Service 555 Shuttle Bus: Grasmere To Keswick & Return

With the A591 likely to be closed for some time due to storm damage, being washed away in part and landslides, Stagecoach have introduced a shuttle service 555 from Grasmere to Keswick, which operates via a newly surfaced forest track, and then via the narrow back road around Thirlmere. Solo's are being used for the service, with the road only open to buses, cyclists and walkers. I took a ride on it's third day of operation today, and the services proved to be very busy, with standing loads at times. The photo above shows 47921 at Grasmere ready to depart with the 11:50 to Keswick. 

Having arrived at Keswick Bus Station after a scheduled 45-minute run from Grasmere, 47921 loading passengers for a return working at 13:05. 

Everyone aboard, 47921 about to leave for Grasmere. 

47221 arrives at Keswick Bus Station with the 12:50 555 Shuttle from Grasmere. 

Because the road around the back of Thirlmere is so narrow, the hourly service each way is timed to pass at a designated lay-by. 47721 waits for the northbound buses - two Solo's on this particular occasion - to pass before proceeding to Grasmere. See photo below. 

Another view of 47721 in the lay-by with Thirlmere in the background. 

I couldn't resist taking this photo. The magnificent view along Thirlmere from the lay-by.

Busier than in the Summer! A throng of passengers waiting for the return working to Keswick with 47721 - No chance of them all getting on! - and others boarding the 555 connecting service (out of picture to the right) to Lancaster.