Itinerary Planner

Cumbrian Coastal Route - Section 3 - Haverigg to Seascale - Where the Lakes Meet the Sea

Route: A595

Miles: 21

Route Guide and GPX File

Discover the rugged beauty of Cumbria’s coastline in the western part of the Lake District, where the mountains meet the sea. These are Cumbria's heartlands, rich with myths, legends and traditions. Here coastal towns and villages offer all kinds of shoreline adventures, whether it's exploring the Roman and Norse history or the wilder sections of the coast.

Our half-way point of Ravenglass can boast of being in not just one, but two World Heritage Sites. From here you can take a ride into the mountains on the unique and charming Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, followed by a visit to Muncaster Castle to learn about the family (and Ghosts) who have resided there for generations.

Follow the A595 from Haverigg, towards Ravenglass. Just a stones throw from Haverigg lies Silecroft Beach. If you carefully follow the brown signs from the road you come out right next to the open expanse of the Irish Sea. Overlooked by the brooding Black Combe it's a very unique setting. There are some great walks from here up Black Combe and the views from the top are amazing on a clear day.

When you are ready head back on the A595 to Ravenglass, passing through lots of interesting little hamlets on the way. The car park in the centre of the village offers a great place from which to explore. Just across the road is the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway. This railway has shuttled passengers from the sea to the majestic western lakes for over 100 years.

Watch the beautiful scenery go by and keep your eyes peeled for sea birds and red squirrels along the way. This 40-minute journey was one of Alfred Wainwright's favourites; crossing through seven miles of spectacular scenery within sight of England’s highest mountains, the Scafell Range. Their new observatory carriages are a great way to make the most of the views.

If you fancy taking in one of the areas newest challenges then alight at Dalegarth. Stop in at the Fellbites Station Café to fuel up before you take the short walk from Dalegarth Station to Stanley Ghyll Force, one of Lakeland's loveliest and much-photographed waterfalls. The waterfall tumbles over a dramatic, deep and narrow 60-feet-high gorge on Stanley Ghyll. Starting from the car park at Dalegarth Station, take the turning to the falls marked after Eskdale vicarage. About 1.5 miles along the lane enter the wood and then walk upstream and up the steps to the right. There are some steep hikes that are rewarded by the sight of the waterfall pool. If you have a head for heights there is a brand-new viewing platform protruding from a rocky ledge, where you can see the ground drop away below you. Not for the faint hearted. 

The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway is a great way to access nearby walks. From Dalegarth station there are footpaths through the Wasdale valley to scenic Wastwater, or a great alternative route up Scarfell Pike. Be sure to #BeAdventureSmart by knowing the weather forecast, carrying the right kit and matching your experience to the conditions – click HERE to learn more.

After the ride back, take some time to explore Ravenglass. Pop to the Inn at Ravenglass and tuck into fresh locally landed fish and seafood, soak up the great views over the estuary and kick back and relax as you take in the breathtaking sunsets.

Take the short walk (or ride) to Muncaster Castle via the Eskdale Cycle Trail (signed from the station). This 30-40-minute walk takes in the Roman bath house, one of the tallest Roman remains in Britain.

You cannot miss Muncaster Castle as its impressive shape rises out of the treeline. Dominating the Lake District Coast and bursting with treasures and tales, haunted Muncaster oozes history from every rough stone that forms the castle walls.

Plants from all over the world, particularly the Sino-Himalayan region, nestle in the wild splendour of over 70 acres of gardens with the dramatic backdrop of the glorious Lakeland fells. Many rare and unusual trees and plants flourish here. Whatever the time of the year there is always something in flower spectacular Rhododendron, Camellia and Azalea collections blend with majestic mature trees and parkland.

Explore at leisure. Tuck into lunch at Creeping Kate’s café, located in the castle’s former stables and aptly named for one of the family’s most successful racehorses.

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, all year-round.

With so much on your doorstep, you will loath to move on. However, it's well worth the short journey on to Seascale. Get back on the A595 and after a short while take the B5344 towards Seascale. In Victorian times this was a busy seaside resort and it still offers a stunning beach and walks that lead into the nearby countryside. The seafront has a jetty, a fort complete with cannon and fully rigged mast, plus a human sundial. Its a great place to potter about, enjoy the odd ice cream (or two) and even partake in a round of golf.