Public transport innovation in the Lake District National Park
Summary
AI generated summary
Sustainable transport in the Lake District National Park is presented as a response to heavy visitor demand (about 18 million visits a year) and related problems such as congestion, unsafe roadside parking that blocks traffic and buses, limited funding, and unequal access for people without cars and for workers. Traffic data from 2017–2024 shows strong seasonal peaks and pressure at key locations. The approach uses Visitor Management Action Plans to “link the lakes” and reduce car use through better public transport, walking and cycling options, and improved information. The document highlights an extensive bus network, service improvements supported by BSIP funding, and community-led services such as the Ullswater Hopper. Case studies include the Buttermere shuttle (1,209 users over 39 days) and the free Wasdale Explorer (4,436 passengers over 53 days; very high user satisfaction). Next steps focus on funding for 2026, service reviews, and new plans for Borrowdale and Buttermere.
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The Keswick to Threlkeld Trail Sustainable Transport in the Lake District National Park
Emma Moody,
Lead strategy adviser, recreation and sustainable transport
Lake District National Park
- 18 million visitors per annum
- 40,000 residents within National Park
- World Heritage Site
- Lake District National Park Authority looks after and manages but is not transport authority
Challenges
- Congestion at key times and places
- Parking on road, blocking traffic and buses
- Lack of funding to make positive changes
- Access for all, including households without a car
- Access to jobs in the National Park
How is visiting changing?
Annual average daily traffic 2017-2024
- Clappersgate
- Newby Bridge
- Briery Wood, Windermere
- Nest Brow, Keswick
- Borrowdale Rd, Keswick
- Low Lorton
- St John's in the Vale
- Lowick Bridge
- Gosforth
- Whicham Valley
2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017
Automatic traffic counters average daily vehicles by month, both directions 2017-2024
Jan-17 Mar-17 May-17 Jul-17 Sep-17 Nov-17 Jan-18 Mar-18 May-18 Jul-18 Sep-18 Nov-18 Jan-19 Mar-19 May-19 Jul-19 Sep-19 Nov-19 Jan-20 Mar-20 May-20 Jul-20 Sep-20 Nov-20 Jan-21 Mar-21 May-21 Jul-21 Sep-21 Nov-21 Jan-22 Mar-22 May-22 Jul-22 Sep-22 Nov-22 Jan-23 Mar-23 May-23 Jul-23 Sep-23 Nov-23 Jan-24 Mar-24 May-24 Jul-24 Sep-24 Nov-24
Patterdale Sum; Clappersgate sum; Newby Bridge Sum; Briery Wood, Windermere, Sum; Nest Brow, Keswick sum; Borrowdale Rd, Keswick Sum; Low Lorton Sum; St John's in the Vale Sum; Lowick Bridge Sum; Gosforth Sum; Whicham Valley Sum
We are ‘linking the lakes together’ through Visitor Management Action Plans
Bus services in the Lake District
- Busy areas excellent bus network, commercially operated by Stagecoach. Year on year improvements to timetables and quality of vehicles.
- BSIP funding through Westmorland and Furness Council has improved services including double frequency on Penrith to Keswick (with through-ticketing from rail) additional late and early journeys to Langdale, Little Langdale Shuttle and service 6 from Barrow to Windermere.
- Community initiatives such as the Ullswater Hopper operated through SITU (Sustainable and Integrated Transport for Ullswater). Big growth in passenger numbers.
- Connection directly into the National Park from surrounding town
- Relieving parking and traffic pressures in a busy valley
- Enabling local people and visitors to access work and leisure
- 1209 users over 39 days
Wasdale Explorer
- Relieving parking and traffic pressures in a busy valley
- Working closely with local community
- Connections with rail at Ravenglass
- Park and ride options
- Operated by Reay’s
Wasdale, valley strategy
Wasdale Explorer Bus
- Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays 18 April - 21 September
- Ran 53 days
- 4,436 passengers, average 98.4 per day
- Free of charge, but proposing fares for 2026
- Joint marketing with Northern Rail
Wasdale Explorer – user surveys
- Rating: 97% very good, 3% good
- 78% on holiday, 22% on a day out from home
- Did you have a car available you could have used today?
- Yes 69% No 31%
Wasdale Explorer Passenger Numbers
Number of Passengers
Next steps?
- Seeking funding for 2026 seasons
- Reviewing services and making changes
- Working with partners and community to develop strategic plan for Borrowdale and Buttermere
- Reviewing Lake District National Park Partnership Plan
- Any ideas, suggestions, ideas very welcome, let’s discuss!