26/8/2004 - Rambler keeps going

An extension to a popular weekend bus service for Lakes walkers has been negotiated by Cumbria County Council.

The Kirkstone Rambler 517 service from Bowness-on-Windermere to Glenridding via Windermere, Kirkstone Pass and Patterdale has in previous years ceased as the summer school holidays draw to a close at the end of August. This year, with the aid of the Lake District National Park Authority, it is being extended to run on Saturdays and Sundays throughout September and October.

County councillor Kevan Wilkinson, Cabinet member responsible for transport, said:

"Walkers who choose to come to the Lake District in the weeks after the holiday peak season, when it is quieter, have found it difficult to travel from the central area to the Ullswater area by public transport. We are pleased to be able to co-ordinate this addition to the service."

Cumbria County Council has been able to negotiate the extension to the service, which will be operated by Stagecoach in Cumbria, due to extra funding made available by the Lake District National Park Authority.

There are three departures in each direction a day, with services leaving Bowness Pier at 9.10am, 1.10pm and 4.10pm and Glenridding at 10.10am, 2.10pm and 5.10pm. There are connections at Patterdale with the Stagecoach service 108 to Penrith via Aira Force and Pooley Bridge.

Full timetable details can be found in the Stagecoach Explorer magazine or in special timetable leaflets available from outlets along the route.

Details of the scenery which can be seen from both the Kirkstone and Patterdale Rambler bus services can be found in a free "A to be to see" leaflet available from local tourist offices.

More details of this and other public transport services across Cumbria are available through traveline on 0870 608 2608.