A new bus service which will help cyclists to saddle up and explore the countryside has been launched.

The BikeBus Explorer will pull a trailer capable of carrying up to 20 bikes. It will run from Cambridge railway station to Gamlingay, taking in a host of popular destinations in between such as the Wimpole Hall estate. Passengers will be able to hop on and off all day, using their bikes for other parts of the journey.

It is the first bus service of its type to be launched in Cambridgeshire, and has been set up by South Cambridgeshire district council. An official launch event was held at Wimpole Hall on Thursday, and the first bus departed on Sunday morning.

Cllr Simon Edwards, Deputy Leader of South Cambridgeshire District Council, said the service was the result of demand from residents

He said: “What better time to launch this unique service than the year the Tour de France has visited the area. People often say they want to get out and explore what the countryside has to offer and we hope the BikeBus removes the barriers for them. “There is so much to offer in the district, from popular tourist attractions such as the Wimpole Estate to ancient woodlands and historic villages with their charming pubs.”

The bus will run on Sundays and bank holidays and depart four times-a-day from Cambridge railway station heading out to Gamlingay.

Tickets be brought on the bus, or purchased at the Cambridge Tourist Information Centre in the city’s Guildhall.

Initially a pilot scheme, the service will run until March, with funding coming from the District Council, Cambridgeshire County Council and National Trust.

Visit www.scambs.gov.uk/bikebus-explorer for further information on the service and its route.