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{{short description|Scenic bus route in Cumbria and Lancashire, England}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2017}}
{{Use British English|date=March 2017}}
{{Infobox bus line
{{Infobox bus line
|number = 555
|number = The Lakes Connection 555
|logo =
|image = Stagecoach Lakes 555.jpg
|image = Stagecoach_15724_at_Grasmere_on_route_555_(8142738653).jpg
|image_width = 300
|caption = [[Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire]] [[Alexander Dennis Enviro 400]] bodied [[Scania N230UD]] in [[Grasmere]] in October 2012
|bgcolor = #006BB5
|bgcolor = #006BB5
|titlecolor = #F8A03A
|titlecolor = white
|operator = [[Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire]]
|operator = [[Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire]]
|garage =
|garage = [[Kendal]]
|vehicle = [[Alexander Dennis Enviro400 MMC|Alexander Dennis Enviro 400 MMC]] {{small|(2016–present)}}
|vehicle =
|pvr =
|length = {{convert|45|mi|km}}
|frequency = Every 30–60 minutes{{efn|On weekdays and Saturday, services operate hourly (winter)/twice-hourly (summer) during the day, with an hourly service during the evening. On Sunday, services operate hourly between Keswick and Kendal, and two-hourly between Kendal and Lancaster. Some journeys run ''fast'' via M6 between Kendal and Lancaster, omitting Milnthorpe, Burton-in-Kendal and Carnforth.}}
|predecessors =
|night =
|day = Daily
|start = [[Lancaster bus station|Lancaster]]
|locale = {{plainlist|
⚫
* [[Cumbria]]
|via = [[Carnforth]]<br>[[Kendal]]<br>[[Windermere]]<br>[[Ambleside]]<br>[[Grasmere]]
* [[Lancashire]]}}
⚫
|end = [[Keswick, Cumbria|Keswick]]
|length = 45 miles
|termini = {{plainlist|
⚫
* [[Keswick, Cumbria|Keswick]]
|ibus =
* [[Lancaster, Lancashire|Lancaster]]}}}}
|level =
|frequency =
|day =
|time =
|fare =
|cash =
|map =
|map_name = }}


'''The Lakes Connection 555''' is a bus route operated by [[Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire]] in [[Cumbria]] and [[Lancashire]], England. The scenic route covers a distance of {{Convert|45|mi|km}} and runs between the towns of [[Keswick, Cumbria|Keswick]] and [[Lancaster, Lancashire|Lancaster]] via [[Grasmere (village)|Grasmere]], [[Windermere]],{{Efn|The service operates additionally via [[Bowness-on-Windermere]] in the early morning and late evening to replace service 599.}} [[Kendal]] and [[Carnforth]].
'''Stagecoach bus route 555''' links [[Lancaster, Lancashire|Lancaster]] in [[Lancashire]] with towns and villages in [[Cumbria]]'s [[Lake District|District National Park]] in [[North West England]]. The route is approximately 45 miles long and takes on average 2 hours and 40 minutes to complete. It is one of the longest routes as well as one of the most scenic bus routes in England. The route is operated by [[Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire]] and was previously operated by [[Ribble Motor Services]].


==Route==
==Route==
{{The Lakes Connection 555}}
Route 555 starts from [[Lancaster bus station|Lancaster]] in the northern part of [[Lancashire]]. The route goes via [[Carnforth]], into [[Cumbria]] through [[Milnthorpe]] and past [[Levens Hall]] before stopping at [[Kendal]] bus station. Some summer journeys run between Lancaster and Kendal via more direct route mainly via the [[M6 Motorway]].<ref name=Timetable>[https://www.stagecoachbus.com/getTimetable.ashx?code=XNAO555&dir=OUTBOUND&date=15%2f04%2f2015 Route 555 timetable] Stagecoach</ref>
Route 555 starts from [[Lancaster bus station|Lancaster]] in the northern part of [[Lancashire]]. The route goes via [[Carnforth]], into [[Cumbria]] through [[Milnthorpe]] and past [[Levens Hall]] before stopping at [[Kendal]] bus station. Some Saturday & summer journeys run between Lancaster and Kendal via more direct route mainly via the [[M6 Motorway]].<ref name=Timetable>[https://www.stagecoachbus.com/getTimetable.ashx?code=XNAO555&dir=OUTBOUND&date=15%2f04%2f2015 Route 555 timetable] Stagecoach</ref>


After a break, the route generally follows the [[A591 road]] into the [[Lake District]]. The route goes through [[Staveley, Cumbria|Staveley]], [[Windermere]] and alongside [[Lake Windermere]] to [[Ambleside]]. The route then continues into and out of the village of [[Grasmere]], passing the lakes [[Grasmere (lake)|Grasmere]] and [[Thirlmere]] before arriving at [[Keswick, Cumbria|Keswick]] near to [[Derwent Water]].<ref>[http://lunatictravel.com/lbkenkes.html A bus ride from Kendal to Keswick] Lunatic Travel</ref><ref>[http://mancunian1001.wordpress.com/2014/02/13/romance-on-the-buses-a-decet-of-romantic-bus-routes-the-not-so-perfect-ten/ Romance on the buses - A Decet of Romantic Bus Routes] EM60</ref>
Between Kendal and Keswick, the route generally follows the [[A591 road|A591]] into the [[Lake District]]. The route goes through [[Staveley, Cumbria|Staveley]], the town of [[Windermere, Cumbria (town)|Windermere]] and alongside the lake of [[Windermere]] to [[Ambleside]]. The route then continues into and out of the village of [[Grasmere (village)|Grasmere]], passing the lakes [[Rydal Water]], [[Grasmere (lake)|Grasmere]] and [[Thirlmere]] before arriving at [[Keswick, Cumbria|Keswick]] near to [[Derwent Water]].<ref>[http://lunatictravel.com/lbkenkes.html A bus ride from Kendal to Keswick] Lunatic Travel</ref><ref>[http://mancunian1001.wordpress.com/2014/02/13/romance-on-the-buses-a-decet-of-romantic-bus-routes-the-not-so-perfect-ten/ Romance on the buses - A Decet of Romantic Bus Routes] EM60</ref>


Previously, the route used to extend around {{Convert|30|mi|km}} north to [[Carlisle]]. The section between Keswick and Carlisle is now served by services 553 (via [[Caldbeck]]){{Efn|Service 553 operates on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays between late March and early November.}} and 554 (via [[Wigton]]), which connect with service 555 at Keswick.
Previously the route used to extend a further 30 miles from Keswick north to [[Carlisle, Cumbria|Carlisle]]. It was split with Stagecoach route 554 now connects with route 555 at Keswick bus station.<ref>[http://www.fixmytransport.com/routes/north-east/554-bus Route 554] Fix My Transport</ref>


==Fleet and operations==
===Current route===
In October 2011, nine double-deck [[Scania N230UD]]/[[Alexander Dennis Enviro400]] vehicles were introduced, branded in the two-tone green and white ''Freedom of the Lakes'' livery.<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cumbria-15391473 Nine new buses for Cumbria following £1.5 million investment] ''[[BBC News]]'' 21 October 2011</ref> Each vehicle was named after a famous Lake District mountain.<ref>[http://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/no-title-1.893117?referrerPath=afc Fleet of Latest Buses Set for Tourist Route] ''[[North-West Evening Mail]]'' 1 November 2011</ref>{{Efn|Vehicles were named ''[[Langdale Pikes|Langdale Pike]]'' (15721), ''[[Catbells]]'' (15722), ''[[Helm Crag]]'' (15723), ''[[Helvellyn]]'' (15724), ''[[Skiddaw]]'' (15725), ''[[Wansfell|Wansfell Pike]]'' (15726), ''[[Scafell Pike]]'' (15727), ''[[Coniston Old Man]]'' (15728) and ''[[Blencathra]]'' (15729).}}
Route 555 operates via these primary locations:<ref name=Timetable/>
{{columns-list|2|
*[[Lancaster bus station]]
*[[Bolton le Sands]]
*[[Carnforth railway station|Carnforth station]] {{rail-interchange|london|rail}}
*[[Burton-in-Kendal|Burton]]
⚫
*[[Holme, Cumbria|Holme]]
*[[Milnthorpe]]
*[[Levens Hall]]
*[[Helsington]]
*[[Kendal]] bus station
*[[Staveley, Cumbria|Staveley]]
*[[Windermere railway station|Windermere station]] {{rail-interchange|london|rail}}
*[[Ambleside]]
*[[Rydal, Cumbria|Rydal]]
*[[Grasmere]]
*Thirlspot
*[[Keswick, Cumbria|Keswick]] bus station}}


In July 2016, twelve double-deck [[Alexander Dennis Enviro400 MMC|Alexander Dennis Enviro 400 MMC]] vehicles were introduced, branded in the blue, green and white ''The Lakes Connection'' livery.<ref>[http://busandcoach.com/news/articles/2016/striking-lakeland-livery-for-new-555-service/ Striking Lakeland livery for new 555 service] ''Bus & Coach Professional'' 1 July 2016</ref>
==Vehicles==
In October 2011, Stagecoach introduced nine [[Alexander Dennis Enviro 400]] bodied [[Scania N230UD]]s to operate the route.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cumbria-15391473 Nine new buses for Cumbria following £1.5 million investment] ''[[BBC News]]'' 21 October 2011</ref>


A further nine double-deck [[Alexander Dennis Enviro400 MMC|Alexander Dennis Enviro 400 MMC]] vehicles were introduced in April 2023, replacing the previous fleet. These vehicles feature improved legroom, high-backed seating and tables fitted with wireless chargers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Deakin |first=Tim |date=26 April 2023 |title=Stagecoach high-spec Enviro400 fleet makes 555 debut |url=https://www.route-one.net/news/stagecoach-high-spec-enviro400-fleet-makes-555-debut/ |access-date=26 April 2023 |website=Routeone}}</ref>
These buses have a special livery and carry ''"555 Freedom of the Lakes"'' branding. Each bus has been named after a famous Lake District mountain.<ref>[http://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/no-title-1.893117?referrerPath=afc Fleet of Latest Buses Set for Tourist Route] ''[[North-West Evening Mail]]'' 1 November 2011</ref>

The names (and bus fleet numbers) are:
{{columns-list|2|
*''[[Langdale Pikes|Langdale Pike]]'' (17921)
*''[[Catbells]]'' (17922)
*''[[Helm Crag]]'' (17923)
*''[[Helvellyn]]'' (17924)
*''[[Skiddaw]]'' (17925)
*''[[Wansfell|Wansfell Pike]]'' (17926)
*''[[Scafell Pike]]'' (17927)
*''[[Coniston Old Man]]'' (17928)
*''[[Blencathra]]'' (17929)}}


==Tourism==
==Tourism==
The bus service is popular with tourists as they can see the countryside from the top deck. The route is also popular with walkers. Robert Swain authored a book, ''"55 555 Walks"'', that shows walks that could be done from destinations along the whole route in both Lancashire and Cumbria. <ref>[http://djh1.webfactional.com/html/walking/Lake_District/55-555walks.html A list of 55 walks from the 555]</ref><ref>[http://www.virtual-lancaster.net/reviews/books/swain_55walks.htm 55 555 Walks - Robert Swain review] Virtual Lancaster</ref>
The bus service is popular with tourists as they can see the countryside from the top deck. The route is also popular with walkers. Robert Swain authored a book, ''"55 555 Walks"'', that shows walks that could be done from destinations along the whole route in both Lancashire and Cumbria.<ref>[http://djh1.webfactional.com/html/walking/Lake_District/55-555walks.html A list of 55 walks from the 555]</ref><ref>[http://www.virtual-lancaster.net/reviews/books/swain_55walks.htm 55 555 Walks - Robert Swain review] Virtual Lancaster</ref>

==''Ladies That Bus'' ==
The play ''Ladies That Bus'' was written by Joyce Branagh and based on 400 interviews with users of the 555 route. It was developed in association with the three theatres along the route: [[The Dukes (Lancaster)|The Dukes]] in [[Lancaster, Lancashire| Lancaster]], the [[Brewery Arts Centre]] in [[Kendal]] and [[Theatre by the Lake]], [[Keswick, Cumbria|Keswick]]. The show toured in early 2020 before the lockdown caused by the [[COVID-19 pandemic in England|COVID-19 pandemic]], and was scheduled to open on 29 September 2020 as one of the first productions at The Dukes as restrictions eased.<ref name="ladies">{{cite web |title=Ladies That Bus |url=https://www.ladiesthatbus.co.uk/ |access-date=19 September 2020}}</ref><ref name="dukes">{{cite web |title=Ladies That Bus |url=https://dukeslancaster.org/whats-on/theatre/ladies-that-bus |publisher=The Dukes |access-date=19 September 2020 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="brewery">{{cite web |title=Route 555 - Ladies That Bus |url=https://www.breweryarts.co.uk/event/route-555-ladies-that-bus/ |website=Brewery Arts Centre - Kendal |access-date=19 September 2020}}</ref><ref name="crack">{{cite news |title=Be Transported by Ladies That Bus Northern Theatre Tour |url=https://www.cumbriacrack.com/2019/10/25/be-transported-by-ladies-that-bus-northern-theatre-tour/ |access-date=19 September 2020 |work=Cumbria Crack |date=25 October 2019}}</ref> In January 2021 the Dukes theatre made ''Ladies That Bus'' available online through [[Vimeo]], as a response to the lockdown conditions.<ref name="online">{{cite web |title=Ladies That Bus Online |url=https://dukeslancaster.org/ladies-that-bus-online |website= |publisher=The Dukes |access-date=28 January 2021 |language=en}}</ref>

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}


==References==
==References==
Line 80: Line 50:


==External links==
==External links==
{{commons category-inline}}
*[http://www.golakes.co.uk/Windermere-Stagecoach-555/details/?dms=3&venue=5054665 Stagecoach 555 - Go Lakes]
*[http://www.golakes.co.uk/Windermere-Stagecoach-555/details/?dms=3&venue=5054665 Stagecoach 555 - Go Lakes]


[[Category:Bus routes in England]]
[[Category:Bus routes in England]]
[[Category:Stagecoach Group]]
[[Category:Stagecoach Group]]
[[Category:Transport in Cumbria]]

Latest revision as of 18:57, 10 September 2024

The Lakes Connection 555
Overview
OperatorStagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire
GarageKendal
VehicleAlexander Dennis Enviro 400 MMC (2016–present)
Route
Locale
Termini
Length45 miles (72 km)
Service
FrequencyEvery 30–60 minutes[a]
OperatesDaily

The Lakes Connection 555 is a bus route operated by Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire in Cumbria and Lancashire, England. The scenic route covers a distance of 45 miles (72 km) and runs between the towns of Keswick and Lancaster via Grasmere, Windermere,[b] Kendal and Carnforth.

Route

[edit]
The Lakes Connection 555
Lancaster – Kendal – Keswick
via Carnforth, Ambleside & Grasmere
 Lancaster
Bus interchange National Rail
 Bolton-le-Sands
Carnforth
National Rail
 Burton-in-Kendal
Holme
Milnthorpe
Levens Hall
Helsington
Kendal
Bus interchange National Rail
 Staveley
Windermere
National Rail
 Brockhole National Park Visitor Centre
Ambleside
Rydal
Grasmere
Thirlmere
Keswick
Evening services additionally operate
via Bowness-on-Windermere.

Route 555 starts from Lancaster in the northern part of Lancashire. The route goes via Carnforth, into Cumbria through Milnthorpe and past Levens Hall before stopping at Kendal bus station. Some Saturday & summer journeys run between Lancaster and Kendal via more direct route mainly via the M6 Motorway.[1]

Between Kendal and Keswick, the route generally follows the A591 into the Lake District. The route goes through Staveley, the town of Windermere and alongside the lake of Windermere to Ambleside. The route then continues into and out of the village of Grasmere, passing the lakes Rydal Water, Grasmere and Thirlmere before arriving at Keswick near to Derwent Water.[2][3]

Previously, the route used to extend around 30 miles (48 km) north to Carlisle. The section between Keswick and Carlisle is now served by services 553 (via Caldbeck)[c] and 554 (via Wigton), which connect with service 555 at Keswick.

Fleet and operations

[edit]

In October 2011, nine double-deck Scania N230UD/Alexander Dennis Enviro400 vehicles were introduced, branded in the two-tone green and white Freedom of the Lakes livery.[4] Each vehicle was named after a famous Lake District mountain.[5][d]

In July 2016, twelve double-deck Alexander Dennis Enviro 400 MMC vehicles were introduced, branded in the blue, green and white The Lakes Connection livery.[6]

A further nine double-deck Alexander Dennis Enviro 400 MMC vehicles were introduced in April 2023, replacing the previous fleet. These vehicles feature improved legroom, high-backed seating and tables fitted with wireless chargers.[7]

Tourism

[edit]

The bus service is popular with tourists as they can see the countryside from the top deck. The route is also popular with walkers. Robert Swain authored a book, "55 555 Walks", that shows walks that could be done from destinations along the whole route in both Lancashire and Cumbria.[8][9]

Ladies That Bus

[edit]

The play Ladies That Bus was written by Joyce Branagh and based on 400 interviews with users of the 555 route. It was developed in association with the three theatres along the route: The Dukes in Lancaster, the Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal and Theatre by the Lake, Keswick. The show toured in early 2020 before the lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and was scheduled to open on 29 September 2020 as one of the first productions at The Dukes as restrictions eased.[10][11][12][13] In January 2021 the Dukes theatre made Ladies That Bus available online through Vimeo, as a response to the lockdown conditions.[14]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ On weekdays and Saturday, services operate hourly (winter)/twice-hourly (summer) during the day, with an hourly service during the evening. On Sunday, services operate hourly between Keswick and Kendal, and two-hourly between Kendal and Lancaster. Some journeys run fast via M6 between Kendal and Lancaster, omitting Milnthorpe, Burton-in-Kendal and Carnforth.
  2. ^ The service operates additionally via Bowness-on-Windermere in the early morning and late evening to replace service 599.
  3. ^ Service 553 operates on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays between late March and early November.
  4. ^ Vehicles were named Langdale Pike (15721), Catbells (15722), Helm Crag (15723), Helvellyn (15724), Skiddaw (15725), Wansfell Pike (15726), Scafell Pike (15727), Coniston Old Man (15728) and Blencathra (15729).

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Route 555 timetable Stagecoach
  2. ^ A bus ride from Kendal to Keswick Lunatic Travel
  3. ^ Romance on the buses - A Decet of Romantic Bus Routes EM60
  4. ^ Nine new buses for Cumbria following £1.5 million investment BBC News 21 October 2011
  5. ^ Fleet of Latest Buses Set for Tourist Route North-West Evening Mail 1 November 2011
  6. ^ Striking Lakeland livery for new 555 service Bus & Coach Professional 1 July 2016
  7. ^ Deakin, Tim (26 April 2023). "Stagecoach high-spec Enviro400 fleet makes 555 debut". Routeone. Retrieved 26 April 2023.
  8. ^ A list of 55 walks from the 555
  9. ^ 55 555 Walks - Robert Swain review Virtual Lancaster
  10. ^ "Ladies That Bus". Retrieved 19 September 2020.
  11. ^ "Ladies That Bus". The Dukes. Retrieved 19 September 2020.
  12. ^ "Route 555 - Ladies That Bus". Brewery Arts Centre - Kendal. Retrieved 19 September 2020.
  13. ^ "Be Transported by Ladies That Bus Northern Theatre Tour". Cumbria Crack. 25 October 2019. Retrieved 19 September 2020.
  14. ^ "Ladies That Bus Online". The Dukes. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
[edit]

Media related to The Lakes Connection 555 (bus route) at Wikimedia Commons

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