WINDERMERE Ferry has already spent days out of action so far this autumn due to maintenance issues. 

The ferry takes passengers and vehicles across the lake from Ferry Nab in Bowness to Far Sawrey. The journey takes around 10 minutes one way and it can carry up to 18 cars and over 100 passengers. 

There is a Windermere Ferry account run on X, formerly known as Twitter, which offers updates on when the service is running. 

In October, there were the following issues with the service: 

  • October 9: electrical fault
  • October 10-11: mooring cables
  • October 13: electrical fault
  • October 29-30: mechanical issues

Windermere Ferry user Nick Heather said: "The ferry, mooring line, drive wheel, corner pulleys are all suffering." He also sent a photo of the ferry moored on the west side, which he said shows a heading misalignment that is 'way off where it should be.' 

The ferry will be dry-docked for an inspection next year. There will also be maintenance work which the council said it will release details of. 

A spokesperson from Westmorland and Furness council said: "The ferry is set to receive its five-year Maritime and Coastguard Acency (MCA) Inspection in early 2024 which requires the ferry to be dry docked.

“We are currently in the process of establishing a work programme which we envisage will commence between February and May 2024. Details of this will be shared when confirmed.

"Our investment in the five-year MCA inspection and maintenance demonstrates our commitment to addressing reliability concerns and maintaining Windermere Ferry - a vital link serving the local community and visitors to the area."

The ferry has also had to be suspended this year for issues related to high winds and water levels as a result of the recent weather. The council website states: "Weather conditions, maintenance issues and numbers of passengers can all affect the times of ferry departures." 

The ferry was operating on its summer schedule with ferries departing from Sawrey until 10pm until the last Sunday in October. 

It is now on its winter schedule, with the last ferry departing from Sawrey at 9pm.