Week One - 'Mallard' successfully slipped, ready for inspection and refit 

On Monday 15 April 2024, Windermere Ferry was taken out of service as-planned to commence the out of water inspection by the MCA, and refit by the Council and selected prime contractor Numech Engineering.

As soon as Mallard was out of service, work to prepare her for slipping commenced. This included the removal of the two ramps, as with them attached, the vessel is too big and too heavy for the slipway at Lakeside. Each ramp was removed by a crane and supported on the ferry slipways for inspection, repairs, and repainting. Once the ramps were removed, the drive cables were disconnected, and Mallard prepared for towing to the slipway at Lakeside.

We had hoped to slip Mallard on Wednesday 17 April, but weather conditions meant we needed to delay 24 hours when minimal wind was forecast. 

During this period, preparation work was conducted inside the hull compartments and foot passenger area.

Early on Thursday 18 April, Mallard was towed down the lake by two passenger vessels operated by Windermere Lake Cruises and floated over the slipway carriage, which had been specially prepared for Mallard’s hull.

Live updates on Mallard's journey from Ferry Nab to the Lakeside slipway were shared on our new Windermere Ferry Facebook page.

Once aligned, Mallard was winched up the slipway and into a temporary tent structure to enable the inspection and refit works to progress with minimal impact from the weather. 

We look forward to sharing our next update with you on Friday 26 April!

Whilst the ferry is out of service, road users are encouraged to follow the signed diversion via the A591 to Ambleside then onto B5286 to Hawkshead.

Windermere Lake Cruises have also launched of a new 'Cross Lake Shuttle' foot passenger service. There are 10 crossings per day, with the first sailing leaving Bowness Pier 3 at 9.55am and the last return from Ash Landing at 5.05pm.

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