A new ticket that allows passengers to switch between trains, buses and boats in Cumbria is being offered to those hoping to explore the region.
The new pass, which costs £40 per person for a day or £99 for three days, is now on sale – and offers unlimited travel.
It can be bought from ticket vending machines, station ticket offices and online. There are discounts for children and passengers with Railcards.
It comes as a growing number of tourists are booking trips to the Lake District and other popular UK holiday destinations this summer.
The Cumbria Travel Pass grants customers unlimited travel across the county on Northern, TransPennine Express and Avanti trains, Stagecoach bus services and certain Windermere Lake Cruises boats – allowing them to make as many stops as they want along the way.
Sue Clarke, marketing manager at Cumbria Tourism, said: ‘This is such great news for our visitors and residents, making it even easier for them to explore our stunning county, car-free.
‘So whether people are looking to discover Cumbria’s coast, lakes, towns, villages or landscapes, this new pass opens up more opportunities to explore the county in a sustainable way, while supporting local businesses, spreading visitor spend and encouraging people to go beyond the best known locations.’
In light of the news, and increased interest in the area, here are the best crowd-free spots to visit in the Lake District…
Loweswater
Crowd-free Loweswater is a standout spot in the Lake District, with a serene atmosphere
Loweswater is one such destination – all the beauty, none of the crowds.
There’s plenty to do here, too, with excellent food and drink.
Lake District expert Tom Chesshyre, author of Lost in the Lakes, wrote in the Daily Mail: ‘Nestled between Loweswater and Crummock Water, Kirkstile Inn is a hiker’s dream with a beer terrace at the back facing the towering slopes of Mellbreak fell.
‘Expect roaring fires when it’s chilly and steady chatter in the main bar, with its low ceiling and beams.
‘Good sandwiches are served (£9) as well as famous steak and ale pies (£17), along with pints of Loweswater Gold (£4.90).’
Eskdale
Next up is equally peaceful Eksdale, a majestic valley with greenery in every corner
In the heart of the tranquil Eskdale Valley, you’ll find much of the down-to-earth, good-value ambience many visitors are searching for.
An excellent place to stay is the Woolpack Inn. ‘Rooms are comfy and unpretentiously decorated, while downstairs the cafe/bar often shows sport and has a laidback feel, usually full of hikers,’ Tom explains.
Hardknott Pass offers some spectacular walking.
Meanwhile, the Boot Inn, dating from the 17th century in the hamlet of Boot within Eskdale valley, has a lovely winding beer garden filled with flowers.
Tom writes: ‘There’s birdsong and a sense of peacefulness, with gorgeous fells looming above. Inside, it’s all low ceilings, beams and fireplaces, with steak and ale pies (£19.45) and roast lamb (£25.95).’
Clappersgate
Clappersgate Bridge on the River Brathay is situated in the heart of the Lake District
Around 18 million visitors come to the Lake District every year to enjoy the beautiful scenery, wildlife, and outdoor activities.
But many stick to the busy areas of Windermere, Kendal, and Ambleside, missing out on the beauty of lesser-known areas that the national park has to offer.
One hidden gem nestled in the South Lakes area is Clappersgate, according to Lake District local Jerry Rebbeck from Wheelwrights Cottages.
It’s a peaceful village located on the outskirts of Ambleside, making it an ideal base for those wanting to explore the national park while avoiding the busy areas.
It may be a small village, but it boasts a rich history with many historic structures, including the notable Clappersgate Bridge.
Great Langdale valley
Joining the list is the imposing Great Langdale valley, with white-tipped mountains
Tom says: ‘In the heart of beautiful Great Langdale valley, Old Dungeon Ghyll is a hotel with a brilliant Climbers Bar in what was once a cowshed, with old mountaineering pictures on the walls and pewter mugs hanging behind the counter.
‘Expect simple wooden furniture, a red lino floor, good real ales and plenty of banter.
‘There are picnic tables outside for the summer.’
Bassenthwaite Lake
Stop off at Bassenthwaite Lake, the only one to have an official ‘lake’ title
‘Of the 16 main Lake District lakes, only one officially goes by that name: Bassenthwaite Lake, the most northerly,’ Tom wrote. ‘The rest are ‘meres’ or ‘waters’.’
While the majority of tourists favour nearby Derwentwater, Bassenthwaite has many delights – and all the magnificent scenery.
Don’t miss a visit to Mirehouse, a country house that once hosted Wordsworth and has pretty gardens.
Also, take a look at St Bega’s Church, parts of which date from the 14th century.
Ullswater – the east side
Ullswater may be popular, but stretches of the surrounding land are much quieter
You don’t have to catch a flight to bask in views of dramatic mountain scenery reminiscent of Switzerland or northern Spain.
Ullswater in Cumbria offers the type of lake-and-mountain trip many people seek out when warmer weather arrives – and it provides all the beauty one might expect from the Lake District.
But while some parts of Ullswater can get busy, especially during the peak summer months, the east side remains quiet and relatively uninterrupted.
Walk from Pooley Bridge to Patterdale for a serene experience.
Ennerdale
Rounding out the list is Ennerdale Water, the most westerly lake
Seeking isolation? If so, look no further than Ennerdale Water, the most westerly lake.
It’s a secluded valley with a real sense of wilderness.
Tom writes: ‘It’s the only big lake without a road and there’s a romantic sense of isolation, with great banks of scree and thick woodland; on its shores former US President Bill Clinton proposed to Hillary in 1973.
‘Nearby Ennerdale Bridge village has inviting pubs including the Fox & Hounds, plus The Gather community centre/café (visited by the then Prince Charles in 2017).’
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