbria
    Avanti West Coast train travelling through the Lake District countryside
    Avanti West Coast train pulls into Penrith Station
    Avanti West Coast train in Penrith Station
    Avanti West Coast Pendolino train on the West Coast mainline in Cumbria
    Avanti West Coast train travelling through the Lake District countryside
    Avanti West Coast train pulls into Penrith Station
    Avanti West Coast train in Penrith Station

    Avanti West Coast

    Avanti West Coast (formerly Virgin Trains) run fast and frequent trains from London, Birmingham and Glasgow to the Lake District, serving Oxenholme (South Lakes), Penrith (North Lakes) & Carlisle.

  9. Stagecoach buses
    Stagecoach buses
    Stagecoach buses
    Stagecoach buses
    Stagecoach buses
    Stagecoach buses
    Stagecoach buses
    Stagecoach buses
    Stagecoach buses
    Stagecoach buses
    Stagecoach buses

    Stagecoach Buses

    We're Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire and we provide bus services in Barrow, Carlisle, Kendal, Keswick, Morecambe and West Cumbria.

Itinerary Distances

Sort By Shortest Journey

FromToDistance * (metric)
Stagecoach 555 (54.32967,-2.74209)Kendal (54.32709,-2.74708)0.39
Kendal (54.32709,-2.74708)Levens Hall, Gardens & Kitchen (54.25903,-2.77628)7.03
Levens Hall, Gardens & Kitchen (54.25903,-2.77628)Windermere (54.37395,-2.93729)14.87
Windermere (54.37395,-2.93729)The Waterhead Inn - Food & Drink (54.42057,-2.96163)4.88
The Waterhead Inn - Food & Drink (54.42057,-2.96163)Stock Ghyll Force (54.43275,-2.95114)1.37
Stock Ghyll Force (54.43275,-2.95114)Keswick (54.60041,-3.13767)20
Keswick (54.60041,-3.13767)Avanti West Coast (54.30503,-2.72154)38.26
Avanti West Coast (54.30503,-2.72154)Stagecoach Buses (54.45765,-3.01455)22.94
Total Distance *109.71 miles
Estimated Journey Time3.53 hours

* Approximate distance by road

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