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Ravenglass, Muncaster & Eskdale Western Lakes & Coast
Ravenglass, Muncaster & Eskdale Western Lakes & Coast

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Ravenglass, Muncaster and Eskdale

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.

Culture & Heritage

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.

Surrounding Areas

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?

La’al Ratty
La’al Ratty is Cumbrian dialect for ‘little track’, referring to the narrow-gauge (15 inch/38 cm) track of the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway.
Ravenglass Roman Bath House
The bathhouse, formerly known as Walls Castle, where legions of Roman soldiers came to wash and spruce up, is one of the best-preserved Roman buildings in the north of England.
Hardknott Roman Fort
This far-flung outpost of the Roman Empire (known as Mediobogdum) guarded the military road between Ravenglass and Ambleside.
The luck of Muncaster
In 1464, after his defeat at the Battle of Hexham, King Henry VI sought refuge at Muncaster and, as a token of his gratitude, gave the Pennington family his glass drinking bowl.
Herdwick Sheep
This hardy hill breed of the central Lakeland fells is ideally suited to withstand the harsh Cumbrian winters.
Tom Fool
In the 1600s, Tom Skelton was the court jester (or fool) at Muncaster, but his exploits earned him a more sinister reputation.

the western lakes has a rich history, brilliantly told

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Buses to and through Ravenglass

Address

Cumbria

Telephone
0871 200 22 33

website@cumbriatourism.org

Buses to and through Ravenglass:
6/X6 Whitehaven - Egremont - Ravenglass - Muncaster Castle - Millom.

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Introduction to Archery with West Lakes Adventure

Address

Woolpack Farm Cottage, Boot, Eskdale Valley, Holmrook, CA19 1TH

Telephone
01946 723753

enquiries@westlakesadventure.co.uk

Eskdale Valley

A two-hour introductory session where you will learn the basics of this fun and rewarding sport. With the beautiful backdrop of the Eskdale valley, we will have you hitting the target in no time. Located at West Lakes Adventure, right next door to…

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Parkgate Farm Holidays

Address

Parkgate Farm, Irton, Eskdale, Holmrook, Cumbria, CA19 1YN

Telephone
019467 26362

stay@parkgatefarmholidays.co.uk

Eskdale, Holmrook

Parkgate Farm currently offers 5 static caravans sleeping 4-6 and a holiday cottages (sleeps 6) netled at the foot of the Eskdale and Wasdale valleys. We welcome families, dogs and groups wanting to enjoy nature, fresh air and dark skies. There…

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Paddleboarding with West Lakes Adventure

Address

Woolpack Farm Cottage, Boot, Eskdale Valley, Holmrook, CA19 1TH

Telephone
01946 723753

enquiries@westlakesadventure.co.uk

Eskdale Valley

Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) is a fantastic fun water activity and is fast becoming a very popular paddlesport! SUP is an exciting & fun sport that can be enjoyed by anyone, you don't need to be super fit or super skilled to take part, it is…

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Camping & Caravanning Club

Address

Camping & Caravanning Club, Boot, Holmrook, Cumbria, CA19 1TH

Telephone
019467 23253

Holmrook

Electric bike charge point

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Santa Express Special Trains at the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway

Address

Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, Ravenglass, Cumbria, CA18 1SW

Telephone
01229 717171

steam@ravenglass-railway.co.uk

Ravenglass

Our magical Santa Express trains make a welcome return in 2022. Join us for a festive treat at the railway, our elves will be on hand at Ravenglass to allocate your seats on the Santa Express. The 40 minute journey to Dalegarth is filled with…

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Extreme Ghyll Scrambling in Eskdale with Path to Adventure

Address

Boot, Cumbria, CA19 1TG

Telephone
01229889183

info@pathtoadventure.co.uk

Boot

Ghyll Scrambling for adventurers! The ultimate all-day adventure - not for the faint hearted! If swimming in crystal clear pools, scaling waterfalls and massive jumps are your thing - LOOK NO FURTHER!!

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
356 reviews
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Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway

Address

Ravenglass, Cumbria, CA18 1SW

Telephone
01229 717171

steam@ravenglass-railway.co.uk

Cumbria

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
1866 reviews
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Muncaster Castle

Address

Ravenglass, Cumbria, CA18 1RQ

Telephone
01229 717614

info@muncaster.co.uk

Ravenglass

Historic haunted Castle home to the Pennington family for 800 years. A 70-acre garden famous for its rhododendrons set against the stunning backdrop of the Lakeland fells. Hawk & Owl Centre home to a diverse collection of birds.

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Seascale to Cold Fell

Address

Cumbria, CA20 1NS

Telephone
01539 822222

website@cumbriatourism.org

Tide to tops....a route with everything from a beach-side spin, quiet villages and the wild and open views of the western fells.

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Harter Fell from Hardknott Pass

Address

Eskdale, Cumbria, CA19 1TG

website@cumbriatourism.org

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…

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Seascale to Wasdale

Address

Cumbria, CA20 1NS

Telephone
01539 822222

website@cumbriatourism.org

Sea to summits....This is a ride that leads from the coast towards the foot of the highest mountain in England.

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Eskdale Mill

Address

Eskdale Mill & Heritage Trust, Eskdale Mill, Boot, Holmrook, Cumbria, CA19 1TG

Telephone
01946723335

manager@eskdalemill.co.uk

Boot, Holmrook

Eskdale Mill is a unique experience, nestled in one of the Lake District's most beautiful locations. This charming site embodies the Lake District’s heritage. It is the last remaining working water-powered corn mill in the Lake District.

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Ghyll Scrambling with West Lakes Adventure

Address

Woolpack Farm Cottage, Boot, Eskdale Valley, Holmrook, CA19 1TH

Telephone
01946 723753

enquiries@westlakesadventure.co.uk

Eskdale Valley

Ghyll scrambling is an exhilarating and fun activity perfect for families or groups who want a challenge, making it one of our most popular activities!
Guided by our highly experienced and qualified instructors, you will make your way up a mountain…

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Hardknott Roman Fort

Address

Hardknott Pass, Eskdale, Cumbria, CA19 1TH

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.

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Ravenglass Railway Museum

Address

Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Co Ltd, Ravenglass, Cumbria, CA18 1SW

Telephone
01229 717171

lisabraithwaite@lakedistrictestates.co.uk

Ravenglass

The history of the Ravenglass and Eskdale railway told with relics, models, photographs and a 20-minute video.

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Stanley Ghyll Force

Address

Dalegarth, Eskdale Valley, Cumbria, CA19 1TD

website@cumbriatourism.org

Eskdale Valley

Deep and narrow gorge on Stanley Ghyll reached via marked route from National Trust car park.

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Cream Tea and Steam Experience at Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway

Address

Ravenglass, Cumbria, CA18 1SW

Telephone
01229 717171

steam@ravenglass-railway.co.uk

Cumbria

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
1866 reviews
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Dalegarth Station

Address

Dalegarth Station, Boot, Cumbria, CA19 1TG

Telephone
01229 717171

Cumbria

Electric bike charge point

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Eskdale Trail

Address

-

website@cumbriatourism.org

Take your bike on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway & bike the return journey through the beatiful Eskdale Valley. The route is virtually traffic free.

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