The Ullswater bus is back for 2024!

Following the success of the 2023 pilot Ullswater Bus service, this year Stagecoach will be running an extended service including an extended season, increased number of services and destinations.  

Operated by Stagecoach, the service will start on Saturday 23 March and run until 3 November 2024.

The service is being provided as part of the drive for more sustainable transport and reduced private vehicle traffic in the Ullswater Valley; improving connections between where people are and where they wish to be within the valley. 

The 509 service will operate between Keswick and Penrith visiting locations including Troutbeck, Dockray, Glenridding, Patterdale, Aira Force, Pooley Bridge, Askham and Lowther Castle.

Another service, UB1, will cover many of the holiday parks and other accommodation between Aira Force and Howtown.

Michael Firth, the group’s chair, said: “We are delighted by the success of the 2023 pilot. Our vision for Ullswater is to see alternatives to private motor vehicle use in the valley, an approach that can be summarised as bus, bike, boot and boat.

“Congestion and carbon footprint are real problems for both visitors and residents especially during the main tourist season. We very much welcome visitors to the valley and our mission is to provide options that allow everyone to enjoy the area in a less impactful way.”

Daniel Holder, a group member and owner of award-winning holiday park The Quiet Site, said: “These services, combined with the existing 508 service, will open up many more visitor and resident journeys that can be taken by bus rather than car.

“Stagecoach is helping us to support the new 509 service, which itself indicates the success of last year’s service as well as the success of our partnership working with Stagecoach.

“We are grateful to the support received from Westmorland and Furness, Zero Carbon Cumbria and the Barton and Pooley Bridge Community Fund. Additionally 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.”

David Rich, head of commercial, Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire, added: “Stagecoach is thrilled to be able to partner again with SITU to improve connectivity by bus across the Ullswater Valley. We were really pleased with the popularity of the service introduced in 2023 and it is exciting that we have been able to build upon that success to offer an improved service for 2024.”

All buses are dog friendly, and all services are included in the Government’s National bus Fare Cap Scheme meaning single fares are £2.

Children under five and English concessionary bus pass holders travel free.

Tickets can be bought with cash and card on board buses from the driver or via the Stagecoach website and app.