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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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Lake District Ghyll Scrambling

Address

Wasdale Meet at The Sawmill Cafe, Nether Wasdale, Wasdale, Cumbria, CA20 1ET

Telephone
01946723753

enquiries@westlakesadventure.co.uk

Wasdale

During the season we offer a programme of open taster sessions, these half day sessions will give you the full experience of Lakeland Ghyll Scrambling, where you can expect to be plunging into clear pools, swimming against flowing water, climbing up…

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Ghyll Scrambling Fun in the Western Lakes

Address

West Lakes Adventure, Woolpack Farm Cottage, Boot, Eskdale Valley, Holmrook, CA19 1TH

Telephone
01946723753

enquiries@westlakesadventure.co.uk

Boot, Eskdale Valley

Ghyll scrambling, an exhilarating and fun activity perfect for those who want a challenge! Plunge into clear pools, swim against flowing water, climb up the side of waterfalls, explore caves and slide down water shoots along the way!

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Stand up Paddle Boarding

Address

Wasdale & Wastwater, Wasdale, Seascale, Cumbria, CA20 1ET

Telephone
01946723753

enquiries@westlakeadventure.co.uk

Seascale

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 surprisingly easy to get the hang of!
Our introduction to paddle boarding with one of our qualified instructors…

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Fellbites Cafe & Turntable Cafe at Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway

Address

Ravenglass, Cumbria, CA18 1SW

Telephone
01229 717171

steam@ravenglass-railway.co.uk

Cumbria

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
1745 reviews
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Muncaster Castle

Address

Ravenglass, Cumbria, CA18 1RQ

Telephone
01229 717614

info@muncaster.co.uk

Cumbria

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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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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Scafell Pike Via Cam Spout

Address

Eskdale, Cumbria, CA19 1TG

website@cumbriatourism.org

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…

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Introduction to Kayaking on Wastwater

Address

Wasdale & Wastwater, Wasdale Hall Lodge, Nr Wasdale YHA, Nether Wasdale, Cumbria, CA201ET

Telephone
01946723753

enquiries@westlakesadventure.co.uk

Nr Wasdale YHA, Nether Wasdale

Join one of our taster sessions on Wastwater in the Wasdale Valley, meeting you at the lake side by one of our experienced instructors, these three hour sessions will give you a taste of what kayaking is all about. Embark on a small lake journey,…

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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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Ghyll Scrambling

Address

Wasdale & Wastwater, Wasdale, Seascale, Cumbria, CA20 1ET

Telephone
01946723753

enquiries@westlakesadventure.co.uk

Seascale

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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Halloween Week at Muncaster Castle

Address

Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass, Cumbria, Cumbria, CA18 1RQ

Telephone
01229 717614

info@muncaster.co.uk

Cumbria

** Halloween Week At Muncaster is back! **
Do you dare visit Cumbria's most haunted Castle this Halloween?
Saturday 24th – Saturday 31st October
Open daily 10.30am – til late
Spooky gardens and grounds, bird shows, workshops ideal for children of…

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Cumberland Way

Address

-

website@cumbriatourism.org

An 80 mile walk through the historic county of Cumberland and the Lake District National park starting at Ravenglass and finishing at Appleby in Westmorland.
Guide Book: The Cumberland Way by Paul Hannon. ISBN 1-870141-11-3

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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 facilities…

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1745 reviews
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The Strands Inn

Address

The Strands Inn, Netherwasdale, Seascale, Cumbria, CA20 1ET

Telephone
019467 26237

info@strandshotel.com

Seascale

Electric bike hire point

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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
125 reviews
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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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Kayaking

Address

Wasdale & Wastwater, Wasdale, Seascale, Cumbria, CA20 1ET

Telephone
01946723753

enquiries@westlakesadventure.co.uk

Seascale

Where better to experience and enjoy kayaking for the first time than in the Lake District. Our instructors will coach you through all aspects of operating safely whilst journeying on open water. During your experience we will provide you with the…

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Canoeing on Wastwater

Address

Wasdale & Wastwater, Wasdale Hall Lodge, Nr YHA Wasdale, Nether Wasdale, Cumbria, CA201ET

Telephone
01946723753

enquiries@westlakesadventure.co.uk

Nr YHA Wasdale, Nether Wasdale

Join one of our taster sessions, these half day sessions will give you the full experience of canoeing, all of our canoe sessions take part on Wastwater, the deepest lake in England and located in the beautiful Wasdale Valley.
Minimum Age:…

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Outdoor Activities near Eskdale with Path to Adventure

Address

Boot, HOLMROOK, Cumbria, CA19 1TG

Telephone
01229889183

info@pathtoadventure.co.uk

HOLMROOK

Want something fun and a little bit different this holiday? Try something new and exciting in the adventure playground of the Lake District. Take it at your own pace and make your time with us as action packed or relaxing as you want.

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
125 reviews
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Introduction to Archery

Address

West Lakes Adventure, Woolpack Farm Cottage, Boot, Eskdale Valley, Holmrook, CA19 1TH

Telephone
01946 723753

enquiries@westlakesadventure.co.uk

Boot, 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.

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Ravenglass, Muncaster and Eskdale

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