Ullswater attracts thousands of visitors each year, with many travelling through the valley by private car. To reduce congestion and the environmental impact of visitor journeys, local residents formed Sustainable and Integrated Transport for Ullswater (SITU).
SITU is a community-led charity working with residents, businesses, farmers, landowners, local authorities and partner organisations to develop affordable and reliable alternatives to car travel. Its vision is for visitors and residents to travel around the valley by bike, bus, boat or on foot.
Creating sustainable travel options
SITU has delivered two flagship projects: the Eamont Way and the Ullswater Bus Service.
The Eamont Way is a 5.5-mile walking route connecting Penrith town centre with Pooley Bridge. It allows people arriving in Penrith by train to continue into the Ullswater valley on foot, before connecting with local buses, walking routes and Ullswater Steamers.
The Ullswater Bus Service provides community-designed routes linking accommodation, communities, attractions and transport connections across the valley. The service operates through a partnership with Stagecoach and is supported by fares, grants and contributions from local businesses.
Making a difference
Since opening in 2023, the Eamont Way has welcomed an average of approximately 500 walkers each month. The route supports sustainable tourism while also bringing economic benefits to businesses in Penrith, Pooley Bridge and the wider valley.
The bus service has also continued to grow. During 2024, its routes carried more than 9,000 passengers and helped prevent an estimated 1,400 car journeys. The service benefits both visitors and residents, including communities that previously had limited access to public transport.
A collaborative community project
SITU began in 2020 when parish councillors came together to discuss growing traffic congestion. The initiative expanded to include representatives from across the Ullswater parishes, residents with relevant skills and experience, local businesses and organisations responsible for transport and the Lake District.
The group’s step-by-step approach has allowed it to test ideas, learn from each project and develop practical initiatives that can be sustained over the long term.
Looking to the future
SITU hopes Ullswater can become a leading example of sustainable, car-free rural tourism. Its longer-term ambitions include:
- Encouraging more visitors to arrive by rail
- Developing safer walking and cycling routes
- Creating transport hubs and park-and-ride facilities
- Expanding affordable public transport throughout the valley
- Introducing transport options suited to Ullswater’s narrow roads
- Supporting e-bike hire and family-friendly cycling routes
- Making greater use of the lake as a transport corridor
By bringing communities and organisations together, SITU is demonstrating how locally developed transport solutions can reduce congestion, improve accessibility and support a more sustainable visitor economy.
