Five top tips for low carbon travel in the Lake District this Spring

2019 is Year of Green Action (YoGA) and here in the Lake District we are focusing on ways you can cut your impact on the environment by changing the way you travel. Even if it is just for part of your holiday we can all do our bit to cut pollution and congestion, and have a relaxing, healthy and fun day out too.

Here are some ideas you could try, or come up with your own ideas and let us know! There's never been a better time to visit as it's National Parks Fortnight (from 6 April - 21 April).

1. Get here by train

Millions of visitors get to the Lake District by rail every year, and you’ll be surprised by how easy, quick and relaxing it can be. Mainline trains will whisk you to Oxenholme or Penrith stations in around 3 hours from London. And it doesn’t have to be expensive either, check out special offers, advanced tickets and railcards at http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/ or any of the rail operators’ websites.

2. Pedal power!

The Lake District has cycle routes to suit all abilities, so even if you are not a regular cyclist you can rediscover that feeling of freedom that cycling can give you. Our cycling webpages give route maps for easy cycling routes, such as the traffic free Torver Trail from Coniston. If you don’t have a bike then there are cycle hire shops in most towns and larger villages, many of which have electric bikes too.

3. Park and Explore

Many of us will still need to use a car to get here, but if you do why not park up your car for the day and hop on a bus. The bargain Park and Explore ticket is great value for families and groups as for just £18 in total up to five people can get all day parking and unlimited bus travel for the day on key Stagecoach bus services including the open top services (that’s just £3.60 per person).

4. Walk for all

Walking is the simplest and lowest carbon way to travel and the number one activity that people take part in whilst in the Lake District and it’s no wonder with the variety of walks we have to offer. We have a huge range of guided walks led by our experienced volunteer leaders, or try out our more accessible miles without stiles routes.

5. Take to the water

The Lake District looks even more beautiful from on the water. You can power yourself with a canoe or rowing boat or take a Lake Cruise on Ullswater, Derwentwater, Coniston or Windermere. My favourite days out include combining a walk with a steamer ride on Ullswater by walking part of the Ullswater Way or catching the boat to Brockhole for a family day out.

I hope this has inspired you to try some new ways to travel, we’d love you to share your low carbon Lake District adventures with us on social media by tagging us in your posts. Enjoy!