To reach St Bees
By car:
From the south: Continue on the M6 to Penrith, and then take the A66 to Cockermouth, then the A595 to Whitehaven. Follow local signs from here to St Bees.
Or M6 to junction 36 (South Lakes turn off), then the A590, followed by the A595 towards Whitehaven, and then turn off at Egremont for St Bees.
From the East: Take the A66 to Penrith, then the A66 to Cockermouth and the A595 to Whitehaven. Follow local signs from there.
From the north and north east: head for Carlisle (A69 from Newcastle way, the A74(M) from Glasgow direction, or the A7 from the Scottish borders). Then take the A595 to Whitehaven. Follow local signs from there.
By rail: There is a train station at St Bees which is served by trains coming in the direction of both the north and south.
From the north there is a mainline train from Carlisle, then a coast line train to St Bees. Some Carlisle trains terminate at Whitehaven (approx 4 miles north). You would then need to get a taxi or bus to St Bees.
From the south trains travel via Barrow-in Furness, with some through trains starting from Lancaster. Otherwise change at Lancaster or Preston for Barrow. There are direct trains from Manchester Airport and London to Carlisle and Barrow.
Taxi contacts: Downton Taxi Whitehaven: 01946 691 511 / 07972 544 464
By coach: there is no direct bus or coach services to St Bees. National Express operates a service departing from many destinations in the UK as far as Whitehaven.
Parking facilities: If you wish to drive to St Bees we wish to make you aware that your vehicle will be left at your own risk and we cannot be held responsible for it. We therefore advise you to arrive at your destination using public transport. If you however decide to leave a vehicle in St Bees you may do so free of charge at the Seacote Hotel. If this is your intention and you need to get back to St Bees at the end of your holiday to collect your vehicle, there is a bus service from Robin Hood’s Bay to Richmond which operates each afternoon by Sherpa Van. The following morning you can continue your journey with Sherpa Van from Richmond to St Bees. Each journey will cost around £22. For more details please contact: www.sherpavan.com
To return from Kirkby Stephen
By car: take the A685 from Kirkby Stephen for 12 miles, thennorthbound ono the M6 at Junction 38 to Penrith. Alterntively, take the A685 towards Brough, then take the A66 east towards Penrith.
By rail: rail connections are direct to both Leeds and Carlisle, from where you can continue on to your final destination. Please note that Kirkby Stephen station is some 2 miles from the actual town.
By coach or bus:
the following local buses operate from Kirkby Stephen: The 571 service (on Mondays only) between Bough and Kendal and the 574 service (on Tuesdays only) between Penrith and Kirkby Stephen are both operated by Cumbria Classic Coaches. A National Express services operates from Penrith (but not from Kirkby Stephen) travelling onwards to many destinations in the UK.
You can obtain more information on the transport options above as follows:
UK rail information - www.nationalrail.co.uk
UK coach information - www.nationalexpress.co.uk
Travel information - www.rome2rio.com
Meeting your tour leader and fellow walkers:
Please aim to arrive at the hotel in St Bees at or before 6.30pm where your tour leader will be there to introduce themselves and inform you of the evening’s dinner arrangements. Your leader will brief you with an outline of the planned programme for your holiday and you will have the opportunity to meet your fellow walking companions.