A Real Ale Trail with a difference

Staveley Beer Festival

Ah, Staveley. One of the Lake District’s most lively villages and without doubt one of our favourite places to spend time. Halfway between Kendal and Windermere at the gateway to the Kentmere Valley, Staveley Mill Yard bustles with activity of cyclists, craftsmen, bakers and brewers…and grassroots village life in between.

We jumped at the chance to showcase our favourite village, as part of showing you how easy it can be to explore the many joys of the Lake District without a car.

Confusing as it is, Staveley is home to the prolific Hawkshead Brewery – which moved from its Hawkshead location to allow for expansion (yep – the beers are that good). Renowned for its ales and the ambience of its beer hall, the brewery runs two beer festivals a year – with live music and a cracking atmosphere, these festivals are good enough reason for many to visit the Lakes. Even better, there’s no need to rope in a designated driver thanks to easy car-free access. We enjoyed making our video about its Spring Beer Festival so much that we had to go back in July for its Summer Beer Festival too.

Each time our day began in Kendal – if you’re travelling from further afield, that’s where you’ll change tracks to reach the Lake District by train, or a key point en-route in your bus journey.

A hop on the train from Kendal to Staveley takes only a few minutes, and of course, in making this journey you’re well on your way to Windermere train station and the rest of the Lakes should you choose to continue.

Local Ale

GoLakes Travel Tips for August

Continue your Real Ale Trail
If you’re interested in real ale, don’t stop at Staveley. Hop back on the train to Windermere and grab the 505 Coniston Rambler bus to Coniston, to enjoy real ales at the Black Bull – pride of the Coniston Brewing Co. and renowned for the famous Bluebird Bitter. There are numerous breweries to explore in the Lakes, even specialists will not be disappointed!

Burn off the booze on a bike
Cycle hire is widely available throughout the Lakes, and if you’re arriving in Windermere or Staveley you’ll be perfectly placed to enjoy some of the area’s most popular cycling.

Hire a bike from Wheelbase

The Kentmere Valley is a treat for leisurely cyclists and mountain bikers alike, and once you’ve arrived by train or bus, cycle hire is right on your doorstep at Wheelbase – the UK’s largest cycle store.

There’s more to Hawkshead Brewery than the twice annual beer festivals…

Hawkshead Brewery

This cracking local venue is worth a visit at any time of day, any time of the year – for beer, food or more.

It’s fascinating to see a brewery in action in one of the most beautiful parts of the UK. Catch the bus or train from Kendal or Windermere and enjoy a unique opportunity to sample real Lakeland Ale in a picturesque setting and learn about the brewing process. Scheduled Brewery Tours are Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 2pm – and thanks to great local travel links, you won’t need to worry about driving. Perfect!

Why did Wainwright take the bus?

Now of course everybody has heard of Alfred Wainwright – one of the most famous outdoor writers Britain has ever produced – but not everybody knows he was one of the Lake District’s pioneering sustainable travellers.

Wainwright was an avowed bus traveller who used public transport to get to the start of his now famous routes over the Lakeland fells. In fact he was reportedly a bit upset when his popular guidebooks led to carloads of visitors arriving to retrace his steps.

It seems very fitting that someone who had a such a deep connection with the landscape and did so much to help others appreciate it should also be a keen bus traveller.

In the footsteps of a legend

Of course it is far from us to question the wisdom of Wainwright and so we decided to follow in his footsteps by taking the bus to the beginning of some of his favourite walks.

#1 – Orrest Head

We thought it would make sense to begin by recreating Wainwright’s very first walk in the Lakes. It was his walk to the top of Orrest Head that opened his eyes to the beauty of the fells. Although Orrest Head itself is only a short stroll rather than a serious hike, it is one of those hills that acts as a perfect viewing platform for the higher fells. You can really see why the views would have whetted young Alfred’s appetite so much.

Wainwright walk to Orrest Head

The beginning of the walk is virtually on the doorstep of Windermere train and bus station. We got the bus from Kendal before heading off on our afternoon wander, but if you’re anywhere in the Lakes – or even further afield – there are loads of different buses that pass through the station every day all year round.

#2 – Stickle Tarn

Stickle Tarn & Pavey Ark

Even if you’re not interested in walking at all then we would still recommend you take the bus up Langdale. This is one of the most beautiful valleys in the country and trip on a bus gives you the opportunity to safely gawp, open-mouthed out of the window at the scenery (it also means you can safely enjoy a couple of pints at the New or Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotels).

The 516 bus (the aptly named Langdale Rambler) begins its journey in Ambleside and drops off at the beginnings of all the major paths that begin from the valley. This includes the picturesque track that heads up from the New Dungeon Ghyll to Stickle Tarn. Stickle Tarn is a magical place with the impressive rocky fortress of Pavey Ark rising on one side and a vista of Windermere and the Pennines on the other. Although we were feeling lazy on our visit, if you’re so inclined you can take the path from Stickle Tarn to Harrison Stickle and beyond.

However, we decided to take advantage of the late service being run on the Langdale Rambler to enjoy an early dinner at the New Dungeon Ghyll before heading home.

Harrison Stickle above Langdale – one of the famous Langdale Pikes

#3 The Lion and the Lamb

Grasmere is a starting point for a host of walks of varying lengths and difficulties, but by far one of the most popular is the hike up Helm Crag to see the famous Lion and the Lamb rock formation at the top.

Grasmere is served by both the 599 and 555 buses, both of which take a route through the very middle of the Lakes. While the 555 goes all the way from Kendal to Keswick the 599 services the shorter route between Bowness and Grasmere.

We got the train from Kendal and picked up the 599 (it was a glorious day and we could enjoy the open top) to Grasmere.

Wainwright wrote of Helm Crag’s rocky summit that it “gives an exhilarating little climb, a brief essay in real mountaineering”. A bit like Orrest Head, it is a small hill but one which gives a great view down onto Grasmere village and out to the higher fells. Its proximity to Grasmere also means it is not only easily reached on the bus, but conveniently close to great cafes and restaurants in the village. We certainly enjoyed our tea at The Jumble Room after that hike.

A Superhero’s Guide to Sustainable Travel II – Brockhole, Windermere

Sometimes the thought of taking our best friends’ kids out for a day of adventure in the Lakes – without using a car – is a little daunting to say the least. Luckily for us, our destination this time was Brockhole – The Lake District Visitor Centre.

Not only is Brockhole ridiculously easy to reach by bus, it’s also a fantastic place for a day of fun, learning and larking around (with no stressful car journey required).

Little Patrick (AKA Captain Nature) and his sidekick Dan (AKA The Sustainability Kid) get really excited about catching the bus in the Lakes because they know it’ll always take them somewhere fun. Our day at Brockhole didn’t disappoint. The kids had as much fun en-route as they did on arrival (probably because we could chat to them throughout the journey – without having to conceal arguments about directions or who’s paying for the fuel!)

 

 

Bus routes brilliant for sightseeing

The 555 runs between Carlisle and Lancaster, stopping off throughout the Lakes and providing easy access to some of the best scenery, best family attractions and best outdoor experiences the Lakes has to offer.

This great route provides access to Windermere and the lake, Brockhole itself, Rydal Water, Dove Cottage and walks in Grasmere…and takes you as far as Keswick where you’ll love exploring the Cumberland Pencil Factory and Keswick’s Cars of the Stars Museum. Naturally, if you’re travelling with walking in mind – you’ll find endless opportunities to hop off and get hiking,

In summer, the 559 Open Top Experience takes in part of the same route, running between Windermere and Grasmere and stopping off at great places inbetween. There’s no better feeling than being chauffer driven through the Lakes with the wind in your hair and no map-reading to worry about.

Start with a train, then hop on the bus

Windermere bus station is right outside Windermere train station. If you’re heading to Brockhole from further afield, you can arrive by train in Windermere, hop on the bus and arrive at Brockhole in a matter of minutes (or pick a route to explore the rest of the Lakes. Be adventurous; try a day without your car.

Brockhole – an adventure-packed day

Once at Brockhole itself, you basically have the run of a giant garden full of adventure and activity. Walking paths, pony rides, a brilliant playground and even a small-scale climbing wall that’s free to play around on. It’s good to know there are also great facilities: Café, free toilets, gift shop and hot drinks in the park.

Treetop Treks is also based at Brockhole. Our little superheros need to grow a few inches before they can safely have a go, but we saw families and individuals having a great time clambering on ropes and zip wires in Brockhole’s woodland. One for next year, without a doubt!

Lake Cruises from Brockhole – Explore further afield without your car

In the summer months, you can start your day enjoying the lakeshore at Brockhole then take to the water on a circular Lake Cruise – giving you the opportunity to explore Bowness, Ambleside, Lakeside and Wray Castle as well as all the attractions those locations have to offer.

Check out golakestravel.co.uk to find out more about Brockhole, the brilliant bus routes that can take you there and the lake cruise opportunities for exploring further afield.

Enjoy

Our Go Lakes travel tips for March

1. Arriving by train is easier than you think (and more fun)

 

Come from anywhere – you only need to reach Windermere train station and the Lake District is your oyster – bike hire, bus routes, lake cruises and more. Especially if you’re travelling from a city, it’s highly likely you’ll arrive more quickly and with less stress if you travel by train, just like we did. Imagine, it only takes about 3 hours to reach Windermere from London when you take the train…

 

What’s more, you can often save time and money by purchasing your train and bus travel at the same time. For example, the Lakes Day Ranger provides a full day out in the Lakes – including train travel on lines between Lancaster, Morecambe, Workington and Windermere, bus travel throughout Cumbria and even a cruise on Lake Windermere…we’ve already decided to buy this ticket for a Lancastrian friend for their birthday!

 

2. Windermere is your hub for car-free adventures

 

It all starts here – walks, bike rides, bus routes, boat trips – all without the need for a car. Even if you arrive without making a plan first, you can head straight to Windermere Tourist Information (just outside the train station) to work out the next leg of your journey.

 

3. The Cross Lakes Experience

 

This fantastic service runs from early April, so we thought we’d give you a heads up in good time to make your car-free plans for the summer.

One easy ticket buys you a combination of bus routes, bike rides and beautiful lake cruises – which link together to ferry you around many of the Lake District’s highlights at your very own pace, and at a very decent price.  This ticket makes it surprisingly easy to reach classic walking territory and scenery highlights, while also providing an easy route to attractions such as Beatrix Potter’s home Hill Top, family-friendly Wray Castle, Go Ape in Grizedale Forest – and in some cases you’ll also receive a discount on entry price when you show your bus ticket.

 

4. The Coniston Rambler (505)

 

We absolutely love this bus route – the views are fantastic (especially as you arrive and see Coniston Water for the first time) and you get a real feeling of escape when your eyes are free to wander. The Coniston Rambler takes you through some of the Lake District’s classic adventure territory, so it’s worth noting that spaces for bikes are also available.

 

We headed straight for Coniston to find our pint of Bluebird, but this bus route is really all about hopping on and off and taking your time – explore Hawkshead, take a hike from Ambleside… check out how much you can see en-route.