Lake District’s only dedicated ‘Bike Boat’ to sail on Windermere

The only dedicated Bike Boat service in the Lakes returns to Windermere next month, transporting passengers between Brockhole and the lake’s tranquil western shore for traffic-free family cycling.

Run by Windermere Lake Cruises, the Bike Boat will be making use of the recently installed Bark Barn jetty near Belle Grange, offering easy two-wheeled access to secluded woodlands, bridleways and tracks on Windermere’s western shore. That includes Hawkshead, the ancient woods of Claife Heights and the quiet roads up to Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top.

The specially adapted traditional vessel called Sunflower can carry up to 12 bikes and the 2015 service will operate at weekends from 23 May until 12 July, then seven days a week throughout the school summer holidays (18 July-31 August). It will do eight return sailings every day of operation.

For passengers starting their cycling adventures at Brockhole, bike hire charges now include a return ticket on the Bike Boat. The service also links in with the 599 open top bus service running through South Lakes, with space for four bikes.

John Woodburn, Operations Director for Windermere Lake Cruises, says, “We saw encouraging passenger numbers on the Bike Boat over the 2014 school summer holidays, so this year, we’ve decided to run a dedicated service to the new Bark Barn jetty. We’re looking forward to welcoming more families onto the route and hope that the jetty will open up new options for visitors to explore the lakeshore and enjoy traffic-free, safe family cycling along the western side of the lake.”

Foot passengers are welcome to use the Bike Boat, but priority will be given to cyclists.

For timetables and fares,visit the Bike Boat Service web page.