My trip to Ambleside, what to do?

[DeeGee]

I've got a lovely fare splitting at Manchester Piccadilly for a return trip from Grimsby to Windermere this weekend.

Originally, when I booked, I anticipated cycling from Windermere to Ambleside, but I've failed to get my finger out and have therefore neither a means of carrying luggage, nor enough working gears.

I hold reservations for the cycle on all four trains for the weekend.

Is it desirable/necessary/possible/easy to cancel them?

Which still leaves me with the hoary question of how to get to Ambleside? There's a bus which leaves not long after my train arrives at 17:58. Now would it be prudent to buy plusbus at some point, or is it pointless. I'd be needing a bus to return the following day anyway.

Or, if I were to risk the bike, what would be the best thing to do with it during the 2 hour layover at MAN?

 

[bkhtele]

Have a look at the lakes day ranger, it may give you some ideas. I like getting the bus at Windermere station to Bowness then the old steamer to Ambleside. There is a walk c 1 mile to the town or you can get the horse drawn carriage. You can get the bus back or use the steamer both ways. If you like coffee & cake try the apple pie eating house on the Main Street in Ambleside near the little house over the river.
Alternatively you may fancy a ride on the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway reached by the steamer from Bowness to Lakeside.

 

[philjo]

There are 2 buses scheduled around that time from Windermere station to Ambleside. 599 at 1812 and 555 at 1809

I would not bother with plus bus for a single journey as the single fare will be cheaper.
Plus bus is £7 I think. The single fare is probably £5-6. (It is £6.50 to Grasmere from the station)