Train operator Northern is making it easier for visitors to the Lake District to explore one of the area’s most stunning and remote destinations by connecting with the “Wasdale Explorer”, a free shuttle bus from Ravenglass station in Cumbria.
Running on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays throughout the summer until 21st September 2025, the Wasdale Explorer provides a free service from Ravenglass Station to Muncaster Castle, Gosforth, and Wasdale Head, the starting point for scenic walks to Scafell, Scafell Pike, Great Gable, and Wastwater.
Timed to connect at Ravenglass Station with Northern train services along the Cumbrian Coast line, the Wasdale Explorer buses depart from the Ravenglass Station car park at 0845, 1045, 1225 and 1355.
When booked in advance, train tickets to Ravenglass cost just £3 from places including Barrow-in-Furness.
Visitors who also wish to travel on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway heritage steam railway can save further by purchasing a combined Northern and Ravenglass & Eskdale ticket from station ticket offices and ticket vending machines.
The Wasdale Explorer shuttle bus is provided by the Lake District National Park Authority. Emma Moody, the authority’s lead strategy adviser on recreation and sustainable development, explained that the 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.
Ravenglass station has a historic footbridge, built in 1849, that has recently undergone a major refurbishment.
Last weekend, from 3rd to 5th May, the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway had two guest steam locomotives running in addition to its regular locomotives from its fleet.
“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, said:
Responses
“Ravenglass station has a historic footbridge, built in 1849, that has recently undergone a major refurbishment”
This historic footbridge is in fact still undergoing refurbishment, and its complete deck has been removed and taken off site for this work. There is currently no footbridge at Ravenglass station and the only way to get from one side of the railway tracks to the other is by detouring under the rail over road bridge.
I am not aware of any date currently being specified for reinstatement of this footbridge