New ways to explore the Lake District without a car are being launched this summer.
Three new shuttlebus routes to some of the Lake District’s most iconic visitor spots are being set up to make it easier for visitors to leave their cars behind.
The new routes will take visitors to Wasdale, Buttermere and Cat Bells and there will be new ‘park and sail’ tickets as well as special offers on group bus tickets to give people the chance to fully immerse themselves in the region’s world-class landscape.
Operated by Sim’s Travel, the shuttlebuses will run on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays throughout July and August, until Sunday September 4.
The first and last two journeys of the day will link with trains on the Cumbrian Coast Railway. Visitors can also ‘Park and Sail’ from Keswick Rugby Club and get 15 per cent off tickets on the Keswick launch boats.
Emma Moody, Lead Adviser for Sustainable Transport at the Lake District National Park, said: “The ever-expanding range of transport services and offers available this summer will not only help people to create memorable holiday experiences, but enable them to make greener travel choices which protect our world-class destination at the same time.
“Not only is this a great bonus for local residents wanting to explore the fantastic open spaces on their doorstep, but it’s fantastic news for people from further afield too. In particular, the brand new Cat Bells shuttlebus is a great addition for 2022 and it’s great to see the return of reduced group fares on some of our most popular bus routes for increasingly cost-conscious visitors.”
A number of the new transport options have been supported by Cumbria’s Tactical Visitor Management Group (TVMG), to help manage the flow of visitors around the county and support local residents during one of the busiest times of year.
The new bus routes will cover the following areas and days out.
The free, donation only, Wasdale shuttlebus is the only service to provide easy access from Ravenglass and Gosforth to the dramatic surroundings of England’s deepest lake and the starting point for hiking routes to Sca Fell, Scafell Pike and Great Gable.
The brand-new Cat Bells Stagecoach service runs from Saturday July 23 to Saturday 4 September, enabling passengers to travel with ease between Keswick and the foot of Cat Bells. Some of the buses are also part of the 77/77A ‘Honister Rambler route’, linking to the Honister Pass, Buttermere and Whinlatter Forest Park.
The free daily Buttermere shuttlebus service will link Cockermouth with the Buttermere Valley and its accessible round-the-lake walks. Well-behaved dogs are also welcome on board the 19 seater mini-bus operated by Hoban’s and running from Saturday July 23 until September 4.
