Itinerary Planner

Ravenglass – Rushing waters and Rugged Coastlines

Discover the rugged beauty of Cumbria’s coastline in the western part of the Lake District, where the mountains meet the sea.  Cumbria’s coastal towns and villages offer all kinds of shoreline adventures and Ravenglass can boast being in not just one, but two World Heritage Sites.

Take a ride into the mountains on the idiosyncratic Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, then visit Muncaster Castle and learn about the family who have resided there for generations.

Tickets and passes

Ask for a great value Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Through Ticket when you purchase an Off-peak Day Return or Anytime Day Return to Ravenglass, either at your start station or from the Conductor on the train (if you start at a station with no ticket office or machine). 

Day 1

Morning

Alight at Ravenglass Station on the Cumbrian Coast. You will have time to explore this seaside village with its stunning vistas later on, but for now cross the platform and head in the obvious direction of Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway. I hope you have your walking boots on!

The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway has shuttled passengers from the sea, into the majestic Western Lakes for over 100 years.

Watch the beautiful scenery as it goes 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. Alight at Dalegarth.

Lunch

Stop in at the Fellbites Station Café to fuel up before you go in search of the splendours of the Western Lakes.

Afternoon

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 foot-high gorge on Stanley Ghyll. Starting from the car park at Dalegarth Station on the Ravenglass-Eskdale Railway, 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 which are rewarded by the sight of the waterfall pool. For the very brave there is a higher viewing platform on an unprotected rocky ledge, where your head for heights will be greatly rewarded. EXTREME CARE IS NEEDED

Retrace your steps and rest your legs on the train back to Ravenglass.

Evening

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 breath-taking sunsets.

Day 2

Morning

Take the short walk 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 tree-line. Dominating the Lake District Coast and bursting with treasures and tales, haunted Muncaster oozes history from every rough stone which fashion the castle walls.

Plants from all over the world, especially 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.
 

Lunch

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.

Afternoon

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.

Evening

After watching these majestic beasts soaring above, return either by the shorter roadside route or the cycleway to Ravenglass, where you can spend another night, or head home.