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The green fields and woodlands of the Eskdale valley, embroidered with the sparkling thread of the river Esk, penetrate deep into the central Lakeland fells. Where the fields peter out below Hardknott Roman Fort, the River Esk continues upwards embraced by mountains to its source at Esk Hause. The only way out is via the Hardknott Pass – a tortuous zigzag of switchback bends and steep inclines that is not for the faint-hearted but is blessed with stunning scenery. In the heart of this lovely valley is the small village of Boot, home to a working corn mill, three real-ale pubs and a micro-brewery.
At the coastal end lies Ravenglass, where three rivers – the Esk, Irt and Mite – meet to form an estuary and natural harbour. Once an important Roman port and fishing town where ships docked at the end of its main street, Ravenglass is now better known as the terminus for the Ravenglass & Eskdale steam railway, known fondly as La’al Ratty.
A little inland stands Muncaster Castle, ancient family seat of the Pennington family with colourful spring gardens, a renowned owl centre, a celebrated ‘fool’ and ghosts aplenty to keep visitors amused for hours. Nearby is Waberthwaite, famous for Richard Woodall’s hams, bacons and Cumberland Sausage that are regularly despatched to the Queen.
This is the land of Bronze Age settlements, Roman forts, Anglian crosses, Viking remains, Norman churches, medieval mills and many other hidden delights awaiting discovery in this rich and welcoming corner of Cumbria.
Although Neolithic flints have been found in the sand dunes around Ravenglass, the best evidence of early humans came during the Bronze Age, when settlers lived on the high ground. The Romans were more interested in the natural harbour at Ravenglass, which became an important port around 79 BC. Little remains of the original fort, as much of the stone used to build it was removed when they built the Furness Railway in the 19th century, but the old bath house is still pretty much intact at Walls Castle.
A Roman road led through Eskdale to connect the port with Hardknott (Mediobogdum) at the head of the valley, which then continued through Little Langdale to the fort at Ambleside (Galava). Its position on an elevated spur hemmed in by mountains inspired a description of it as ‘an enchanted fortress in the air'.
Once the Romans had gone, Celts and Angles occupied the area; the former left a legacy of intricately patterned stone crosses. The next wave of occupiers were Vikings, in the 9th century, who established homesteads and enclosures for their livestock. They also left names, like Waberthwaite (Wyburgh's clearing) and Brotherilkeld at the head of Eskdale, and a series of carved crosses and distinctively shaped hogback tombstones - the best examples being at Gosforth Church.
Just above the village of Boot, a gully in the fellside marks the site of Nab Gill iron ore mine, which exploited a wide vein of haematite (iron ore). The ore was commercially mined from the 1870s but enjoyed only a short period of prosperity. The remains of an incline, mine office and smithy can be seen from the track above Eskdale Mill.
At the base of the slope, a disused trackway and platform of the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway can still be seen. This much-loved railway (La'al Ratty) was first opened in 1875 to carry iron ore from the mine at Boot to Ravenglass (where its freight was transferred to the Furness Line) but it has had a chequered history. After closure in 1913, it was re-opened as a narrow-gauge railway in 1916 and found a new purpose carrying granite. The quarries closed in the 1950s and the line once again fell into disuse, but in 1960 a group of railway enthusiasts stepped in to save it. The Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway has since become one of Lakeland's most loved attractions, providing an unforgettable experience through the glorious Eskdale countryside.
Eskdale - The green fields and woodlands of the valley of Eskdale, complete with the sparkling thread of the river Esk, penetrate deep into the central Lakeland fells. In the heart of this lovely valley is the small village of Boot, home to a working corn mill, three real-ale pubs and a micro-brewery.
Muncaster - A little inland stands Muncaster Castle, ancient family seat of the Pennington family with colourful spring gardens, a renowned owl centre, a celebrated ‘fool' and ghosts aplenty to keep visitors amused for hours.
Seascale - Seascale is a small coastal town in the Western Lake District. Situated between Whitehaven and Millom it is the perfect stop off when exploring this beautiful part of the Lake District.
Wasdale - The mountains around Wasdale Head are arguably one of the finest mountain landscapes in Britain and grandest of all of these fine mountains are the twin peaks of Scafell and Scafell Pike.
Did you know?
the western lakes has a rich history, brilliantly told
Number of results: 40
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SEASCALE
St Mary's has been an important religious site since the 8th century.
Ravenglass
The Ratty Arms is located on the platform of Ravenglass station on the scenic Cumbrian Coast Line, which runs past the main terminus of our narrow gauge railway. Guests can sit back and unwind with a drink, while watching the trains go by.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
874 reviewsMain St, Ravenglass
The Railway welcomes a first visit from Bluey and Bingo. Personal appearances from Bluey and Bingo at set intervals on each day in the Museum. Don't forget to bring your cameras!
Included in your day out:
Return train journey between Ravenglass…
Take your bike on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway & bike the return journey through the beatiful Eskdale Valley. The route is virtually traffic free.
Ravenglass
Dominating the Lake District Coast where the mountains tumble into the sea and bursting with treasures and tales, haunted Muncaster oozes history from every rough stone which fashion the castle walls.
Cumbria
An easy scramble at the side of the spectacular Cam Spout Force is combined with a descent down the wild and remote Little Narrowcove to provide a fine crossing of Scafell Pike, England's highest mountain. Access is from the Eskdale side by a steady…
Eskdale, Holmrook
Experience the great outdoors at Parkgate Farm, offering a variety of 9 large camping pitches (5 with electric hook-up, and 4 without) and one camping pod. Take advantage of the amenities including family shower rooms, separate toilets, washing-up…
Ravenglass
Standing proudly in the center of the village of Ravenglass the Pennington Hotel has 22 well appointed and relaxing bedrooms, with quality bathrooms, smart TV’s, and comfy beds, all areas offer high speed internet which has been complete upscaled…
Eskdale
Hardknott Roman Fort is one of the most dramatically sited and remote Roman forts in Britain. It measures just three-acres and the fort at Hardknott enjoyed command of the Eskdale Valley and the Roman road to Ravenglass.
Cumbria
Harter Fell might be small but it's perfectly formed and it's situated in a stunning position. It separates the top end of Eskdale from the Duddon Valley and is not hemmed in by other peaks. For these reasons and also because it can be gained by a…
Cumbria
If you fancy staying somewhere different and fancy the thought of staying in a fabulously restored luxury Pullman railway coach, then this is for you.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1940 reviewsBoot
Ghyll Scrambling for adventurers! The ultimate all-day adventure - not for the faint-hearted!
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
458 reviewsRavenglass
Welcome to Lakeland's oldest, longest and most scenic railway!
La'aL Ratty, the little Cumbrian railway, is an award-winning heritage visitor attraction and Lake District icon, living up to its “must do” reputation for all ages. Excellent…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1940 reviewsEskdale Valley, Boot
Experience the exhilaration of this wet and wild adventure in the remote Western Lake District. Ghyll Scrambling (or gorge walking) will see you climbing up waterfalls, jumping into pools and exploring caves.
Eskdale
Is jumping from height into water your thing? There are jumps galore along with swimming across pools and scrambling up rocks. It's set in a beautiful area and you will really immerse yourself in the surrounding scenery - literally! If you're…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1053 reviewsRavenglass
Set in the beautiful gardens of Muncaster Castle, the Hawk & Owl Centre offers exhilarating bird of prey flying displays daily from Easter to Christmas plus the wild heron feed daily year-round.
Ravenglass
Enjoy a beautiful 14 mile return journey as well as a delicious cream tea at Dalegarth Café in the Eskdale Room. Your cream tea includes a selection of sandwiches (ham, cheese, egg mayo and tuna mayo), home-baked fruit scones with butter, jam and…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1940 reviewsEskdale Valley
Deep and narrow gorge on Stanley Ghyll reached via marked route from National Trust car park.
Ravenglass
Located at the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, Fellbites Café serves everything from hot and cold drinks, sandwiches and homebaked cakes, to full meals made to order.
The Turntable Café, located on Platform 1 serves a wide array of food from hearty…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1940 reviewsSeascale
This two bedroom self catering holiday home located in the western Lake District is full of character, making it a perfect holiday home for families, couples and friends alike, with all amenities located on your doorstep.
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