77/77A Keswick – Seatoller

It feels like it’s off the beaten track and that’s the sheer blissful joy of this truly unforgettable journey that can be made from Keswick to Seatoller on the 77 or 77A, in summer months staying on through Cat Bells (with a lovely steep walk on offer and stunning views) back to Keswick or on the open top 78 back to Keswick. It’s a loop that is so stunning, that you really have to make the journey to believe it.

The bus travels through the beautiful Braithwaite village and Whinlatter Forest Park before twisting round the side of Crummock Water and Buttermere – the most tranquil and unspoiled lakeside views. Then the bus rises high up the narrow track through Honnister Slate Mine and it feels as though it could be traversing the Grand Canyon, so high and remote is the setting. Nestling back down in Seatoller, the quietest of bus stops in the UK, looking onto long green fields, overseen by mountains. The open top bus then breezes its way alongside Derwent Water back to Keswick.

Maybe it’s a boat or the 555 through the heart of the Lake District to Keswick and perusing the shopping, café or restaurant delights there before your even more unforgettable circular adventure commences. Stopping off first at Braithwaite to sample the industrial history of the Lake District is highly recommended before getting back on the bus to Whinlatter with its array of amazing walks, wildlife and Go Ape adventure. Then it’s onwards to Buttermere, a classic Lake District postcard setting with countless manageable walks across the most photogenic of settings in the world. The adventure continues and it's on the bus up the Honister Slate Mine. If the bus navigating its way along a narrow road high above the Lakes below isn’t adrenaline pumping enough, then there’s abseiling, cliff camping, mine tours and canyoning here and much more for those with a head of heights or a penchant to delve deep into the working slate mine.

Back on the bus and in summer months the 77 or 77A loops all the way direct back to Keswick and where a stop off at Cat Bells is highly recommended with its 451m walk to the summit and incredible views across the Lake District below. Or, in summer months, the 78 can be boarded at Seatoller, providing a breezy, open top ride along the picturesque Derwent Water back to the lovely town of Keswick to cap off an incredible day of drama and delight.

Gateway to the 77/77A and 78 – By rail to Penrith and X4/X5 bus to Keswick by train to Penrith www.nationalrail.co.uk

Alternatively by Megabus to Lancaster then train to Penrith and X4/X5 bus to Keswick. Direct Megabus routes run to Lancaster from Aberdeen, Birmingham, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London and Manchester, picking up at other destinations en route.