Step into nature, in and around Peterborough, to celebrate David Attenborough’s 100th birthday
Peterborough’s biggest bus company is marking the 100th birthday of David Attenborough by highlighting a collection of breathtaking nature walks and outdoor destinations, all easily accessible by bus.
Attenborough’s birthday is on Friday 8th May, and, inspired by his lifelong mission to connect people with the natural world, Stagecoach is encouraging customers to leave the car at home and discover the beauty on their doorstep through greener, more sustainable travel.
From tranquil woodland trails to sparkling rivers and sweeping valley views, each route showcases the kind of landscapes that have defined Attenborough’s storytelling for decades, and every destination can be reached via the Stagecoach network.
Stagecoach East has curated a selection of scenic walks that reflect the diversity and beauty of the natural world:
-- Barnack Hills & Holes Loop to Burghley Park & Stamford Starts at: Barnack village car park, off Wittering Road, Barnack The most popular hiking route near Peterborough — a moderate 9.1-mile loop through unique limestone grassland, Burghley Park, and the historic town of Stamford, taking around 3 hours 45 minutes.
-- Ferry Meadows, Nene Park Starts at: Ferry Meadows Country Park car park, Ham Lane, Peterborough A lovely, easy-going walk around the lakes created from old gravel pits, following the River Nene with scenic bridges, a boardwalk, and Bluebell Wood along the way.
-- River Nene Loop from Castor Starts at: Castor village, off Peterborough Road A moderate 3.9-mile circular path following riverside paths past historical sites, rated 4.6 stars by the walking community.
-- Holme Fen Nature Reserve Starts at: Holme Fen car park, near Holme village, south of Peterborough A walk through the largest silver birch woodland in lowland England, located close to the city and great for spotting a wide variety of wildlife.
-- Castor Hanglands National Nature Reserve Starts at: Castor Hanglands car park, off Ailsworth Road, near Castor A four-mile walk through woodland, meadows and marshland that is particularly spectacular in spring when thousands of frogs and toads inhabit the reserve, and in summer when orchids fill the meadows.
-- Torpel Way (Peterborough to Stamford) Starts at: Peterborough city centre A long-distance trail running from Peterborough to Stamford, passing through open countryside and agricultural land with fine rural views throughout.
-- Nene Way (Wansford to Water Newton) Starts at: Peterborough Road, Wansford A well-signed 5-mile stretch hugging the River Nene through peaceful villages, passing Wansford railway station and finishing at the beautiful waterside village of Water Newton.
-- Peterborough Green Wheel Starts at: Ferry Meadows Country Park, Nene Park A 20-mile signed circular trail suitable for both walkers and cyclists, taking in Ferry Meadows, the River Nene Way, and the villages of Marholm and Etton.
-- Hereward Way through Peterborough Starts at: Oakham, Rutland (passes through Peterborough) A long-distance route passing through Stamford, Peterborough and Ely on its way to Thetford in Norfolk, offering a great way to explore the wider fenland landscape from the city.
-- Crown Lakes Country Park Starts at: Crown Lakes Country Park, Ham Lane, Orton Waterville, Peterborough A relaxed stroll around the pretty lakes of this country park on the edge of the city, perfect for a quiet afternoon walk close to home.
Connecting people with nature, sustainably
As conversations around climate change and conservation continue, a cause championed globally by David Attenborough, Stagecoach East is proud to offer a practical way for people to reduce their environmental impact while exploring the outdoors.
By travelling by bus, customers can cut emissions, avoid congestion, and enjoy a more relaxed journey straight into nature.
Darren Roe, Managing Director of Stagecoach East, said: “Sir David Attenborough has inspired generations to appreciate and protect the natural world, and there’s no better way to honour that legacy than by helping people experience it for themselves.
“Our network connects communities to some of the most beautiful landscapes in our region, making it easy to step off the bus and straight into nature.
“We want to make exploring these incredible places as simple and sustainable as possible, encouraging more people to discover what’s right on their doorstep while reducing their environmental footprint.
“Customers can plan their journey using the Stagecoach Bus App or our online Journey Planner. This milestone birthday is a chance not just to celebrate an icon, but to reconnect with the natural world he has spent a lifetime protecting.”
Meanwhile, Stagecoach has recently announced upgrades to its app, allowing customers to make a savvy choice to save money by buying bundles of DayRider tickets. Under the upgraded scheme, discounts of 10%, 20% and 30% are now available, with tickets valid for up to 12 months. Find out more at https://stagecoach.onelink.me/2899670060?pid=external-site&c=Multi-buy&af_channel=newspaper/magazine&af_sub1=Stagecoach-East&af_sub3=Press-Release-Intro-1&is_retargeting=true&af_dp=st%3A%2F%2FjourneyPlanner