Enjoy this delightful small village on the Cumbrian coast. From the second century the Romans made full use of it to receive troops and supplies for their fort near the bathhouse and their fort high up the Eskdale valley. Admire all the work that has been put into building the viaduct over the combined waters from the Irt, Esk and Mite. Beyond, while walking the quiet lanes, look for a distant pleasing view of the Lakeland fells.

Park in the main coastal railway line car park, grid reference 085964. To reach this leave the A595 at grid reference 092966, following the signpost for Ravenglass. Pass under the railway bridge, go on along the shore road and continue as it winds left and leads into the large parking area. Or take the train from Barrow/Carlisle to Ravenglass and Eskdale station.

1 Return to the coastal road and turn right to walk along the wide grassy area above the shore. Immediately before the railway bridge, turn left along the signposted narrow footpath. Join the sturdy elevated path, well fenced, right up against the railway banking. Pause as you go to enjoy the wonderful view over the estuary and peer down at the fine brickwork of the viaduct through which rushes the tide, inland, or the water of the rivers Mite, Irt and Esk hurrying out to sea. At the walkway’s end bear left and stroll a track. It soon winds right with saltmarsh stretching away to its left where you might spot curlew and redshanks. Continue until you can join the road at High Saltcoats.

2 Walk inland on the narrow road and turn left at the Y-junction. Stroll the quiet way from where there is a pleasing view of the Lakeland fells. Follow the lane through the fine pastures and when you near Hall Caleton, turn right along a hedged way to pass under a brick railway bridge. A short way along, where the road begins to curve, left, take the signposted track on the right. It is reinforced for a short way and then can be full of puddles after heavy rain, with grassy dry bits that enable you to progress mainly dry-footed. If it becomes impassable, return to the road and carry on to the next junction and turn right. Stroll the quiet lane, passing the end of the track that might be too wet, soon to cross, with care, the railway line at Saltcoats crossing. Carry on down to the shore and retrace your steps over the viaduct and back to the road at the start of Ravenglass village.

3 Turn right and walk through the charming village until you reach the shore at the end of the road. If the tide is out step onto the shore and walk a short way, left. Beyond the second house above to your left, take a track leading into woodland. Follow the good path to the left of a fenced tiny waterworks building. Pass under a very low bridge (remember to duck) and head on along the path to join a narrow metalled road. Bear right along the pleasing way until you reach the remains of the Roman Baths where you will want to pause and use your camera.

4 To return, use the delightful footpath on the right, parallel with the road. It passes through woodland, with sheep pastures stretching away to your right. Eventually it rejoins the narrow road, which you cross to take a path, signposted Ravenglass, with woodland left. This brings you to a footbridge over both the La’al Ratty line and the coastal main line. Pause on the bridge if you are a railway fan and then descend steps on the far side into the car park where you have left your vehicle, or find your way through the car park to the main line station.

Information

Distance: 4.5 or 5.5 miles

Time: 2-3 hours

Terrain: Quiet lanes. Good tracks except for one. If the tide is high and prevents you from walking along the shore, go back to the car park, cross the railway bridge and follow the path to the road. Turn right for the Roman Baths. Then return the same way.

Map: OS Explorer OL 6

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.