Lake District’s only ‘Bike Boat’ gears up for summer holidays

Families can gear up for traffic-free cycling adventures in the Lake District this summer with the return of Cumbria’s only dedicated ‘Bike Boat’.

The specially adapted traditional vessel - known as Sunflower II - can carry up to 12 bikes and will be running 8 times per day from next Saturday 23 July until Sunday 4 September 2016.

The Bike Boat service links Brockhole - The Lake District Visitor Centre, with Windermere’s tranquil western shore at Bark Barn jetty near Belle Grange. Using a number of cycle routes and bridleways, cyclists can plan a convenient circular route that all ages and abilities can access. Although foot passengers are welcome on board the Bike Boat, special priority will be given to cyclists crossing England’s longest lake to enjoy the flat, mostly traffic-free route along the lakeshore. From here, there is easy two-wheeled access to Wray Castle, the ancient woods of Claife Heights and the quiet roads up to Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top.

For passengers starting their cycling adventures at Brockhole, bike hire also includes a return ticket on the Bike Boat.

Operations Director at Windermere Lake Cruises, John Woodburn, says, “The Bike Boat adds another dimension to the network of boat services sailing on Windermere. By giving special priority to cyclists, we are giving people access to safer, traffic-free cycling routes and giving them a chance to experience more new ways of exploring the iconic landscape around England’s longest lake.”

For timetables and fares, see our dedicated bike boat webpage.