Coastline of the Lake District National Park

Although the Lake District National Park in Cumbria is well known for its mountain and lakes, it is a lesser known that it also includes a stretch of coastline. The south-western corner of the national park includes just over 3 miles of coastline, stretching from Drigg just above Ravenglass in the north to Silecroft in the south. The area between coast and fell has many interesting attractions which include the village of Ravenglass. evidence of the Roman occupation of the area, the narrow-gauge Ravenglass to Eskdale railway, Muncaster Castle and Eskmeals Nature Reserve.

Ravenglass Roman Bath-house

Ravenglass is situated at the confluence of three rivers – the Esk, the Mite and the Irt. And it was here that the Romans built a fort, known as Glannoventa, to protect Hadrian’s Wall. Remains of the Roman Bath-house, which lies to the north east of the fort, are still visible today and are just a short 15 minute walk from Ravenglass. The website lakedistrict-walks.co.uk includes some excellent photographs of the Roman Bath-house. English Heritage maintain the Bath-house and more information can be found on their website.

Ravenglass to Eskdale Railway

Ravenglass is perhaps better known for being the terminus of the Ravenglass to Eskdale narrow-gauge railway. Here you can enjoy a ride through the scenic countryside on a steam locomotive. The railway runs throughout the year with but with a reduced service in the winter months. You can find out more and book tickets on the Ravenglass railway here – ravenglass-railway.co.uk.

Eskmeals Nature Reserve

The Eskmeals nature reserve is a coastal nature relocated to the south of Ravenglass. It is best to explore the flora and fauna on foot. Here you may be lucky enough to view Oystercatcher’s, Stonechat’s and Ringed Plover’s. You would be especially lucky to see the Natterjack Toad, which is a rarity in the rest of Britain, and are usually found amongst the sand dunes. Here you will also find the attractive Seaholly thistle with its purple flowers.

Off the coast is Cumbria’s own reef, constructed from sand by the Honeycomb Worm. The reefs are exposed at low tide and are between thirty and fifty centimetres tall. They are fragile structures and should not be walked on. 

You can found out more about the nature reserve at  www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/eskmeals-dunes.html

Visiting Ravenglass

Along the coast you can experience the dramatic contrast between the high fells and the open sea. One of the best ways to enjoy this diverse landscape is by rail. At the time of writing it is possible to get a rail ticket that allows you to take a circular journey around the Lake District and Cumbria, taking in much of the western coastline. Alternatively, Ravenglass is just over 40 miles from Keswick, and 36 miles from Ambleside, both journeys taking about an hour.

Stay In The Lake District

In order to enjoy all that the Lake District has to offer, you really need to stay for an extended period of time. One of the best ways to do this is by taking a self catering holiday. There are many Lake District cottages to choose from and we would recommend www.lakelandcottages.co.uk for cottages in the northern Lake District, or visit the Ravenglass village website ravenglassvillage.co.uk for local accommodation.