Lakeshore & Haverthwaite Railway and Windermere Lake Cruise Report and Photo's

Well after finally sorting out my pictures, here is the first of two write up's on my recent Railway Adventures

Tuesday 19th July 2011

After an early morning start and a Full English Breckie, My wife and I headed over Kirkstone Pass, and down towards Lake Windermere on route to the Lakeshore and Haverthwaite Railway. We planned to catch the first departure out of Haverthwaite Station at 10.40am where we'd steam up to Lakeshore Station and onto our connecting River Cruise up to Bowness-on-Windermere. This was just £12.50 return which we thought was really good value.

When we arrived it had just passed the hour of ten, so after buying our day tickets we headed over to the Engine Shed located near to the station. As we headed towards the shed, we were greeted by two loco's 'Princess' which was being prepped for a service and 'Repulse' which was quietly awaiting the call of duty behind.

'Repulse' and 'Princess' Loco's await duties

0-6-0ST Bagnall Tank Engine no. 2682 'Princess'

0-6-0ST Hunslet Austerity No. 3698 'Repulse'

We then headed into the shed to check out what else this Railway had to offer. Inside we saw more than a few Loco's from Black 5's to a Steam Roller. Here's a little peek inside.

0-4-0ST Barclay Tank Engine No. 2333 'David'

BR Fairburn, 4MT 2-6-4T No 42085 (with me!)

BR Fairburn, 4MT 2-6-4T No 42073 (with me again!)

BR Class 26 No. D5301

The Railway even has a Steam Roller 

BR Class 20 No. D8314

Once I'd had my fill we had a slow walk back towards the station. There were now coach loads of people now arriving as we made our way onto the platform. Just as we were chatting, one of the Loco's we'd seen over near the sheds pulled into the station and stopped right next to us. My nickname for my Wife is 'Princess', which was a nice little coincidence that it should be the name of the loco that would haul the first trip on a steam train for her!

I headed up to the bridge to get some high up shots of the station as 'Princess' (the loco not the wife) was teathered to the front of 4 BR Mk1's 'Blood and Custard' coaches. We then headed towards the rear of the train to get some good seats. The train was pretty busy as we pulled out of Haverthwaite Station as we headed along this scenic route for approximetely 25 mins. We arrived into Lakeshore Station which has a Port built onto the back of the Station Building making it a perfect place to link the River Cruises into. Also here is a small Harbour and a newly built Aquarium.

My Princess meets 'Princess'!

A shot from the bridge which leads from the platform to a
lovely picnic area to the right

The other view from the bridge, the Engine Shed to the right.

Nearly ready for departure, the 10.40 service to Lakeshore

All Aboard!

Once we alighted and headed for the portside, it was just a 5 minute wait before our River Cruiser 'Swan' sailed in. We found some nice seats just inside (the rain had just begun) and before we knew it we were sailing on Lake Windermere on our way to Bowness. The journey only took 40 minutes and was very smooth. The rain had wained as we arrived into Bowness and we walked around this beautiful town setting checking out the local shops and grabbing a bite to eat. We then headed back towards the Port and once again boarded 'Swan' back to Lakeshore Station around 1.50pm.

Windermere Cruiser 'Swan' seen here at Lakeshore Port.

As it was on our journey up it began raining so no passengers were outside as I went for a walk around. As I stopped at the bow of the Cruiser to check out the view I could not believe how peaceful it was, easily the most peaceful place I've ever experienced my whole life! The water was like glass such was the calmness, not a ripple and with the boats engines you could pick it out. Because of the shape of Swan's keel, the waterbreak was behind me too. It was total peace, I felt like I was floating in a dream! A lovely moment I'll never forget.

Total Tranquility, Lake Windermere looks so calm

Back at Lakeshore Port Station our train was awaiting us as we alighted 'Swan'. Once again we'd be hauled back to Haverthwaite by Locomotive 'Princess'. We were joined by a nice spell of sunshine on our journey back too adding to the views along the route. 25 minutes later and back at Haverthwaite I unlocked our 'slam' door and stepped onto the platform. Immediately in front of us was a collection of Owls with their handler. They were from an newly built Owl Sanctuary that is based in the Lake District and raising awareness by handing leaflets out (the handler not the owls!) and being also able to handle the 4 beautiful Owls on display. Gemma, feeling very brave chose to hold the biggest Owl there. Here's me that thought she'd pick the smallest!

She doesn't looked scared at all, neither does my wife!

She was brave until the handler joked she would need to sign a disclaimer form incase of injury! My turn next, and I was suprised at the weight of the bird, a Barn Owl. I was amazed at how beautiful and amazing creatures they are!

Couldn't resist a hold myself

Beautiful Creatures indeed

We finished our afternoon out by heading back towards Ullswater where we visited Aira Falls, a National Trust site that features a wonderful waterfall. After that we headed out for some tea and back to the campsite for an early night.

For tomorrow it would be off the the Ravensglass & Eskdale Railway....

Until then......