Tour of Britain in Cumberland: bus changes on 19 August

The Tour of Britain Women cycle race comes to Cumberland on Wednesday 19 August, with its opening stage starting and finishing in Cockermouth. The public can attend for free without booking, but spectators, bus passengers and drivers should prepare for temporary stops, altered services and rolling road closures.

The event window runs from 4am to 6.30pm. Cumberland Council says most buses will operate, although some journeys could be delayed by approximately 15 to 20 minutes as riders and the race convoy pass.

When and where to see the Cumberland stage

The 158.9km stage begins and ends in Cockermouth before travelling through communities across west and north Cumberland. The route includes Whitehaven, High Harrington, Workington, Flimby, Maryport, Allonby, Silloth, Wigton, Caldbeck and Aspatria.

• Date: Wednesday 19 August 2026
• Event window: 4am to 6.30pm
• Start and finish: Cockermouth, Cumberland
• Entry: Free public event; no booking required
• Audience: Spectators and the general public

Lead vehicles may reach each community around 15 minutes before the cyclists. The published passage times are approximate and could vary as the stage develops.

Cockermouth bus stops move during the event

Services X4, X5 and 600 will not use their usual stops on the east side of Cockermouth at Main Street and the school. Temporary signs will direct passengers to alternative boarding points on the west side of town.

Between 9am and 11.30am, passengers should use the Crown Street stops near Aldi. From 4am to 9am, and again from 11.30am to 6.30pm, the three services will use both the Crown Street stops and the Fairfield Junior School stops on Sullart Street. Service 68 will also use these temporary arrangements.

The C123 Cockermouth Town Service will not operate at all on 19 August.

Six services have amended journeys

Several routes beyond Cockermouth will be shortened, renumbered or diverted during the race:

• Service 60: The 10.43am departure from Workington will end at Silloth at 1.35pm instead of continuing to Skinburness. The 11.47am Skinburness departure will begin at Silloth at 11.55am.
• Service 400: The 12.40pm departure from Carlisle will end at Wigton at 1.15pm. The 1.42pm Silloth departure will begin at Wigton at 2.09pm.
• Service 554: The 2pm departure from Carlisle and the 1.15pm departure from Keswick will operate as service 553.
• Service 600: Departures from Carlisle at 1.40pm and 2.40pm will run via Aspatria to Wigton. Departures from Whitehaven at 1.23pm and 2.23pm will run via Aspatria to Cockermouth.

Other services may be temporarily held by the rolling closures, so passengers should allow additional journey time even when their route is not listed among the formal changes.

Road closures begin before the riders arrive

Rolling road closures are expected along most of the course between approximately 10.40am and 4.30pm. Traffic will be held while the cyclists and convoy pass, with roads reopening when it is safe.

Cockermouth has longer fixed closures for its start and finish areas. Main Street and Station Street will close from 4am until 6.30pm, while South Street will close from 7am until 5pm. Crown Street, Sullart Street and Gallowbarrow will be closed between 9am and 11.30am.

The A595 between Bothel and Cockermouth is scheduled to close from 2pm until 3.45pm for the final part of the stage. These are precautionary windows, and the actual closures may be shorter.

Parking and final checks before travelling

Council-operated parking is available at Riverside long-stay car park and Fairfield short-stay car park. Cockermouth Rugby Club will serve as an overflow car park for race spectators.

Passengers should check the latest service and closure information before leaving. Questions about traffic restrictions can be directed to Cumberland Council’s Highways Hotline on 0300 373 3736.

Source: Cumberland Council News