A new initiative is set to reduce overload on the west side of Derwentwater.
Starting on July 14, the partnership between Keswick Launch Company and Keswick Rugby Club will also help to reduce vehicle emissions in the Lake District National Park.
The west side of Derwentwater is famous for being home to Squirrel Nutkin, Mrs Tiggywinkle and Friends and in recent times Cat Bells has become one of the Lake District’s favourite walks.
However, whilst once a haven for wildlife and people, the numbers of vehicles descending on the “quiet” side of the lake and parking (mainly on the narrow roads) have been increasing year on year.
Matters have now reached close to breaking point due to unprecedented high visitor numbers due to COVID-19, those behind the partnership say.
Recently bus services were cancelled due to the combination of vehicle numbers and on-road parking.
The initiative hopes to help deal with this problem but also in the long-term reduce vehicle numbers around Portinscale, Cat Bells and Grange and improve the position for locals and visitors alike.
Park and Sail involves Keswick Rugby Club’s 200 car parking spaces (including its underused 150 space overspill car park) and drivers will pay £4 for a day and will receive a voucher.
15 per cent discounts
The voucher when presented at the Launch ticket office will attract a 15 per cent discount off the launch services that day for the voucher presenter and up to a maximum of four of their passengers.
The Launch Company is now operating a shuttle service to Hawse End at the foot of Catbells, in addition to its other services.
Users will be able to access the launches by the short walk through Crow Park along the northern shore of Derwentwater.
Douglas Hodgson, of Keswick Launch Company, said: “We are delighted to team up with Keswick Rugby Club and to encourage people to access the west side of Derwentwater and wider area in this fantastic and sustainable way.”
Trevor Keough, of Keswick Rugby Club, added: “Derwentwater by launch is a world-class experience and this is a great initiative and good for everyone: The club, the Launch Company, the visitors and the planet.
“As well as access to the lake and launches, we are also handy for those who want to use the bus, hire a bike or walk to Threlkeld or just access the town centre.”
Catbells day trippers to benefit
Day trippers walking Catbells or visiting the west side of the lake are expected to be the main beneficiaries of Park and Sail, but users can always take a cruise round the whole lake.
Vanessa Metcalfe, of Keswick Tourism Association, said: “The Hawse End shuttle across the Queen of Lakes”is simply a delightful way to start or end the day and far better than adding to vehicle congestion on the west of the lake.
“Apart from Catbells, there are plenty other walks which can be accessed this way; varying from a stroll through Bluebells in Brandlehow Woods, a walk along the lake shore or a swim, and for the more adventurous accessing Maiden Moor, High Spy and the Newlands Fells this way.”
