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Recharge on a multi-day Electric Vehicle 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?

Thanks to the Low Carbon Lake District project,supported by the European Structural Investment Fund, we have created a multi day tour which takes in some of the charging stations funded by the project.

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 park up, plug in and get out and stretch your legs.

Book your accommodation in one of the locations listed, and use it as a base for your holiday – each location is a great day trip, no matter where you choose to stay. There are a number of accommodation providers in each location who also offer free overnight charging, so need need to charge on the fly. Plus staying longer helps reduce the carbon footprint of visitor's to the area and look after the fabric of the landscapes.

Overall Journey Length: 74 miles M6 J36 - M6 J40

Step by step route map and GPRX file

Stage 1 – Windermere - 21 miles

From the M6 Junction 36, follow signs for Windermere, travelling along the A590 then the A591 to Windermere village. Along the way, you’ll find charging points in Staveley’s Mill Yard and Booths Supermarket in Windermere.

Once you’re parked, it’s time to head out and explore.

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. 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.

Upon arrival, it’s a short walk to Claife Viewing Station: an 18^th 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. Explore the castle and grounds, before returning to the ferry and heading back to Bowness.

Stage 2 – Ambleside and Grasmere- 8 miles

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 are EV chargers available on site, so you can charge while you explore.

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!

If you’re itching to get out on the fells, park up in Ambleside and walk to Grasmere along the picturesque Coffin Trail and back via Loughrigg Terrace, which offers stunning views of Grasmere Water.

There are charge points at Waterhead, Ambleside if you need a top up.

Stage 3 – Keswick-12 miles

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.

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.

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 (if you need to) at Booths Supermarket in the town centre or one of the nearby car parks which offer charging.

Stage 4 – Whinlatter and Honister

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.

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. If you'd rather leave the car at your overnight stop you can catch the Honister Rambler bus service and take time to enjoy the views on one of Britians most scenic bus routes.

Stage 5 – Ullswater

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. If you head to the Lake District National Park's car park at Glenridding you can charge up whilst you explore. From here, 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!

Stage 6 – Penrith

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.

Rheged is just a stone’s throw from town: It is a place which celebrates Cumbria today – its landscape, its food and its culture through a changing programme of films and talks, art exhibitions, independent shops, an indoor play and create area and it’s café. And there are charge points too!

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.

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.

Stage 7 – Time to head home

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.

Useful Information

• Check out the Lake District National Park website for EV charging points at their car parks
• Booths have fast charging points at their stores, which can be found across Cumbria. While you’re charging you can browse the shelves for local produce or enjoy coffee and cake at their onsite cafés.
• Staying a while? A number of hotels and accommodation options across the area offer EV charging points for guests.
• For a full list of charging points across the area, check out our EV charging page

Download a printable PDF of this Itinerary

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