here we are – Giles and Sophie blogging about the joys of exploring the Lake District, Cumbria, car-free. It’s a brilliant thing – we love the area and any opportunity to help protect these landscapes is right up our street. What’s more, isn’t it great to know that we really can all make a difference, while having a great time?
There are so many places we could start.
But on a day out in Manchester we were inspired (over a pint of Coniston Brewery’s Bluebird bitter – one of many fine ales to come out of the Lake District’s real ale trail) to find out just how easy it might be to experience this real ale actually in real Lakeland, without hopping in the car to get to the bar. And therefore how easy it might be for you to reach your chosen Lake District location without all the hassle of driving.
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We actually found that it’s surprisingly easy to travel to the Lake District car-free. You only need to reach Windermere station by train, and a whole stack of car-free services, bus routes and ticket options make it easy (and often more enjoyable) to explore once you’re there.
Travelling in February, we took the train from Manchester Piccadilly To Windermere, via Oxenholme. And very relaxing it was too. Once in Windermere, we hopped on the Coniston Rambler (505) to Coniston, taking in some lovely landscapes in between and ending up in the Black Bull Inn – home of the Coniston Brewing Co. On the way, we discovered a great route to come back and try out in May.
So, was it all worth it?
Once you’ve watched the film, be sure to come back and read this month’s car-free travel tips. It looks like we’re going to have plenty to share over the coming months, so stay tuned.
See you next time…
We’re already looking forward to the next adventure – to give you a hint, next month we’ll be getting much more active and travelling on two wheels rather than four.
Giles & Sophie
P.S. Follow our adventures @golakestravel
