In today’s day and age, more and more of us are becoming environmentally conscious and we each want to do our bit to be more green. Luckily for you, there are many ways to sustainably explore the Lake District and save the planet!
As one of the most picturesque beauty spots in the UK, reducing our carbon footprint and maintaining our natural beauty is especially important to us. Over the past decade the Lake District has incorporated more environmentally friendly initiatives including the addition of many electric car charging portals and a huge improvement in local public transport.
Read our top tips on how to sustainably explore the Lake District…
Rent an e-bike
The thought of cycling around the steep and windy Lake District roads can be daunting, even for the most experienced of cyclists. However, with an electric bike, you can ride all day long no matter how strenuous the journey should be and not get tired!
E-bikes are an excellent way to sustainably explore the Lake District and allow you to take in the beauty of the area in all its natural glory. Regardless of whether you want to take to the countryside roads or tackle some of the area’s most popular cycle tracks, renting an electric bike is an excellent solution plus it’s fun!
You can rent an e-bike from E-Venture Bikes which is located within the town of Keswick, only a 5-minute walk from our 3 Keswick town-centre hotels: the Inn on the Square, Skiddaw Hotel & the Kings Arms. You can also rent non-electric bikes if you want to explore the Lakes in an environmentally friendly way, but fancy the challenge.
Hire an electric car
If you’ve travelled to the area by train or bus, or even if you’ve travelled here in your own car but wish to reduce your carbon footprint while here, electric cars are available to hire. They help to save the globe, plus they make driving up steep Lake District roads much easier!
Not only can you hire a range of stylish electric cars to whizz around in, but as the Lake District strives to become a more sustainable area, there are now a range of electric car charging portals scattered around the area so you don’t have to worry about running out of charge.
We actually have an electric car charging portal at our Inn on the Lake hotel so you can join us for an overnight stay or swing by for food and feel good knowing you’re doing your bit to save the planet.
Use public transport
In recent years, the public transport in the Lake District has been extended to incorporate new routes that cover popular areas. The majority of busses in area can seat up to 50 people and are a great option for people wanting to sustainably explore the Lake District.
The local buses in the Lake District also boast some of the most scenic drives in the country, so you can truly appreciate the luscious scenery without having to focus on the road. Many buses are also open top including the 78 which goes from Keswick through the Borrowdale Valley and the 555 which takes you from Keswick through to the South Lakes.
There are also Lake District bus routes that will take you over Honister to Buttermere and the Kirkstone Pass to Glenridding.
Take a boat trip
The Lake District very obviously gets its name due to the copious amounts of picturesque lakes that span the region. So, for that reason, it makes sense to operate a range of lake cruises that helps visitors get from one place to another without the need to drive.
This has to be one of the most stunning ways to explore the region and it’s also a fun activity that makes for a great day out.
The Keswick Launch operates on Derwentwater where you can catch a boat from the town down to the Borrowdale Valley where a range of brilliant walking routes start including the famous Cat Bells. Make sure to stop off at the Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa or the Borrowdale Hotel for a quick bite to eat!
The Ullswater Steamers are also currently in operation that will take you from Glenridding, the home of the Inn on the Lake, to other piers including Pooley Bridge which has an excellent selection of local stores and pubs.
Get out walking!
Put your walking boots on and just walk from A to B… you are in the Lake District after all! The Lakes is the home of hiking enthusiasts and walking wanderers, with a profusion of different walks available all over.
Therefore, the best way to save the globe while you’re visiting is to incorporate more walking into your plans. Try walking from one destination to another, then if your distance travelled is really far, catch a bus back.
You’ll be amazed at the different places you can get to, especially if you take to the fells to get there. Try walking from Borrowdale to Thirlmere or the Newlands Valley to Buttermere via the Wainwrights that lay in between.
You’ll have absolutely earned a wholesome meal and alcoholic beverage after that!
If you do plan on engaging on a large walk when you visit the area, make sure you have your route planned out in advance and take all the necessary equipment with you.
