Go green on the new Lake District e-trail

Driver Guides  Electric Vehicles 

With the summer holidays already upon us, you might be looking for things to keep the kids entertained. And once you've achieved that impossible task you'll probably need a break from the kids to regain your sanity.

Either way, the Lake District offers the perfect solution, and if you're leasing an electric car at the moment there's now a dedicated route featuring the best Cumbria has to offer. The EV Trail takes in highlights of the Lake District World Heritage Site including Windermere, Ambleside, Grasmere, Keswick, Ullswater and Penrith.

As EVs continue to gain in popularity, it looks like the cleaner and greener travel option is on the rise. Cumbria and the Lake District is well known for its scenic routes and exploring by EV is a great option that's almost as green as the scenery you'll be driving through. 

The Lake District EV Trail has been created by Cumbria Tourism on behalf of the Low Carbon Lake District. Electric car drivers can now explore some of the Lake District's most iconic destinations by taking a road trip on the EV Trail, a 74-mile route which includes a variety of charging facilities including 50 kW rapid chargers.

The Lake District's network of public charge points is growing steadily and much of the accommodation on offer also provides overnight charging, which takes a lot of the anxiety out of exploring.

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.

The route is best done over a few days or even a week, allowing you plenty of time to enjoy the area's lakes, forests, mountains, castles, and other historical locations, and of course the many venues for lovers of food and drink. You could even sample the products from the winners of the World Marmalade Awards.

Lake District EV Trail - Step by step

Stage 1 – Windermere
Leave the M6 at 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 there you can explore the lakeside town and all it has to offer.

Stage 2 – Ambleside and Grasmere
From Windermere, head up to Ambleside, calling at The Lake District 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.

Stage 3 – Keswick
The market town of Keswick sits amidst some beautiful scenery and is known for its links to the great outdoors. This walker's paradise is surrounded by fells so put on your hiking boots and explore on foot, before heading back into town to refuel at a local café, pub, or restaurant. You can charge your EV 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.

Stage 5 – Ullswater
Peaceful Ullswater can be found to the east of Keswick. If you head to the Lake District National Park's car park at Glenridding you can charge up whilst you explore on foot or enjoy a cruise with Ullswater Steamers to see the landscapes from the decks of a heritage steamboat.

Stage 6 – Penrith
Penrith is a bustling market town just north of Pooley Bridge. Park up and plug-in while you explore the town and castle before jumping back in the car for the quick drive to Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens. This is home to the World Marmalade Awards, with winning marmalades available to buy in the shop so you won't want to miss out.

Stage 7 – Home

After you've spent a relaxing few days exploring the Lake District, it's going to be time to go home. Make use of one of the charging points available throughout this itinerary to make sure you have a full charge before you head back home.

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