The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway is a beautiful steam railway set in the wonderful Cumbrian scenery. The Ravenglass railway is one of the longest and oldest narrow gauge railways in England. It spans Ravenglass, the only coastal village in the Lake District National Park, across the estuary, through the hills, past seven request stops with a 1:40 gradient at times, and seven miles up the track to Dalegarth for Boot Station is the end of the line. The journey itself was one of Wainwright’s favourites, crossing seven miles of spectacular scenery to the foot of England’s highest mountains, the Scafell Range (3,209ft) at their peak.
Come along for a breathtaking seven-mile adventure starting at Ravenglass – the only coastal village located within the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage site known as The Lake District National Park. Embark on a voyage that traverses the estuary, winds through the hills, and passes by seven unique request stops, all leading to our ultimate destination: Dalegarth Station.
The Route
- Ravenglass station
- Muncaster Mill
- Miteside Halt
- Murthwaite Halt
- Irton Road
- The Green
- Fisherground Halt
- Beckfoot
- Dalegarth for Boot
Walks
If you would like to follow our walk route you can find it on our Ravenglass walk page. A brief description: “This walk is an easy family walk in the beautiful coastal village of Ravenglass, a small part of the Cumbrian Coast which falls within the Lake District National Park.”
Ravenglass Railway History
A brief excerpt from the history:” The Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway was originally built way back in 1873 and was commercially opened on the 24th May 1875. The Railway’s main purpose was to transport hematite iron ore, which was being mined in the hills above the village of Boot, down to Ravenglass, where it could be transferred onto the Furness Railway’s mainline to Barrow. The Railway was also open to passenger traffic (beginning in 1876) and was built to the narrow gauge of 3ft between the rails; this made the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway the first public narrow gauge Railway in England!”
Things to do
The railway includes amenities such as The Turntable Café, Ravenglass Gift Shop, Information Centre, Railway Museum, Cycle Trails, Fellbites Café, Scafell Gift Shop, The Eskdale Room, The Ratty Arms, Free Wi-Fi, Free commentary app and Children’s Playgrounds. Both stations have private function rooms and catering facilities which are ideal for private functions, parties and conferences.
opening details
Ravenglass is open daily in the February half term, then from mid-March until November. It is also open at weekends and Santa special days in December (Check their site for further details). Open through Boxing Day – New Year period. Please see our website for more detailed information.
Address and contact info
Ravenglass,
Cumbria,
CA18 1SW
[email protected]
prices
Adult Return (unlimited travel for the day) = £13.20
Child Return (aged 5-15 inclusive – unlimited travel for the day) = £6.60
Child (under 5) = FREE
Adult Single = £7.20
Child Single (aged 5-15 inclusive) = £3.60
Family Return – (2 adults & 2 children – unlimited travel for the day) = £37.00
Ratty Rover Pass (Five full days of unlimited travel) Adult = £40.00 Child = £20.00, Family (2 adults & 2 children) = £110.00
Dogs = £1.50 per journey
Cycles = £3.50 per journey (Cycles must be pre-booked)
Fantastic group rates
The prices are correct as of publication, but check their website for up to date information.