The Lake District is the only place in Britain where a bus ride, a boat trip, and a poetry trail can all lead to a mountaintop.
Known for its jagged fells, deep blue lakes, and literary legends, the Lakes have long lured adventurers. But for many visitors, especially first-timers, it can seem like a destination best explored behind the wheel. That’s no longer the case.
In fact, hiking the Lake District without a car isn’t just possible, it’s one of the best ways to experience the region. Trains, buses, and even boats connect key towns and trailheads, offering a slower, more scenic route into the heart of England’s most dramatic landscapes.
Arriving in the Lakes: No Car Needed
Your gateway into the Lakes begins by train. From London or Birmingham, connect through Oxenholme and continue up to Windermere, an easy ride that drops you right into the scenery. Or head to Penrith for access to the quieter northern fells.
From these hubs, buses snake their way through valleys and villages, offering breathtaking cliffside views without the stress of navigating narrow roads or dealing with parking nightmares.
The Scenic Bus Network You’ll Rely On
The local buses are a lifeline for car-free walkers. The 555 is the crown jewel, running between Lancaster and Keswick; it links key towns like Windermere, Ambleside, and Grasmere, with windows wide open to stone cottages and sweeping views. On sunnier days, hop on the open-top 599, which glides along the shores of Windermere and up to Grasmere.
In more remote areas, services like the Honister Rambler (77/77A) or Coniston Rambler (505) make off-the-beaten-path hikes feel effortlessly accessible. You can even hop on Ullswater Steamers or Windermere Cruises to turn a boat ride into part of your hiking journey.
Where to Stay When You’re Not Driving
For a successful car-free trip, your base matters. Choose walkable towns that also serve as transport hubs:
- Keswick: Packed with trailheads, boat landings, and cafés. Ideal for the Derwentwater Loop or Catbells.
- Ambleside: Great mid-Lakes location with access to buses and nearby fell walks.
- Windermere / Bowness: Well-connected and lively, ideal for combining hikes with lake cruises.
Looking for countryside peace? Castlerigg Hall sits just outside Keswick and is still connected easily via a 5-minute walk to a bus stop.
Hikes That Are Easy to Reach and Easy to Love
You don’t need to compromise on scenery just because you’re staying off the roads. Some of the region’s most rewarding walks are fully accessible without a car:
- Derwentwater Loop (Keswick)
A flat 10-mile walk around the lake, dotted with boat landings and tea shops. - Catbells
A classic short fell. Hop a boat to Hawes End and follow the ridge for big views with minimal effort. - Gummer’s How (near Windermere)
A quick climb to panoramic lake views, reachable by bus and a short walk. - Tarn Hows
A peaceful, family-friendly loop near Coniston. Buses get you close; a short taxi can fill the gap. - Wordsworth Way (NEW)
Launched in April 2025, this 14-mile trail winds from Ullswater to Ambleside, connecting poetry, history, and breathtaking landscapes. Best of all? Both ends are served by public transport.
Travel Tips for Going Car-Free
While going car-free in the Lakes is easier than ever, a little planning still helps:
- Check bus schedules, especially outside of summer.
- Use a day pass for unlimited local travel.
- Combine boats and buses to turn linear hikes into scenic loops.
- Travel light, especially if you plan to move between towns.
- Coming from abroad? Be sure your travel documentation is sorted in advance. You can apply for a UK ETA online through simple travel service providers before you arrive.
A Slower Way to Travel, And Maybe a Better One
Hiking the Lake District without a car isn’t about cutting corners; it’s about slowing down and tuning in. Without the burden of driving or parking, your attention shifts: to the curve of a path, the flicker of light on water, or the sound of your boots on gravel.
With every step, bus ride, and boat crossing, you’re not just getting somewhere, you’re part of the journey.
