This special boat service runs on Saturday 14 - Sunday 15 June 2025 between Ambleside (Waterhead) and Brockhole - the start/finish line of The Great North Swim and on Sunday the finish line of the Windermere Marathon.

With a direct service between Ambleside (Waterhead) ↔ Brockhole, swimmers, runners and spectators can enjoy a hassle-free park & ride service between the many car parks around Ambleside (Waterhead). Beat the crowds and limited parking at Brockhole by using this special boat service.

This year, we have many more boats departing Brockhole for Ambleside (Waterhead) to pick up the Windermere Marathon runners and their supporters. One-way Brockhole → Ambleside tickets can also be purchased online.

🏊 Looking for an Bowness shuttle service?

Boat departures

🕑 Saturday 14 June

• We depart Ambleside (Waterhead) at 7:45, 8:45, 9:45, 10:45, 11:45, 12:45, 13:45, 14:45, 15:45. The journey takes 20 minutes.
• We depart Brockhole at 8:15, 9:15, 10:15, 11:15, 12:15, 13:15, 14:15, 15:15, 16:15, ♿17:30 The journey takes 20 minutes.

🕑 Sunday 15 June

• We depart Ambleside (Waterhead) at 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, ♿10:35, 11:00, 12:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00. The journey takes 20 minutes.
• We depart Brockhole at 8:30, 9:30, 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, ♿13:25, ♿13:50, 14:30, ♿15:15, 15:30, ♿15:55, 16:30, ♿17:30. The journey takes 20 minutes.

Ticketed Seating
To ensure that everyone can get to/from the start/finish these boats have ticketed seating.

• Choose from either a single or return journey from either Ambleside or Brockhole.
• You must book a seat for the outward (and return legs, if needed) of your journey for everyone in your group.
• Infants (under 3s) who don't need a seat (who can travel on a parents knee) can travel for free.