The Windermere Lake Cruises service, the Cross Lake Shuttle, is set to continue due to popular demand

The service was launched to support businesses and communities while the Windermere car ferry was out of action.

The Cross Lake Shuttle links the busy eastern shore of Windermere at Bowness to areas including Claife, Sawrey, Hawkshead and Coniston.

The shuttle connects with the recently re-instated Mountain Goat 525 bus service, taking passengers to Beatrix Potter’s rural retreat Hill Top and Hawkshead, with onward connections to Coniston.

Since June 3, passengers can purchase one ticket covering the shuttle service, bus ride, and entry to the National Trust's Hill Top.

Jennifer Cormack, sales and marketing director at Windermere Lake Cruises, said: "This is the first time since 2019 the Cross Lake Shuttle has operated and we are delighted it has proved so popular with passengers.

"Our aim was to support nearby communities and keep residents and visitors moving around our iconic landscapes with minimum disruption.

"But now the Windermere ferry has resumed its clear there is still a popular demand for the Cross Lake Shuttle.

"We are particularly happy to bring in the through ticket with Mountain Goat and The National Trust which supports local residents and visitors who want to travel around the area without using a car."

The general manager of National Trust South Lakes, Laura Ruxton, said: "We’re thrilled to be working with Windermere Lake Cruises and Mountain Goat to offer this combined ticket to Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s farmhouse retreat.

"Visitors can now hop on board a WLC boat at Bowness, for a stress-free and scenic journey to explore the peaceful and picturesque Westshore of Windermere.

"Hill Top tickets sell out fast during busy times, such as the school summer holidays.

"By buying a combined ticket and arriving here by boat and bus, visitors are guaranteed entry even if we are fully booked on the Hill Top website."

Robin Tyson, managing director of Mountain Goat, said: "It’s a great initiative to encourage people over to the western shore of Windermere, where they have the chance to visit the likes of Hill Top and Hawkshead and enjoy the stunning scenery that surrounds the villages there."

The new landing location for the shuttle is at Ash Landing, which is about a half a mile south of the previous landing point.

It grants walkers an easy route to various viewpoints, paths, and National Trust sites along the western shore, with nine return services a day.

The first sails from Bowness Pier 3 at 9.20am and the last return sails from Ash Landing at 16.55pm, and with all sailings subject to weather conditions and lake height.

The service will only transport foot passengers and not bicycles.

A single adult ticket will cost £4.80, with children's singles costing £2.90.

Returns cost £8 and £4.80 respectively.

Discounts exist for holders of Windermere Lake Cruises' Residents’ Discount Cards and 'well behaved' dogs travel free of charge.

For full details visit www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk/cruises-fares/bowness-to-ash-landing