28 June 2018
Did you know you can reach the beautiful west coast of the Lake District on a scenic rail journey from Barrow, Lancaster, Carlisle and beyond? And with the new Sunday train timetable on the Cumbrian Coast Line, it’s the perfect time to ditch the car and enjoy Sunday strolls, cycle rides or hill walks in the spectacular Western Lake District.There are three stations in the National Park: Ravenglass, Bootle and Silecroft.
To celebrate National Green Transport week, I'm sharing some of my top ideas to have a World Class #LakeDistrictSummer:
Although Muncaster Castle is one and a half miles from Ravenglass railway station, there is an easy walk on peaceful tracks full of history to take you up the hill to the Castle gateway. Follow the signs to the Roman Bathhouse behind the play area then continue past the bathhouse and turn left at the next two junctions, following Eskdale Trail signs. The track climbs up through woodlands then fields to bring you out at the Castle entry booth.
With stunning views, the Eskdale Trail is an eight mile cycling route from Dalegarth to Ravenglass. Catch the Ratty up the line and cycle down. See our Eskdale Trail map and details of the route.
This is a must try for all you advanced walkers. You can capture the whole Lake District and the Irish Sea with the tremendous views this route has to offer! Plan your route using an OS map and enjoy the adventure!
Travelling on the Ratty on the Ravengalss and Eskdale railway is a big favourite for my family and there are walks for all ages from stations along its seven mile length. Muncaster Fell, Blea Tarn and down to the stepping stones at St Catherine’s church are all favourites. The walks are so good that the legendary Wainwright himself wrote a ‘Walks from the Ratty’ book, available from Ravenglass and Dalegarth stations. Check out their walking pages.
We have two accessible Miles Without Stiles routes from Ravenglass, one across the estuary to Saltcoats and another to the Roman Bath House.
We also have a route from the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway at Dalegarth, taking in some lovely paths, old and new which have recently been made more accessible through the Boot Riverside Access Project.
It’s about a mile along a quiet road from Silecroft station to the lovely quiet beach, for picnics on the sand.
Join us for a guided walk from Ravenglass or from the Ratty in Eskdale. There are lots to choose from, including the Esk Estuary Escapade which includes crossing the estuary by boat from Ravenglass, Steam to the Hills, a walk and ride on the Ratty and the Miterdale Meander that can be reached from Irton Road station.
The rail timetable can be found here. There are frequent services seven days a week so you can enjoy a day, weekend or longer in the Western Lake District.
Share your photos with us using #LakeDistrictSummer on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Sustainable Transport Adviser
Lake District National Park
