Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
Known to the locals as La'al Ratty, this rail line is a great way to leave the car behind and head into the hills.
Plan Around Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
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Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Details
With a station right next to the main Cumbrian west coast line, this is one of the great little railway journeys in the world. The line runs across the Ravenglass estuary, through the hills, past seven request stops with a 1:40 gradient at times, to its final destination some seven miles up the line to Dalegarth for Boot Station. The journey itself crosses seven miles of spectacular scenery to the foot of England's highest mountains, the Scafell Range (3,209 feet) at their peak. The Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway is one of the oldest and longest narrow gauge railways in England, known affectionately as La'al Ratty meaning, "little railway" in old Cumbrian dialect. It was 100 years ago in April 1913 that the original 3 feet line closed and in 1915 the new 15 inches La'al Ratty was born. The heritage steam engines transport passengers from Ravenglass, the only coastal village in the Lake District National Park and of huge significance in Roman times, being a significant last defence point of the infamous Hadrian's Wall, to Dalegarth for Boot some 210ft above sea level. The journey takes 40 minutes up the line from the protected nature reserves of the Ravenglass Estuary through ancient woodlands and fells of the Eskdale Valley. En route keep your eyes peeled for Greylag Geese, Curlew, Shelduck, Red Squirrels and Buzzards. The cosy covered and open top carriages provide the best of comfort and views as you travel up the line. On arrival there is something for everyone, with a cafe serving home-made treats and gift shop with plenty of trails and walks to explore in this beautiful corner of the Lake District National Park. "Britain's Favourite View", Wastwater is just around the corner. Dogs are welcome to travel on the railway (small charge applies). Grid Reference: SD 08573 96519 Address (near): Main St, Ravenglass CA18 1SW, UK
Difficulty
Low
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Nearby Parks Around Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
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Nearby Points of Interest Around Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway while the map context is still fresh.
0.5 mi away
Ravenglass Roman Bathhouse
This is one of the best-preserved Roman military bathhouses in Britain.
1.1 mi away
Muncaster Castle
The Hawk and Owl Center on the grounds focuses on conservation and allows visitors to get up-close with some of these birds.
1.1 mi away
Cumblands Farm Caravans and Camping
This working farm in the western Lake District offers three cottages converted from farm buildings.
2.9 mi away
Barnscar Romano-British Farmstead
A large Roman settlement.
4.2 mi away
Mecklin Park cairnfield
This area features a number of burial mounds, standing stones, and possible hut circles.
