Recharge on a multi-day tour of the Lake District As EV (Electric Vehicle) sales outstrip petrol and diesel car sales for the first time, it looks like this cleaner and greener travel option is on the rise. So, you are all charged up, but where can you go? Well, with the help of the Low Carbon Lake District Programme, Supported by the European Regional Development Fund, we can help! Cumbria and the Lake District is well known for its scenic routes and exploring by EV is a great low-carbon alternative. This Multi-day tour takes you through the heart of the Lakes and to a few farther flung stops, with plenty of charging options enroute and some great opportunities to get out and stretch your legs. Plus staying longer in the area helps reduce the carbon footprint of visitor travel to and from the area, per visitor day. WP1 From the M6 Junction 36, follow signs for Windermere, travelling along the A590 then the A591 to Windermere village Dot Waypoints WP2 Staveley Mill Yard offers charging and is a great place to stop for lunch Dot Waypoints WP3 Once you’re parked, it’s time to head out and explore. (There's charging points at Booths Car Park in Windermere) The pretty villages of Windermere and Bowness-on-Windermere can both be easily explored on foot or by bike, with bicycle hire available at Windermere Train Station and on the pier at Bowness. Discover Blackwell – The Arts & Crafts House with its beautiful interiors and views over Windermere; or the Windermere Jetty Museum to learn more about the area’s heritage on the water. Dot Waypoints WP4 Grab a bite to eat at a café, before heading across to the western shore of Windermere on board Windermere Ferry which departs from Ferry Nab, Bowness (LA23 3BF). Pedestrians and cyclists are welcome, with tickets at a reduced rate of £1 for pedestrians and £2 for cyclists. Dot Waypoints WP5 Upon arrival, it’s a short walk to Claife Viewing Station: an 18th century viewing station with colourful glass frame. From here, walk or ride approx. 2 miles along the western shore to Wray Castle: a National Trust castle in the Gothic Revival style. Dot Waypoints WP6 Explore the castle and grounds, before returning to the ferry and heading back to Bowness. Dot Waypoints WP7 From Windermere, head up to Ambleside, calling at Brockhole-on-Windermere, The Lake Distict Visitor Centre along the way. Featuring a grand country house, Thomas Mawson designed gardens, a café, and a whole host of outdoor and indoor activities, it’s a great place to visit for all ages. There is an EV charger available on site, so you can charge while you explore. Dot Waypoints WP8 Once in Ambleside, take a boat trip on Windermere with Windermere Lake Cruises and enjoy breath taking views from the water, accompanied by commentary from a local guide. Cruises last from 45 minutes to 3 hours, with a number of stops and attractions along the way – so it’s up to you how long you want to spend exploring! Dot Waypoints WP9 There is a charging point in Ambleside if you need a top up. Dot Waypoints WP10 If you’re itching to get out on the fells, park up in Rydal and walk to Grasmere along the picturesque Coffin Trail and back via Loughrigg Terrace, which offers stunning views of Grasmere Water. Dot Waypoints WP11 Alternatively explore Grasmere, home to Wordsworth and the famous Grasmere Gingerbread shop. Dot Waypoints WP12 The market town of Keswick sits amidst some beautiful scenery and is known for its links to the great outdoors. Surrounded by fells including Catbells, Skiddaw and Blencathra, it’s a walker’s paradise so put on your hiking boots and explore on foot, before heading back into town to refuel at a local café, pub, or restaurant. Dot Waypoints WP13 For an accessible route, there’s the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Trail: part of the Miles Without Stiles initiative, and a beautiful walk for all to enjoy. It follows in the path of the old Keswick to Penrith Railway, passing by the River Greta; and travelling through original Victorian railway bridges and tunnels. Stretching for 5km each way, the route begins in Keswick and was also funded by the Low Carbon Lake District Programme to help get people out of their cars and reducing carbon. Dot Waypoints WP14 Catch a show at the Theatre by the Lake, which puts on a varied program of live theatre; or watch a film at the Keswick Alhambra Cinema. Visit the Derwent Pencil Museum and discover the history of the pencil, complete with a replica graphite mine. Charge your EV at Booths Supermarket in the town centre. Dot Waypoints WP15 A short drive from Keswick, Whinlatter Forest is England’s only mountain forest and invites you to get outdoors and explore. Bike hire is available on site to enjoy the many mountain biking trails on offer; there are also walking paths, adventure activities and an onsite café. Tramper hire is also available to explore some of the accessible trails. Dot Waypoints WP16 Honister Slate Mine is a great choice for thrill seekers. Set in England’s last working slate mine, there are a range of activities including Via Ferrate and an infinity bridge offering unique views of Honister pass Dot Waypoints WP17 Head out of Keswick on the A66 towards Penrith for Ullswater and your penultimate stop. Dot Waypoints WP18 Peaceful Ullswater can be found to the east of Keswick. Head to Pooley Bridge, located on the northern tip of the water, via a short 25-minute drive. Dot Waypoints WP19 If you are in need of a charge, head to the Lake District National Park's car park at Glenridding you can charge up whilst you explore Dot Waypoints WP20 From either site, enjoy a cruise with Ullswater Steamers to see the landscapes from the decks of a heritage steamboat. Alight at the Aira Force pier to walk to this iconic waterfall. If you really want to challenge yourself, you can complete the 20-mile Ullswater Way, which goes around the entire lake and includes some beautiful places to stop along the way. After this, you’ll have earned a meal in a local pub or bistro! Dot Waypoints WP21 Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens offers a peaceful place to explore, with historic gardens, a shop and tearoom in which to refuel with homemade meals and the famous Dalemain marmalade ginger cake. It’s also home to the World Marmalade Awards, with winning marmalades available to buy in the shop. Dot Waypoints WP22 Reghed is just a stone’s throw from your next stop, Penrith: this heritage centre boasts a cinema, indoor play area, gallery, independent shops and charge points! Dot Waypoints WP23 Penrith is a bustling market town just north of Pooley Bridge. Park up and explore (a Booths Supermarket offers charging points for your EV): don’t miss a trip to Penrith Castle. Then, it’s time to head to a nearby attraction. Dot Waypoints WP24 Lowther Castle makes for a striking sight: this ruined castle is also home to one of the largest adventure playgrounds in the country. Bike hire is available on site, so you can explore the local area on two wheels. Dot Waypoints WP25 After spending a few days exploring the Lake District, it’s time to head home, having made memories to last a lifetime. Make use of one of the charging points available throughout this itinerary to make sure you have a full charge before you travel; your accommodation may also have an onsite EV charger – check ahead before travelling. Dot Waypoints