The Mountain Goat began its life back in 1972, on Good Friday, when the company’s first minibus set off on its inaugural trip over the Kirkstone Pass to Glenridding – without any passengers!
Since then, the company has flourished and now carries tens of thousands of passengers every year.
It’s estimated The Mountain Goat buses have covered enough miles over the last 50 years to travel to the moon and back 40 times!
It was first launched to link communities in Lake District valleys left isolated by cuts to bus services in rural areas.
But it soon became apparent there was a big market for carrying tourists around the area as well as serving local people.
The mainstay of the fleet in the early days were converted Ford Transit minibuses with roof racks to carry backpacks and other equipment. The company now has a fleet of around 30 vehicles, mostly Mercedes Sprinters, ranging from 6 seaters to 24 seaters.
“Much of our success over the years is down to our drivers – who are more than just drivers,” says Director Stephen Broughton. “They are guides who use their personalities and expertise to educate and entertain passengers while showing them some of the most stunning landscapes in the world.”
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