Myself, my brother and a friend completed the cumbrian traverse on Friday. From white maiden to Swirl how the weather closed in but after that we had glorious weather. This is the single most enjoyable run I have ever done, probably because there is no time limit and you have chance to take in the magnificent views.
I definitely recommend this challenge to anyone who loves the lakes as much as I do - you wont be disappointed.
It took us 11 hours 36 minutes - but it really didnt seem that long.
We didnt attempt to try and use public transport - I would imagine to get from Keswick to Broughton Mills in the evening would not be quick, in fact probably best to just run the route in reverse ;-)