‘Hop on, hop off’ bus service to help families explore Ullswater
Families are being encouraged to explore some of the Lake District’s most iconic views by bus this summer, with the launch of a new discounted ticket which makes it easier than ever to leave the car at home.
Stagecoach’s Ullswater and Penrith Group Dayrider Ticket enables people to start their journey in Penrith, hopping on and off the 508 service as it explores a range of scenic spots around Ullswater. Linking up with the Ullswater Way walking route, other highlights include the majestic Aira Force waterfall and easy access to the iconic Ullswater ‘Steamers’.
A special reduction is now being introduced for the ticket, allowing up to 5 people to travel around the Ullswater and Penrith zone for £17.00 all day from now until the end of the school summer holidays – the same price as two full-price adult bus tickets.
As well as giving Cumbrian families a wider range of transport options for a day out with the kids, it’s hoped the discount will get more out-of-county visitors out of their cars and help ease the pressure on Cumbria’s rural road network during the busy school summer holidays.
The discount has been made possible with support from Cumbria’s Tactical Visitor Management Group (TVMG), which was set up as a collective, county-wide response to help manage the flow of visitors around the county and to support local residents during the busiest times of year.
Chaired by Cumbria Police, TVMG is a collaboration between a range of organisations including the county’s six local authorities, the Lake District National Park, Cumbria Tourism, The National Trust, Cumbria County Council, Cumbria LEP and Lake District Search and Mountain Rescue Association.
Jim Walker is Chairman of Cumbria Tourism and the Eden Tourism Network. He says, “We hope people of all ages will make the most of this regular bus service around Ullswater in the coming weeks.
“With the ability to start their journey in the historic market town of Penrith, then hop on and off the bus throughout the day, it’s really handy for families who want to explore this popular part of the Lakes in a convenient, cost-effective way. By jumping on a bus instead of driving, passengers will also be doing their bit to ease traffic on a popular tourist route, thereby supporting local residents and helping protect our world-class landscape.”
Rob Jones, Managing Director for Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire, comments: “Our bus services offer a hassle free and environmentally friendly way to experience days out in the Lakes. With unbeatable views over Ullswater our 508 service is perfect for exploring the best the lakes have to offer, and with families and groups being able to take advantage of the great value ticket promotion, there’s no better time to visit.”
Full details of the 508 timetable are available at: www.stagecoachbus.com/timetables
The discounted Ullswater and Penrith Group Dayrider Ticket comes hot on the heels of a new daily shuttlebus on another popular route between Cockermouth and Buttermere, which has been fully funded through Cumbria’s Tactical Visitor Management Group and runs until 5 September.