Windermere Lake Cruises is due to open a limited number of services from today.
Government guidance over COVID-19 changed on Monday from stay at home to stay local, so the firm will open a number of its pier-to-pier services.
The timetabled journeys will operate both ways between Ambleside and Bowness (red cruises), and Lakeside and Bowness (yellow cruises), and are available to the general public.
There is online booking for pre-allocated seats to maintain social distancing.
Self-drive boat hire will also be available for single households of up to six people.
Individual self-drive boat hire will be available for one or two-hour slots from Bowness and Waterhead (Ambleside) on a ‘click and collect’ basis.
The hire offices will remain closed until 12 April 2021 and all reservations must be made in advance using the online booking facility.
Managing director of Windermere Lake Cruises, Nigel Wilkinson, says, “This initial, limited reopening of our services is all about giving local people, who can comply with the travel guidance to minimise travel, the opportunity to plan ahead and enjoy the area in line with the Government’s roadmap.
“Of course, the safety of both our staff and passengers is paramount, and a range of COVID-secure measures are in place.
“For instance, the large vessels running our limited pier to pier services are operating at a hugely reduced capacity to ensure social distancing, with up to 50 per cent of seats removed from some boats and with fully pre-booked, allocated seating.
“There is also an enhanced cleaning regime in place, along with hand sanitisation stations on board for our passengers.
“In accordance with the regulations applicable to public transport providers, face masks must be worn throughout the journey.
“This is the first step toward a post-pandemic recovery, and we are looking forward to helping local people to start getting back on the water and moving around again safely and responsibly.”
