BOAT services to a newly installed floating jetty on Windermere’s western shore is set to launch this weekend.

Designed to encourage visitors to explore the tourist hot spot by water rather than by car, the first scheduled services will get underway on Saturday (May 31).

Steve Ratcliffe, Director of Planning and Management at the Lake District National Park Authority, said: “The GoLakes Travel programme is proud to be playing a leading role in connecting greener travel options and developments around Windermere.

“By creating better access on the western shore, we will give people more choice and flexibility, and boost related initiatives such as the Bike Boat, Bike Bus and improved cycling routes close to the lakeshore and Wray Castle.”

The project is a partnership between the GoLakes Travel programme, Windermere Lake Cruises, the National Trust and South Lakeland District Council (SLDC).

Windermere Lake Cruises’ Bike Boat will now run between Brockhole and the new jetty at Bark Barn, near Belle Grange, every weekend until mid-July when the service will go daily for the school holidays.

Nigel Wilkinson, Managing Director of Windermere Lake Cruises, said: “We hope that the opening of the jetty at Bark Barn will give visitors to Windermere new options to enjoy traffic-free, safe family cycling along the western shore of the lake.

"We welcome the investment in permanent shore infrastructure, which will enable a long-term approach to the development of additional services for cyclists and walkers.”