The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, known locally as La'al Ratty, runs for about seven miles from the coastal village of Ravenglass up the green, wooded valley of Eskdale to Dalegarth station near Boot, at the foot of some of the highest fells in England. The line began in the 1870s as a three-foot gauge track to carry iron ore down from the Eskdale mines, and it was later rebuilt as a fifteen-inch gauge passenger railway, becoming a much-loved heritage attraction after a preservation society rescued it in the 1960s. Today the trains are hauled by steam and diesel locomotives pulling small open and closed carriages, and the journey takes about forty minutes each way, rattling through oak woods, past farms and beside the River Esk with the crags of the Scafell range rising ahead. Ravenglass itself is a tiny estuary village, the only coastal settlement in the National Park, with an old harbour, a Roman bath house nearby and a small railway museum. The button on this page leads to the railway's joint ticket with Muncaster Castle and Gardens, which suits anyone planning a long day on the western side of the Lakes.
Why ride it
This is the most relaxed way to see Eskdale, and it works for people of all ages and abilities. The carriages are small, the speed is gentle, and the scenery changes from estuary mud and sea air to hanging woods and high fell. Children enjoy the toy-like trains, enthusiasts enjoy the engines, and walkers use the railway as a way to link two stations with a route on foot. It is a useful and charming piece of transport rather than a theme park ride.
Walking from Dalegarth
The end of the line is the start of many walks. A short path leads to Stanley Ghyll Force, a waterfall in a wooded ravine, and Boot village, with its old watermill and pubs, is a short stroll away. Longer routes climb towards Scafell and Harter Fell, and the valley offers lower walks beside the river that are ideal for a family in winter. Many visitors ride up, walk, have lunch and ride back, which makes a satisfying day with minimal driving.
Winter practicalities
The railway runs a reduced timetable outside the main season, and some days have no trains at all, so check the running days before you travel and consider a joint day with Muncaster Castle. Carriages are partly open and can be cold, so wrap up, though some are enclosed. The journey over the Lake District passes to reach Ravenglass can be demanding in winter, so allow extra time or arrive by train on the Cumbrian Coast line, which stops at Ravenglass station next to the narrow-gauge platform.
Making a day of it
Start in Ravenglass with a look at the harbour and the railway museum, ride up to Dalegarth, walk to the waterfall, return by train and finish at Muncaster Castle. The whole outing suits families and anyone who likes slow, scenic travel, and it is one of the best wet-weather plans in the west because the carriages and the station cafés keep you out of the worst of it.
What to expect
The experience
A seven-mile narrow-gauge ride between Ravenglass on the coast and Dalegarth in Eskdale, with steam and diesel trains and open and covered carriages.
Best time
A clear day for the fell views, with a walk from Dalegarth; a reduced timetable applies in winter so check running days.
How long
About 40 minutes each way, so two to three hours for the return ride, longer with a walk.
Tips
Check running days, wrap up for open carriages, and consider a joint day with Muncaster Castle.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families, rail fans and anyone who wants a slow, scenic ride into a quiet valley.
- Families
- Small, open carriages and real steam engines are a hit with children, and the waterfall walk at Dalegarth is short.
- Couples
- Ride up, walk to the waterfall, have lunch in Boot and ride back at dusk.
- Pair with
- Muncaster Castle and Gardens, Hardknott Roman Fort and the Eskdale walks.
- Time needed
- Three hours for the ride and a short walk, or a full day with the castle.
Good questions
How long is the journey?+
The line runs about seven miles and takes around 40 minutes each way between Ravenglass and Dalegarth in Eskdale.
Does the railway run in winter?+
It runs a reduced timetable outside the main season and does not run every day, so check the running days before you travel.
Are the carriages heated?+
Some carriages are enclosed, but many are partly or fully open, so wrap up warmly, especially on cold, windy days.
What can I do at the top end?+
Dalegarth station is the start of a short walk to Stanley Ghyll Force waterfall and close to Boot village, with its watermill and pubs.
Can I combine it with Muncaster Castle?+
Yes. The railway sells a joint ticket with Muncaster Castle and Gardens, and the castle is a few minutes from Ravenglass station.
