A school pupil has designed the logo for the seasonal Wasdale Explorer shuttle bus.
The Wasdale Explorer shuttle bus is free sustainable transport managed by the community of Wasdale through Wasdale Action Group in partnership with Lake District National Park Authority.
For the 2025 launch students at Gosforth C of E Primary School were invited to submit designs for the shuttle bus, which will run Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays from Good Friday, 18th April, until 21st September.
Jessica, who is in year six, drew a scenic picture of Wastwater’s iconic backdrop for her logo.
She said: “I enjoyed drawing the logo, especially the sunset. I thought about the mountains at Wasdale so drew them.”
Emma Moody, Learning Strategy Adviser for Recreation and Sustainable Development at Lake District National Park Authority, said: “It’s been great to have the local community involved as we launch the Wasdale Explorer for the 2025 season. We had lots of brilliant entries, including from runners up Jackson, Autumn and Reuben. We want to extend a huge well done to Jessica on her winning design.”
The free shuttle bus will set off from the Lake District National Park Authority car park near Ravenglass train station, stopping off at Muncaster Castle and travelling to Wasdale Head.
Emma said: “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.
“Wasdale Head is the starting point for scenic walks to Scafell, Scafell Pike, Great Gable and other fells as well as Wastwater. 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.”
Assistant Headteacher at Gosforth C of E Primary School, Sarah Layzell, said: “I knew the children would jump at the chance and the designs were very impressive. I think the shuttle bus is a great idea as it will reduce congestion on the roads and hopefully make the roads a little safer.”
Lucy McKinley-Wilson, Chair of Wasdale Action Group, said: “Wasdale Action Group is delighted that Gosforth School has been involved in the design of a logo for the Wasdale Explorer. The shuttle bus is an integral part in making Wasdale valley accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Jessica’s eye-catching design reflects the unique landscape of Wasdale and will make the bus instantly recognisable on the roads.”
If you are walking in Wasdale, remember to check ahead to see what conditions will be like, ensure you have the right knowledge and skills for the day and take suitable walking gear in preparation should conditions change.
For those exploring the Lakes over the Easter holidays, you can also access the Ullswater Hopper and Buttermere shuttle bus. Find out more about getting around the Lakes as well as the Wasdale Explorer route map and the full 2025 timetable on the Lake District National Park Authority website: https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/plan-your-visit/getting-to-the-lake-district/wasdale-shuttlebus.
Image credits: Ade Gidney
