Our 5 favourite Wainwright’s by public Transport

Ahead of World Car Free Day on Wednesday 22 September, we are urging people to take up the #cumbriacarfree challenge and find greener, more sustainable ways to explore the county.

World Car Free day is the ideal time to walk in the footsteps of famed fellwalker Alfred Wainwright and go car free. Wainwright travelled mainly by public transport while he was compiling his famous routes to the summits of 214 Lakeland fells.

Every day spent helps to reduce carbon emissions and keep this amazing place as special as when Wainwright walked the fells. Just post your adventures on social media with the #cumbriacarfree and let’s see if we can start a trend!

Here’s a roundup of some of our favourite Wainwright’s which are easily accessible by public transport. Don’t worry, if walking isn’t your thing then head on over to our 'By Rail' page for some other ideas for sustainable adventures!

Black Combe – The Outlying Fells of Lakeland

Just off the West Coast of Cumbria, this brooding fell offer great views out across the Irish Sea. Accessible from Silecroft on the Cumbrian Coastal Line, this is one of Wainwright’s lesser walked fells.

Chck out our Rail Trails here

Orrest Head – The Outlying Fells of Lakeland

Get off the bus or the train at the Windermere Rail Station and you are just across the road from the walk to a viewpoint which first ignited the Lakeland passion of Alfred Wainwright himself – Orrest Head. Simply follow the well signed route to the Summit, which is now accessible to all people - including wheelchair users. Find out more here.

Place Fell - Wainwright Far Eastern Fells

Rising above the captivating Ullswater Valley, Place Fell offers some great viewpoints. The Stagecoach 508 bus service runs from Penrith (near the Train Station on the West Coast Mainline) to Patterdale to start the route. Alternatively, you can catch an Ullswater Steamers cruise from Pooley Bridge.

Download our Wainwright Podcasts here

Catbells – The North Western Fells

One of the authors better known (and walked ascents). A steep climb but greatly rewarding. You can catch the Derwent Launch from just outside Keswick to Hawes Foot, the start of the walk. The scenic 555 Stagecoach bus service runs from Lancaster to Keswick.

Download our Wainwright Podcasts here

Latterbarrow- The Outlying Fells of Lakeland

Set just outside the pretty Lakeland village of Hawkshead, Latterbarrow according to Wainwright needs  “little effort yet yielding much delight". It’s a great option if you want to bag a fell, then return to the village to find out more about Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter or sample some of our famous local food and drink! The 505 Stagecoach Coniston Rambler service runs from Windermere to Hawkshead

Find out more about Wainwright and his walks here