Yesterday, I did quite an interesting and easy day out by bus around Ullswater using the innovative Ullswater Hopper bus services- which are a clear effort to encourage sustainable transport in the Ullswater Valley.
I'm starting this from Keswick, although I have two buses before that, starting from West Cumbria. One of those is another re-started service- the 600 which just happens to stop outside my front door on it's way from Whitehaven Hospital to Carlisle Hospital.
In my case I took the X4/X5 from Keswick to Penrith, then the 106 from Penrith to Lowther. (this service is not in the Lake District bus guide, but is on the map in the book- it is also about to transfer from Stagecoach to NBM, so will not be on the map either in the future).
From Keswick the easier way in is the 509 bus direct to Aira Force. The UB1 takes a rather interesting route to Pooley Bridge via the various camp sites. They are a very good option (especially The Quiet Place) rather than staying in Pooley Bridge or Glenridding.
Then from Lowther Castle the UB2 to Pooley Bridge then the UB1 to Howtown. This is the first bus down the south side of Ullswater since the post bus was withdrawn many years ago.
Then the "steamer" from Howtown Pier to Glenridding for the new 559 bus which runs direct to Grasmere via St John's in the Vale for connections to Keswick (or change at Troutbeck Station for Keswick direct).
All the buses cost £12 for the day on a North West Explorer.
From the website you will see how the buses connect into the Ullswater Way and Eamont Way walking routes at various points, as well as the network of paths and cycle routes from Lowther.
So a very easy day out from Keswick with many permutations, and different from the staple Buttermere/Catbells/central Lakes staple.
What is also advertised on the bus is that several of the catering businesses in the Valley also give discounts to bus ticket holders.
At Lowther the big attraction is Lowther Castle and Gardens. From Lowther Castle