Visitors to Cumbria can soon take even more wonderfully scenic bus journeys in the Lake District as Stagecoach launch the Summer 2019 timetable.
Spring is always a great time for change and in April, Stagecoach’s Lakes Connection Summer 2019 timetable is launched.
Changes implemented on 6th April include the introduction of a daily 77 and 77A Honister Rambler service, a more frequent timetable for the 78 to Borrowdale journey, the seasonal 508 open top bus from Penrith to Ullswater and the very popular 599 open top Lakesider, which will operate every 20 minutes between Windermere and Grasmere. The iconic 555 Service continues to offer journeys from Keswick to Lancaster through the heart of the Lake District including fast journeys between Lancaster and Kendal via the M6. Service 505 will continue to offer regular trips to the beauty of Coniston, whilst the 516 will take a trip to Dungeon Ghyll.
The fun, comfy and open top buses can be part of a Lake District adventure, whether it’s a day trip or staying for a longer holiday. Stagecoach bus routes in the Lakes take in the best tourist attractions the region has to offer and provides an opportunity to absorb the magnificent views while travelling from a to b with someone else doing the driving.
Passengers using the Lakes Connection buses will be able to enjoy the delightful scenery of the Newlands Valley, over the Honister pass towards the serenity of Buttermere as the daily 77 and 77A route from Keswick operates throughout the day.
The service coincides with the busy season ahead. This circular route also offers great benefits for visitors to the area, as they can hop on and off with an Unlimited dayrider ticket, take a linear walk around the Buttermere fells or simply take a bus ride and see more of the area with a different route back to Keswick.
For spectacular lake views, the 78, Keswick to Seatoller is popular with walkers and sightseers. The unrivalled vantage point from the top deck means there are plenty of photo opportunities too.
The popular 599 open top bus which travels along the shores of Windermere also provides free WiFi, USB charging points, space for buggies and bikes and audio commentary, so visitors can get even more from their visit.
But Stagecoach recognise that its services are also a key route for people living in our communities and working hard throughout the season to continue making Cumbria and the Lake District the place to be this summer, to get between work and home. That’s why services start as early as 0515 and don’t stop until after 0100 in the morning!
Mark Whitelocks, Managing Director for Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire said: “We expect our routes to be more popular than ever this year as more UK holidaymakers are choosing to have a staycation. We know how the increasing amount of traffic on the roads can cause frustration and detract from the beauty and attractions that can be found which is why our focus this year is to get more people, both tourists and residents to use the car less and the bus more whilst enjoying and working in the Lakes.
“It’s now easier than ever to plan journeys and buy tickets on the Stagecoach Bus App and all buses now offer contactless payment so it is easy, fun and hassle-free to travel by bus in the Lakes.”
Stagecoach have also once again teamed up with the boatmen across the Lake District to make sure travelling by bus and boat gives great value for money. Stagecoach offer a great range of bus and boat tickets so whether you are cruising on Lake Windermere, Ullswater, Derwent Water or Coniston
Mark added: “High summer and the months leading up are a really busy time for the region. Whether you are working or playing we hope our Summer 2019 timetables will meet your needs as well as enhance the experience that Cumbria offers to its millions of visitors. Cumbria is a successful place but as we continue to succeed, the more popular we become. We will continue to work hard to encourage more people to park up, use the car less as they explore and play our part in protecting the wonders that we can call home.”
Alex McCoskrie, Engagement Officer, English Lake District World Heritage Site said: “The English Lake District World Heritage Site is delighted to be working with Stagecoach. We can think of no better way to explore the UK’s largest World Heritage Site. The journey should be part of the fun, and taking the bus is a great way to soak up the cultural landscape views whilst reducing the amount of cars of the roads. And from the top deck you’ll get a different view of the Lakes! Take the bus and help to look after the Lake District.”
Recently, Transport Focus, the independent transport user watchdog, released results from their latest annual bus passenger satisfaction survey. Results for Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire demonstrate that satisfaction is better than ever, with overall customer satisfaction rising to 93%.
The new Summer 2019 brochure can be downloaded from the Cumbria and North Lancashire Stagecoach website https://www.stagecoachbus.com/promos-and-offers/cumbria-and-north-lancashire/explore-the-lakes-by-bus or pick up a pocket-sized guide in numerous Tourist Information Centres and supermarket outlets.
Summer 2019 in the Lakes runs until 27th October
