Ravenglass was once a port dating back to Roman times and on the outskirts of the village is one of the finest bath houses to be found in the north of England. From the port a Roman road led up and over Hardknott Pass (where there was a large fort), leading to Ambleside.

The estuary at Ravenglass is a wonderful place to study birdlife especially wading birds. Before I set off on my present walk I sat on a seat overlooking the estuary and watched a flock of redshanks. They were having their breakfast while I enjoyed my picnic.

How to get there: Those without their own transport can enjoy this route because a train journey is very much a part of this day out. It starts and finishes from Ravenglass Station which links with the Ravenglass and Eskdale narrow gauge railway. To reach Ravenglass by road turn westwards off the busy A595 road connecting Barrow and Carlisle. Follow the signs to the railway where there is plenty pay and display parking.

Information

Map: OS Explorer OL6

Grid Ref: 085 966

Distance: 3.5 miles

Route 1

The narrow gauge railway has always been known locally as ‘Li’l Ratty’ and is a magnificent line heading up into the heart of Eskdale dominated by the Scafell range of mountains. Next to Ratty are old railway carriages which have now been furnished as holiday lets and very pleasant they are especially for those who love railways. Also on site is the Ratty Arms pub, which has only operated since 1974. Before that it was part of the buildings constructed by the Furness Railway Company in the 1950s. During the construction it literally cut the village in half. Ratty itself was built in 1875 to carry iron ore and quarried stone from the high hills to the main line station.

The walk has an easy start because it involves travelling on Ratty to the uppermost station at Dalegarth.

2 Before you book on the train do make sure that you have a copy of the timetable. If you miss the last train you would have to walk six miles down to Ravenglass.

Take the road from Dalegarth Station and turn left to reach the village of Boot. Here there is an 18th Century packhorse bridge close to a restored water powered corn mill, which dates back almost 600 years. Look out for a gate leading up onto a track following Whillan Beck on which there are a number of pretty waterfalls.

3 Around the waterfall area look out for Gill Bank Farm. Gill Bank is obviously private but before the gate to this join a path, which turns gently right and then left. The route is then well marked and leads steeply upwards onto an open fell with the Wasdale mountains ahead. Cross a feeder stream to the Whillan Beck. Turn right and follow a line of strategically placed stones.

4 Approach the pretty little Eel Tarn thus named because it once provided fish for a hungry and protein starved local population. In the summer the tarn is full of waterlilies, the broad floating leaves of which provide resting places for dragonflies. Now descend steeply and continue to follow the line of stones.

5 Approach a minor road on which stands the Woolpack Inn. Turn right and walk along the road to Dalesgarth Station. Return via Ratty to Ravenglass. At the station it is possible to buy a little book based on walks around the railway and written by none other than Wainwright.

Do not miss a final look at the estuary which here feeds into three rivers - the Mite, the Irt and the Esk. These are celebrated in the names of three grand little engines which are kept in good order by skilled men employed in the workshops.

NB: Restrictions on space mean that this article provides a general summary of the route. It is advisable for anyone who plans to follow the walk to take a copy of the relevant Ordnance Survey map.