Northern is making it easier than ever for visitors to reach one of the Lake District’s most stunning and remote destinations, thanks to a summer connection with the Wasdale Explorer.
The Cumbrian Coast line is one of Britain’s most scenic rail journeys, and visitors to the Western Lakes can now explore even further with a free summer shuttle bus from Ravenglass station.
Running on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays until 21 September 2025, the Wasdale Explorer departs from Ravenglass station and runs to Muncaster Castle, Gosforth and Wasdale Head. Wasdale Head is the starting point for scenic walks to Scafell, Scafell Pike, Great Gable and Wastwater.
The shuttle bus timetable is designed to connect with trains on the Cumbrian Coast line at Ravenglass station. Buses depart from the station car park for Wasdale Head at 0845, 1045, 1225 and 1355. Train tickets to Ravenglass from places including Barrow-in-Furness are priced from just £3 when booked in advance.
Ravenglass is also home to the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, a heritage steam railway travelling from the coast to the foot of England’s highest mountain. Customers travelling by train can save money with a combined Northern and Ravenglass & Eskdale ticket, available to buy from station ticket offices and ticket vending machines.
The shuttle bus connection is provided by the Lake District National Park Authority to encourage sustainable travel and improve access to the Lakes.
The Wasdale Explorer shuttle bus is a brilliant way to explore the Lake District UNESCO World Heritage Site by leaving the stress of driving at home, particularly in an area of the Lake District where there is little parking.
For 2025, we’ve included more journeys that link up with Ravenglass train station, where you can travel to catch the bus along the scenic Cumbria Coast railway line.
If you’re heading to Wasdale to enjoy the beautiful scenery, we encourage you to hop on the train and bus and to leave no trace by taking home any litter.
Emma Moody, lead strategy adviser on recreation and sustainable development for the Lake District National Park Authority
We’ve got some of the most dramatic landscapes in the country on our doorstep, and the train really is the easiest and most sustainable way to access the stunning scenery of the Lakes.
We’re pleased to support this helpful connection with the Wasdale Explorer, which will enable more people to explore everything this part of the world has to offer without relying on the car.
The connection with the shuttle bus at Ravenglass couldn’t be simpler, with trains running every hour from Barrow and Carlisle, and ticket prices as low as £3 when booked in advance.
Alex Hornby, commercial and customer director for Northern
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