This August Bank Holiday weekend, visitors can skip the search for parking by hopping on a selection of free and low-cost shuttle buses to some of the Lake District’s most popular destinations.

Sustainable transportation is important everywhere, but especially in popular outdoor spots where parking is limited, and narrow roads lack the capacity for a large number of vehicles. The National Trust is encouraging visitors to help look after the climate, community and landscape by making use of the shuttle buses operating in the Lakes this summer.

Ullswater valley is a hotspot for water lovers and walkers, you can explore both with a combined bus and boat ticket with Ullswater ‘Steamers’. There are jetties at Aira Force and Glenridding which connect to the waterfalls and the many walking routes from the village. The daily 508 links Penrith to Windermere via Ullswater and the impressive Kirkstone Pass. There are extra services at weekends and bank holidays with the 509 linking Keswick via Troutbeck and Pooley Bridge to Penrith, plus the UB1 bus connects holiday accommodation and destinations around the valley.

The Cross Lakes Shuttle and 525 bus service connects the Windermere Ferry House, Claife Viewing Station and Ash Landing jetty with the picturesque village of Hawkshead in the heart of the Lake District, calling at Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top. Running seven days a week for just £2 per fare, this service is the perfect connection for exploring Windermere’s west shore. A combined boat, bus and admission ticket is also available for a trip involving Windermere Lake Cruises, Mountain Goat bus and Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top.

In Wasdale, Reays Coaches is operating a free shuttle bus service every weekend and bank holiday until 15 September thanks to funding from the GDF community fund. The bus runs between Ravenglass Station and Wasdale Head, calling at Muncaster Castle and Gardens. For a more regular service, visitors can park at Nether Wasdale where buses will run every 30 minutes. Donations are welcome and go towards looking after the Valley and securing the future of the bus.

The Buttermere shuttle, operated by Stagecoach, runs between Cockermouth and Buttermere every weekend and bank holiday until 1 September, stopping at Low Lorton along the way. Stagecoach North West Explorer and Keswick and Honister Day Rider tickets are valid on this service.

Neil Thirkell, lead ranger for the National Trust says: “Traveling by bus is a great way to take in the scenery and make the most of your day, while saving money and lowering your carbon footprint.

By leaving the car behind, passengers can skip the search for parking and help make the Lakes safer by reducing traffic so that emergency services can access the countryside more easily.”

Fares are capped at £2 for a single ticket on all bus routes operated by Stagecoach until 31 December 2024, concessionary pass holders and children under 5 go free.

For those heading out by car, please remember to follow the Countryside Code, be respectful of the local community and park responsibly. Use designated car parks, do not block