Boots, Boats and Trains a journey through the Lake District (Penrith to Grange-over-Sands)

Some of the best scenery and experiences of the lakes are combined to provide a true taste of what Cumbria can offer. Exploring the Lake District on a journey of 50 miles, we hike the fells, sail on the lakes of Ulleswater and Windermere, and board the Lakeside stream train.
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We arrive at Penrith railway station, and immediately spot a steam train which obviously delays the start of our journey. Finally released from our curiosity we cross the road to have e a brief walk around Penrith castle where we discover Richard III lived for twelve years of his live. We then begin our hike on the recently open new trail Eamont Way. This we follow for 5 - 6 miles to Pooley Bridge.
At Pooley Bridge we board the ferry at a cost of £10 to land at Howtown. From here we use the Ulleswater Way to walk to the camping site at Side Farm (£12) which we find at the southern end of the lake. The next morning we pass Patterdale to begin the ascent of Gale Crag and then further into the fells we gain the highest point at Hart Crag. We immediately turn south and almost in a straight line follow the path down over High Pike and Low Pike to Ambleside.
At Ambleside we have an overnight stay planned (cost £27 for a room). The Ambleside Jetty is next door and makes the morning hike to the start of our second part of our journey just a matter of metres. Paying £18 for a single we board the historical Swan ferry to Lakeside. The journey on the lake is one hour and twenty minutes and includes a stop at Bowness on Windermere.
Having arrived at Lakeside jetty we now board the steam train to Haverthwaite (cost single £6.50). This journey is just 18 minutes long and then we take to boot power again, for the last leg of our journey. Now we are initially heading towards Carmel Priory, passing Cartmel Racecourse and passing through Carmel village.
Now we wonder into Grange-over-Sands along the promenade noting the disappearing sea and finally arrive at the refurbished railway station. I estimate the hiking element was 30 miles and a further 20 miles was achieved by the use of the historical boats and trains of the Lake District.

[@catherinewalks1207]

Pleasant ways to travel into the Lakes from either end, and another walk you have done that I now want to do. The words "going over the fells to Ambleside" have to be some of the happiest imaginable. Thanks for another good one.

[@AmblingTrails]

Thanks Catherine, glad you enjoyed the video and glad you appreciate the inspiration for an alternative Lakeland travel. Cheers, Nigel

[@sulj3373]

Some of this actually looks doable for me and my son. The boat ride and steam train are a plus. No camping for us though. Loved this video. You forgot to sing 🎵 Oh I do love to be beside the seaside. One of my favorites growing up that my mom sang with us. You always make me homesick. 😊❤

[@AmblingTrails]

I was trying to sing 😁! Never thought making somebody homesick would be such a good thing. Thanks for watching and as always really appreciate your comments. Cheers, Nigel

[@teresatrichak2767]

What an interesting walk! As always your videos are both informative and beautiful to watch. Thank you.

[@AmblingTrails]

Thanks for the watch and certainly appreciate the comment 😁👍🏼🦆

[@paulamoreton6522]

Fabulous. What a delightful mini adventure.

[@AmblingTrails]

Certainly was and glad you enjoyed the virtual adventure. Thanks for watching.

[@AndyBennett-ym6zf]

What an absolutely brilliant adventure through the lakes! Easy going with stunning scenery and plenty of alternative routes depending on how you feel. The use of the boats is my particular favourite. Once again you've inspired me for another route. I will be following in your foot steps soon. Thank you so much for your video and ideas.

[@AmblingTrails]

Glad you enjoyed it and as you said lots of alternative routes depending on how the inspiration takes you. Have a great lakeland adventure and thanks for watching.

[@rbreiff73]

Lovely video. Very interesting about the new path out of Penrith. That makes getting into the Lakes a lot more feasible and pleasant.

[@AmblingTrails]

Yes, it’s a great path and very easily done with the added benefit of a fresh mile shake or coffee 😁👍🏼

[@lancsway]

Great video and well planned route with the boats and trains, the vocal music worked so well in the church. Much enjoyed.

[@AmblingTrails]

Glad you enjoyed it, there was lots of planning but worth the effort , appreciate the comment. Cheers

[@rykskelton2066]

Nigel, Certainly an interesting journey, especially with the different ways to get from A to B. I was surprised that it was cold enough for you to mention it (and I noticed those finger-less gloves), but I've never been in the U.K. during April/May, so what do I know. This trail touched on a few places I've been, so there was a little familiarity, but it's probably not a trail that I'll get to do, so it was nice to experience it through your lens. Another surprise for me was the lack of crowds at Bowness. Cheers, Ryk.

[@AmblingTrails]

Yes, I've certainly been caught out in the Lakes previously in late April with snow! I was carrying gloves and suntan lotion and I used both, crazy weather. I think the lack of crowds generally was a result of the surprising weather, it had forecast rain, so I was very lucky overall and certainly helped the videography. Glad you enjoyed the virtual journey. Cheers, Nigel

[@joshuajcoates]

Really really enjoyed this one!

[@AmblingTrails]

😁👍🏼🦆

[@royedwards8713]

Hi nice video nice walk 👌👌

[@AmblingTrails]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching and commenting.

[@lynnesears6254]

That was a very nice walk and a change-up from many that I've seen that are walking one trail. I liked that you were on two and took various modes of transportation to get you to your next starting point. I appreciated the mention of the cost of the first boat. Could you share that of the Windermere boat and the train? Loved seeing the inside of the Priory as well. Lovely. Thank you.

[@AmblingTrails]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Apologies I had meant to mention the cost of the other modes of transport, however the cost in 2024 for the trip I did which was obviously a single is as follows: Pooley Bridge to Howtown £10 - Ferry on Ulleswater Ambleside to Lakeside £18 - Ferry on Windermere Lakeside to Haverthwaite £6.50 - Steam Train Hope that helps and I do hope you get opportunity to explore these options. Happy to answer any other queries you might have. Cheers, Nigel

[@lynnesears6254]

@@AmblingTrails Thank you! We were fortunate to be in the UK in 2000 but since then I've learned so much and have a deep appreciation for your country both physically and historically. I hope we can come back in the not too distant future. Will continue to enjoy walking "with" you!

[@AmblingTrails]

Yes I will always enjoy the virtual company 😁👍🏼Thanks for the response.

[@honesty3440]

👏🏻❤️

[@AmblingTrails]

😁👍🏼🦆