Windermere Lake Cruises returns Council-run ferry to lake after planned inspection

Windermere Lake Cruises’ team of engineers has returned the Cumbria County Council-operated car ferry to the water this week, following a planned refit and full inspection.

The ferry, which can carry up to 15 cars and more than 100 passengers during each trip across the lake between Bowness and Far Sawrey, was taken out of service for approximately three weeks.

The boat, named Mallard, was escorted by two Windemere Lake Cruises safety boats from Lakeside back to Ferry Nab, after the vessel was inspected on the attraction’s private slipway by Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) ship surveyors.

Windermere Lake Cruises Operations Director John Woodburn says, “We’re always very happy to help Cumbria County Council out whenever it’s possible for us to do so. In this case, we made our private slipway available for the MCA to carry out these important checks. Although we are two completely separate organisations, we both share the lake, so we’re pleased to be of assistance whenever it is practical for us to do so.”