VISITORS to Cumbria can soon take even more wonderfully scenic bus journeys in the Lake District as Stagecoach launch its new summer timetable.

Including a new schedule and routes across the county, all buses now offer contactless payments as part of a bid to make travelling around the Lakes 'fun and hassle free'.

Changes implemented on April 6 include the introduction of a daily 77 and 77A Honister Rambler service, a more frequent timetable for the 78 to Borrowdale journey, the seasonal 508 open top bus from Penrith to Ullswater and the very popular 599 open top Lakesider, which will operate every 20 minutes between Windermere and Grasmere.

The iconic 555 Service continues to offer journeys from Keswick to Lancaster through the heart of the Lake District including fast journeys between Lancaster and Kendal via the M6.

Service 505 will continue to offer regular trips to the beauty of Coniston, while the 516 will take a trip to Dungeon Ghyll.

Passengers using the Lakes Connection buses will be able to enjoy the delightful scenery of the Newlands Valley, over the Honister pass towards the serenity of Buttermere as the daily 77 and 77A route from Keswick operates throughout the day. With this service visitors will be able to hop on and off with an unlimited dayrider ticket.

The popular 599 open top bus which travels along the shores of Windermere also provides free WiFi, USB charging points, space for buggies and bikes and audio commentary, so visitors can get even more from their visit.

Bus services have also been extended from 5.15am to 1am the following day.

Mark Whitelocks, Managing Director for Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire said: ‘We expect our routes to be more popular than ever this year as more UK holidaymakers are choosing to have a staycation.

"We know how the increasing amount of traffic on the roads can cause frustration and detract from the beauty and attractions that can be found which is why our focus this year is to get more people, both tourists and residents to use the car less and the bus more while enjoying and working in the Lakes.

Alex McCoskrie, Engagement Officer, English Lake District World Heritage Site said: “The English Lake District World Heritage Site is delighted to be working with Stagecoach. The journey should be part of the fun, and taking the bus is a great way to soak up the cultural landscape views while reducing the amount of cars of the roads.”

Recently, Transport Focus, the independent transport user watchdog, released results from their latest annual bus passenger satisfaction survey. Results for Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire demonstrated that satisfaction was better than ever, with overall customer satisfaction rising to 93 per cent.