Hospitality workers will find catching the bus to work a little easier this summer, thanks to the introduction of extra buses between Barrow and Windermere.
The number 6 bus will now run eight times a day, with the addition of a new early morning Sunday service and a daily late evening bus, all thanks to funding by Westmorland and Furness Council.
Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire has announced the additional service as part of a series of changes being introduced in its new summer 2024 timetable.
Further afield, it is hoped a revised 555 timetable will improve reliability and add extra journeys at peak times, such as a service from Keswick until 9.25pm on Monday to Saturday, and extra journeys on Sundays including two additional return trips from Lancaster via the M6 offering faster journey times.
Other alterations include a revised timetable from Cockermouth to Keswick, and the return of the 77C weekend and bank holiday shuttle service between Cockermouth and Buttermere. The latter was made possible thanks to funding facilitated by the National Park Authority, from the Strategic Visitor Management Group.
Tom Waterhouse, Managing Director of Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire, said: “We are proud to announce a whole raft of changes across our network, which we hope will make travelling by bus a much simpler and more efficient option for residents and visitors alike.
“We have worked hard with partners and other organisations to secure funding on routes where we know people have been asking for earlier, later or simply more frequent buses.
“We look forward to seeing many people exploring all that Cumbria has to offer this summer.”
The new Summer 2024 bus timetable comes into play on March 23, and will remain in operation until November 2024.
For more information about the services near you or to download your guide, visit:
A few things to enjoy along the route…
Ulverston
Whatever your fancy, the picturesque town of Ulverston has something to keep you entertained. Delve into history and explore the Laurel & Hardy Museum, dedicated to the iconic comedy duo, or visit Swarthmoor Hall, a 17th-century Quaker meeting house. Alternatively, discover local heritage and learn about the town’s industrial past at the Ulverston Heritage Centre, or embrace nature with a stroll through Ford Park, enjoying its gardens and play areas.
Bus service: 6 & X6
Bus stop: Victoria Road, Ulverston
Bus stop: Find out more on the Stagecoach website
Lakeland Motor Museum
This thought-provoking attraction provides a perfect ‘whatever the weather’ destination to entertain and enthral all ages. With 30,000 exhibits tracing the development of road transport through the 20th century, visitors can learn about vintage cars and bikes dating from pre-war to the 1980s. Describing itself as “more than just a motor museum”, it also boasts local history and period shopping days and authentic recreations.
Bus service: 6 & X6
Bus stop: Bypass, Backbarrow (Directions from the bus stop to Lakeland Motor Museum here)
Find out more on the Stagecoach website
Kendal
Despite being one of the Lake District’s best known towns, it is no ordinary market town. For example, did you know that the Postman Pat books are based on the former Post Office at Greenside, as author John Cunliffe lived in Kendal. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the bustling town centre, where you can discover local shops, cafes, and restaurants, or stop off at Abbot Hall Art Gallery and explore a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, and ceramics.
Bus service: 6, X6 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 445, 46, 505, 516, 555, 563, 567, 599 & 755
Bus Stop: Kendal Bus Station
Bus stop: Find out more on the Stagecoach website
link to new summer timetable here
