The latest Grand Day Out, hosted by Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire, was a success in spite of the dreary weather on the day.
This initiative, aimed at encouraging older passengers to take full advantage of their free bus pass, successfully combines bus travel with unique experiences, fostering friendships and promoting exploration.
Supported by Age UK and various local businesses, the latest Grand Day Out saw passengers hopping on the X4 bus from Cockermouth to Keswick.
To their surprise, the day’s activities included a boat trip on Derwentwater courtesy of Keswick Launch Co. and a packed lunch provided by local establishment Booths of Keswick.
Despite the less than stellar weather, participants from Age UK centres in Cockermouth, Whitehaven and Workington were all smiles.
Annette Collister, a participant from Age UK Cockermouth, shared: "It means a lot getting on that bus.
"I like to be independent, but I have lost my confidence since Covid."
Promoting such positive experiences and outdoor activities has been the driving force behind the Grand Days Out initiative.
Among the participants was Annette Kielland, who has been an Age UK volunteer for 15 years, leading the organisation's art group in Cockermouth.
Alongside her was Lynn Black, a nine-year veteran volunteer with Age UK, who said: "We wouldn’t have come out today in the rain, we’d have been sitting at home, so it does get people out and they really appreciate that".
Tom Waterhouse, managing director at Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire, enthused: "It’s really important for us as a company to support the local community and I’m always really pleased to hear that those people who attend our Grand Days Out have a great day out.
“Passengers can board the X4 bus at Workington bus station every day, every half hour, which is free with an older person's bus pass, and travel the short distance to Keswick.”
For further details and for inspiration to plan your Grand Day Out, Stagecoach provides information on their website: www.stagecoachbus.com/promos-and-offers/cumbria-and-north-lancashire/cockermouth-buses-explore-the-area-during-your-visit
To take advantage of the combined bus and boat ticket Stagecoach offer, please visit: www.stagecoachbus.com/promos-and-offers/cumbria-and-north-lancashire/lake-district-bus-and-boat-travel-tickets
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