Here is a little example itinerary for somebody visiting the Lake District without a car, right from the start of the bus routes
Monday: Arrival Day
Morning:
- Arrive at Penrith train station
- Take the X5 bus to Keswick (30 minutes)
- From Keswick, take a local taxi to Low Nest Farm (approximately 5 minutes)
- Check in and settle at Low Nest Farm
Afternoon:
- Short orientation walk around the farm and immediate surroundings
- Explore nearby footpaths with views of Derwentwater from Wall Crag
- Unpack and relax at your cottage
Evening:
- Head into Keswick, or bring supplies to prepare your own
- Plan your week using local walking maps and bus timetables
Tuesday: Keswick & Derwentwater
Morning:
- Walk down to Derwentwater shoreline (30-40 minutes depending on exact location)
- Take the Keswick Launch boat service around Derwentwater (or stop off an walk part way back)
Afternoon:
- Disembark at Keswick
- Explore Keswick town centre, visit the Pencil Museum and Keswick Museum
- Lunch at one of Keswick’s cafés or pubs
Evening:
- Dinner at a restaurant in Keswick
- Return to Low Nest Farm via local taxi service
Wednesday: Walking Day – Borrowdale Valley
Morning:
- Walk, or take the 555 bus (or taxi) back into Keswick (40ish mins)
- Take the 78 bus from nearest stop to Rosthwaite in Borrowdale Valley
- Begin a circular walking route through Borrowdale
Afternoon:
- Picnic lunch at Castle Crag viewpoint
- Continue walk through ancient woodlands
- Visit Grange village with its picturesque stone bridge
Evening:
- Return to main road to catch the bus back toward Low Nest Farm
- Dinner at a local pub like the Borrowdale Hotel if it’s on your route
Thursday: Grasmere & Ambleside
Morning:
- Take bus service to Grasmere (check the 555 services)
- Visit Dove Cottage (Wordsworth’s home) and the Wordsworth Museum
Afternoon:
- Lunch in Grasmere village, perhaps trying the famous Grasmere Gingerbread
- Continue by bus to Ambleside
- Explore Ambleside town center and Stock Ghyll Force waterfall
Evening:
- Early dinner in Ambleside
- Return by bus service to nearest stop to Low Nest Farm
Friday: Departure Day
Morning:
- Breakfast and pack up at Low Nest Farm
- Short final walk around the immediate area
- Arrange taxi back to Keswick
Afternoon:
- Lunch in Keswick
- Last-minute shopping for souvenirs
- Take the X4 or X5 bus to Penrith station
- Depart from Penrith
Travel Tips:
- Purchase a Stagecoach Explorer ticket for unlimited day travel on buses
- Download the Stagecoach app for real-time bus information
- Save local taxi numbers in your phone
- Check the Keswick Launch timetable for boat services on Derwentwater
- Bring waterproof clothing and good walking shoes regardless of forecast