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Lake District express: All aboard for Ullswater Hopper’s new season

Now in its third year, the Ullswater Valley bus service will restart on Saturday 5th April.Ullswater bus

The service, organised by community group Sustainable and Integrated Transport for Ullswater, will return for its third year on Saturday April 5 2025.

It includes a new daily service for peak times and is operated by Stagecoach. It will continue until November 2.

The Ullswater Hopper Bus, and 509 services that run through the Ullswater Valley resume for weekends and Bank Holidays, and this year Ullswater Hopper Bus daily services will also be available for Whit Week and July and August.

Michael Firth, chair of Sustainable and Integrated Transport for Ullswater, said: “Last year the Ullswater Hopper Bus and 509 carried over 9,000 passengers, with both visitors and locals using the routes.

“This equates to approximately 1,500 vehicles not using the valley roads reducing congestion, lightening the burden on the environment and taking the stress away from people trying to park. We are committed to participating in Cumbria’s net zero targets and are glad to be able to contribute in this way.

“Our vision of a sustainable and integrated transport system enabling everyone to enjoy everything the Ullswater Valley has to offer is gradually becoming a reality.

“The Eamont Way footpath connecting Penrith train station with Pooley Bridge and these new bus services, combined with existing Stagecoach, and Ullswater Steamer services, increase the car free options available to reach and travel around the beautiful Ullswater Valley.”

Daniel Holder, a group member and owner of holiday park The Quiet Site, said: “Funding is critical to ensuring these services operate and evolve.

“We are receiving continued support from Westmorland and Furness and the Barton and Pooley Bridge Community Fund for which we are extremely grateful. However, in addition, this year sees further funding from Lake District National Park Strategic Visitor Management Group, the Royal Countryside Fund in partnership with The National Lottery Community Fund, Fibrus and Hyperfast GB.

“Also, as last year, many Ullswater businesses and other local entities have kindly offered pledges to cover the cost of the services in the event fare income is insufficient.

“Their support is overwhelming and we appreciate the work they are doing to promote the services with their customers.”

It was not possible to extend the 509 service to weekdays this year, but the group said it will keep it under review and hope to be able to do so next year.


Operated by Stagecoach, the Ullswater Bus serves both visitors and local residents. 

All their buses across Cumbria are dog friendly, and are included in the Government’s National Bus Fare Cap Scheme meaning you will not pay more than £3 for a single ticket. Children under 12 and English concessionary bus pass holders even travel free. There is also wheelchair space available and USB sockets at every seat.

Tickets for any Stagecoach service can be bought with cash and card on board buses from the driver or via the Stagecoach website and the Stagecoach Bus app. In addition combined bus and boat tickets can be purchased for a trip involving both Ullswater Steamers and buses. The 508 and 509 services provide direct links to Ullswater from Windermere, Keswick and Penrith.

Bus timetables are available on the Situ website.  The Stagecoach website has a useful page on Exploring Ullswater by Bus.

Leave the car and take the bus!


Ullswater Hopper Bus UB1

This service will operate on weekends and Bank Holidays from April 5 to November 2 and will run a daily service between May 25 and May 30 and every day between June 30 and August 29.

509 Keswick-Ullswater-Lowther-Penrith

This service will operate on weekends and Bank Holidays from April 5 to November 2.