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16 Lake District National Park 599 bus at Grasmere (Photo: © Paul Kirby) One of the most famous National Parks in the world and a destination of choice for readers of Wordsworth and the Lakeland poets, Beatrix Potter, and Alfred Wainwright amongst many others. The magnificent mountains sprinkled by tarns, and the pretty towns and villages lapped by the mirror-like lakes are a memorable backdrop to a day's exploration easily undertaken by bus. There's an extensive network stretching to even the smaller villages, but for a taster there's none better than the 555 service which links Kendal to Windermere, Ambleside and Keswick throughout the day every day. The first glimpse of Windermere's ribbon-like stretch of water sets the scene for a grand day out. At Windermere's bus station (by Booth's supermarket) you could change onto a 517 bus which crosses the renowned Kirkstone Pass to reach glorious Ullswater. The 555 continues its scenic route beside the lake to Ambleside. Here there's chance to change buses onto service 516 (Langdale Rambler) for a trip into the spectacular Great Langdale valley; or onto service 505 for Coniston via Tarn Hows. From Ambleside, the 555 then meanders past Rydal Water and Grasmere; take a break here to wallow in Wordsworth nostalgia or remain on-board for a magnificent ride below the wuthering heights of Great Rigg and mighty Helvellyn; then beside brooding Thirlmere to reach Keswick's bustling centre. A short stroll to Derwentwater for a round-lake boat trip, or a waterside picnic looking across to shapely Cat Bells is further reward for passengers on this, one of England's most scenic bus services. www.lakedistrict.gov.uk |
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