X4/X5 Penrith – Workington

Journey Overview

This is a truly incredible journey that combines breathtaking scenery with fascinating heritage. From the medieval 14^th century Pele Tower at Hutton John to roman settlements at Troutback and the views of the Derwent Isle House along the Derwent Water foreshore, every twist and turn has a story to tell.

Straddling Bassenthwaite Lake, the X4 and X5 encapsulates all that is beautiful about the Lake District before approaching Embleton and the fields of sheep in Lorton Fells and farming heritage dating back over 1,000 years. It’s a trip that offers culture aplenty in Penrith, Keswick, Cockermouth and Workington, with so much to see, do and explore. The X4 and X5 is also a gateway not only to the Lake District at both ends, but also the amazing and hidden beauty that is the Cumbrian Coast railway line which connects the north west edge of the Lake District with its south west point of entry in Barrow.

A Fab Day Out!

With great connections to London, Midlands and Scotland, Penrith is the ideal gateway to the Lake District as well as a great historic market town. The journey commences at Penrith and a fab first stop off to begin your adventure is at Rheged, the UK’s largest grass covered building, which is also the home to a cinema, café and a great range of shops for retail therapy, as well as an outdoor play centre.

Back on board the bus and there’s spectacular scenery as Threlkeld approaches, where there is the enthralling Threlkeld Quarrying and Mining Museum and also some fantastic walks, including to Blencathra or a less step terrain down the old Threlkeld to the Keswick railway line and the lovely town of Keswick, with its vast array of cafes and restaurants.

Hop back onboard the X4 alongside the stunning Bassenthwaite Lake to the Lakes Distillery, maybe passing an Alpaca en route, or stopping off at Mirehouse which is a private mansion and gardens dating back to 1666 that are open to the public. Alternatively, alighting the bus at Dodd Wood is well worthwhile as it’s a great place to walk through trees and catching a glimpse of local wildlife, including red squirrels and ospreys. Then, it’s back on the bus to Cockermouth with its independent shops and the fascinating Wordsworth House and Garden – the birthplace of poet William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy.

Then, it’s onboard the X4 again, to the coastal town of Workington and its Washington Square outdoor shopping centre before returning to Penrith on the bus.

Gateway to the X4/X5, by train to Penrith www.nationalrail.co.uk

Alternatively, by Megabus to Lancaster then train to Penrith. Direct Megabus routes run to Lancaster from Aberdeen, Birmingham, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London and Manchester, picking up at other destinations en route.