Get out and about by bus this summer
A NEW LEISURE GUIDE has been launched by Lancashire County Council to give local residents inspiration for days out by bus around Preston this summer.
The Orbit Leisure Guide details many places of interest and four varied walks that can be accessed from the Orbit Bus Service, which takes a circular route around Preston. Attractions on the route include museums and galleries, places to eat and drink, picturesque walks, entertainment spots, sports venues, shopping and much more.
The Guide also gives detailed directions and maps for walks that start and end on the bus route. The walks vary in distance and difficulty and are the Cottam Circular from the Ancient Oak, a walk from Lea (Leyland Bridge) to Cottam via Millennium Ribble Link and Lancaster Canal, and the Ladyewell Circular and Haighton Circular which start at ASDA, Fulwood.
The Orbit Leisure Guide was recently launched at the Ancient Oak Public House in Cottam, which is where two of the walks in the leaflet finish. The photo shows (foreground left to right) County Cllr Matthew Tomlinson, Preston City Cllr Hammond, John Asquith, Operations Director at Preston Bus and Lea Parish Chairman Cllr Lena Talbot as well as representatives from Preston Bus, Lancashire County Council, Preston City Council, and the Preston Ramblers Association.
County Councillor Matthew Tomlinson said:
“The Guide gives plenty of ideas to keep the whole family busy during the summer holidays, such as the family friendly walks, Odeon Cinema, Trax Motorsports and Paintballing, several historic parks, the Ribble Steam Railway and the National Football Museum. Or if you just fancy a scenic ride, then why not stay on the bus for the 17-mile round trip!”
The Orbit bus service is operated by Preston Bus and runs seven days a week with frequencies of up to every 15 minutes. It runs in both a clockwise (buses numbered 88C) and an anti-clockwise direction (buses numbered 88A) with the main calling points on route being Preston Bus Station, Brookfield, Longsands, ASDA, Royal Preston Hospital, Cadley, Cottam, Larches, Riversway and Preston Railway Station.
Orbit buses are all low-floor, easy access with buggy and wheelchair spaces. It costs just £3.00 for an Easiday ticket, where you can get on and off any Preston Bus service as often as you want all day, or you can buy a Family Day Return ticket for up to 4 people travelling together for one return trip for £4.00. For people who are not close to the Orbit bus route, there are several points on the route where it is possible to conveniently interchange from other bus services. In addition, the Orbit route can be accessed at Preston Rail Station.
The Orbit Leisure Guide, and the Orbit Timetable Leaflet 221 are available to pick up from Preston Bus Station, Preston’s Libraries, Tourist Information or County Information Centres or can be downloaded here (PDF 1.6MB)
You can also email timetableorders@lancashire.gov.uk and ask to be sent a copy through the post.