Posted by Dave W on January 08, 1999 at 22:33:23:
For anyone visiting Lake Windermere with only a short time available, I would suggest going into Rio (Bowness) and then walking along the shore line southwards about half a mile, to take the vehicle ferry (as a foot pasenger) to cross over to the western shore. The crossing only takes about 5 minutes or so and the Ferry runs non-stop (at least it does in daylight in the summer) and only costs a small sum, less than 50 pence each way for foot passengers, last time I used it. On the western shore you can walk on various tracks up in the woods, or along the shoreline or just wait about 10 minutes or so for the ferry to take you back again, depending on your time available. I've done this a number of times and can recommend it especially if your time is limited.