THE only dedicated Bike Boat service in the Lakes returns to Windermere next month, transporting passengers between Brockhole and the lake’s western shore for traffic-free family cycling.

Run by Windermere Lake Cruises, the Bike Boat will be making use of the recently installed Bark Barn jetty near Belle Grange, offering easy two-wheeled access to secluded woodlands, bridleways and tracks including Hawkshead, the ancient woods of Claife Heights and the quiet roads up to Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top.

The specially adapted traditional vessel called Sunflower can carry up to 12 bikes and the 2015 service will operate at weekends from May 23 until July 12, then seven days a week throughout the school summer holidays (July 18 to August 31). It will do eight return sailings every day of operation.

Foot passengers are welcome to use the Bike Boat, but priority will be given to cyclists. For timetables and fares, visit: https://www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk/cruises-fares/bike-boat/