The Wasdale Explorer route
The bus departs from the bus shelter in the Lake District National Park Authority car park just west of Ravenglass Station, before going to Muncaster Castle, picking up at the car park entrance, Holmrook, Gosforth (bus shelter in Petton Place), then travels to Nether Wasdalepicking up wherever it is safe to do so. It then picks up at the car park in Nether Wasdale, travels to Wasdale Head via Bengarth junction picking up anywhere safe to do so including marked stops at the following: Opposite the entrance to Church Stile camp site, Greendale, Lake Junction signpost, Overbeck car park, Road end of National Trust Wasdale Campsite and Wasdale Head Green.
Wasdale Explorer timetable 2026
The Wasdale Explorer 2026 season started on 2 May 2026 and will run weekends and bank holidays until 31 August 2026.
The Explorer runs Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays.
G – Green service 2 May to 31 August
B – Blue service 18 July to 31 August
Fares
2026
The bus costs £3 for all day travel with children travelling free.
Useful information and reaching the Explorer
- If you are arriving to the Lake District by train, check train times before you travel on the National Rail website.
- The western Lake District is easily accessed from the North and South by train or bus. To connect with the Wasdale Explorer, take the train to Ravenglass station or the X7 bus to Ravenglass or Gosforth.
- If reaching the Explorer by car, connect on the A595 at Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass, Greengarth or Gosforth. Alternatively, you can park in Nether Wasdale and use the Explorer to get to Wasdale Head.
- The bus is a 22 seat vehicle. Dogs are allowed on the bus, but not on the seats.
Link up the train at Ravenglass
We’ve included more journeys that link up with Ravenglass train station, where you can park and ride or take a train along the scenic Cumbria Coastal Railway line and catch the bus at Ravenglass station.
Walks and routes
Wasdale Head is the starting point for many walking routes in the Lake District including Scafell, Scafell Pike, Great Gable and other Wainwrights, as well as Wastwater.
View walking and accessible Miles without Stiles routes in the Lake District National Park.
Be Adventure Smart
If walking in Wasdale (and anywhere else) please be Adventure Smart.
Note that there is no mobile phone or WiFi coverage in many parts of Wasdale so please do not rely on your phone for navigation and we advise you to download or cache the bus timetable information below before you travel.
Ask yourself 3 questions before you set off:
- Am I confident I have the knowledge and skills for the day?
- Do I know what the weather will be like?
- Do I have the right gear?
