Virtual visitors will need special free glasses to make the most of the Go Lakes Travel images

Visitors to the Lake District are being offered a car-free tour with a unique view of the area’s scenic splendour.

A set of virtual 3D images is available online to bring to life the beauty of the area without the view having to leave his or her computer.

The virtual car-free tour has been unveiled by GoLakes Travel to mark World Carfree Day on Saturday.

The 3D-rendered images show view that could be enjoyed by visitors who get out of their cars on to buses, bikes, boats and boots.

Free pairs of Drive Less, See More viewing glasses are available from the GoLakes Travel team.

Richard Greenwood, head of policy and research at Cumbria Tourism, said: “The Lake District is a stunningly beautiful part of the world to visit.

“We want to keep it that way and our fun 3D tour shows people that by getting out of their cars and travelling using more sustainable transport they can see even more of the Lakes’ fantastic scenery while protecting the landscape for generations to come.”

GoLakes Travel said visitors to the virtual tour can enjoy the sort of view appreciated by staunch bus user Alfred Wainwright, who used public transport – before later enlisting the help of his second wife Betty as chauffeur – as he compiled his celebrated fellwalking guides.

People will can order their free pair of Drive Less, See More 3D glasses on the GoLakes Travel website which also has information on sustainable travel in the Lake District.

There is also an iPhone app, See More Lake District, with car-free itineraries, available on the iTunes website.

GoLakes Travel is a £6.9m scheme which aims to influence visitors to help cut 11,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions by 2015 while helping the local economy.

The Lake District National Park Authority, Cumbria County Council and Cumbria Tourism are partners in the project.