Great way to see the Lake District

Looking across across rolling green countryside to the imposing western fells of the Lake District, I remarked: "That's a fantastic view."

"It's the best in the country," replied the host. He certainly had a point. The five-star, multi-award winning Hazel Bank Country House Hotel in Borrowdale has a spectacular vista in virtually any direction.

We were about to see a lot of it by bus and boat.

There is no doubt that Lakeland enjoys some of the finest scenery in the country, if not the world, and that is why it attracts visitors from all corners of the globe.

With its spectacular mountains and fells, picture postcard lakes and narrow tortuous roads it offers something for just about everyone, even if you have to pack your waterproofs much of the time.

Walkers, climbers, sailors, rowers, poets and literary giants have all found something to inspire them.

Philanthropist John Ruskin and poet Williams Wordsworth put down lasting roots in the area. As did children's novelist Beatrix Potter.

Lakeland is not huge and with millions of visitors, many using their cars on the twisty roads and fearsome passes, it can turn a holiday into a traffic-dodging nightmare.

So a new initiative to get people more in touch with nature and out of their vehicles has been launched.

The new 'See More' project funded by the Department of Transport is encouraging visitors to leave cars at their hotels and find new ways to explore the Lake District and Cumbria during their visit.

New additions for 2015 include a tour bus exploring the North Lakes and extended early evening services on the 'hop on, hop off' Honister Rambler bus service, alongside regular cruises on Derwentwater aboard the Keswick Launch, which are effectively boat water buses around the lakes.

Our attempt at dumping the car took us to the swish hotel at Rosthwaite in Borrowdale, one of the most spectacular parts of the Lakes, with its craggy peaks, peaceful pathway walks and the mighty Derwent Water.

The seven-bedroom establishment offers five-star accommodation and cuisine for those looking for a quiet break away from it all or more vigorous walks and climbs.

The family-run establishment offers bespoke rooms with the highest level of fixtures and fittings. A true family establishment, guests get the five-star treatment from host Gary MacCrae, a Keswick man who knows the area like the back of his hand, and his family. He is front of house, his wife Donna does the cooking and their family fill in at various points.

It cleverly squares the circle of feeling exclusive (it has a croquet lawn after all) while offering a down-to-earth friendliness and in-depth knowledge of the area.

Wildlife

It is just far enough off the road to be a haven for red squirrels, deer and other wildlife, and close enough to the bus stop just 150 yards away.

It is ideally situated for the Honister Rambler, a bus which can take you where others fear to drive, including the Honister Slate Mine and the picturesque village of Buttermere on its circuitous route from Keswick, beyond Derwentwater and back to Keswick. An open-top double decker also operates between villages.

You can comfortably leave your vehicle behind and take advantage of deals such as a joint all-day bus and boat ticket for Derwentwater and the Keswick and Honister area. For travelling further afield, an Explorer ticket covers the whole of Cumbria and North Lancashire. You can hop on and off any scheduled boat ride, except rowing and self-drive motor boats.

Of course, there's also Shanks' Pony and two wheels and there's the prospect of the hotel acquiring a small electric car, a Renault Twizy two-seater.

While not reducing congestion much, these low-carbon cars do their bit to protect the local ecology and are available to hire at a reasonable rate.

It does make sense to use other transport though, the roads can be a nightmare and you miss so much while driving.

The bus/boat option allows you to drink in the beauty of the Lake District while doing your bit for the environment.

For more information on sustainable travel options in Cumbria and the Lake District visit www.seemorecumbria.co.uk

Joint all-day bus and boat ticket for Derwentwater is £13 per adult, £8 per child or £30 for a family for the Keswick and Honister area. Alternatively, £16 per adult, £11 per child or £33 for a family for an Explorer ticket covering the whole of Cumbria and North Lancashire.

See www.keswick-launch.co.uk or

www.stagecoachbus.com

Also see www.hazelbankhotel.co.uk/accommodation/tariff, for prices and availability