Sunday 7th June – Eskdale to Ravenglass ‘Steam up the Valley’

Date: Sunday 7^th June

Leader: Mark

Meet time: 09.30am

Start time: 09.45am

Estimated finish time: 16:00 (or earlier)

Distance: 8-9 miles

Ascent: approx. 300m

Ramblers walk grading: Moderate

Start point: Castle Car Park, Muncaster. Large open car park, free (grid ref SD 095 966, postcode CA18 1RD).

What3Words: ///blinks.hound.shocked

Please Register using the form at the bottom of the event page if you intend to join the walk.

Car parking: Large open car park, free (grid ref SD 095 966, postcode CA18 1RD)
(Car sharing may be possible – please contact the walk leader to arrange)

It is the responsibility of each walker to make sure they understand where to park. If you are not sure where the car parking/meeting point is, you must contact the walk leader at the latest the day before the walk. You should not rely on mobile phones or postcodes. There is often no mobile reception near walk meeting points and postcodes are for the nearest place nearby but should only serve as a guideline. Please allow plenty of time to find a parking space so that walks can start promptly.

IMPORTANT!

Mark, the walk leader, will be purchasing a group ticket. If there are 10 or more people signed up by Thursday then the price reduces to £10 per person. On the day of the walk those who join will pay Mark £10 (ideally cash) to reimburse for the group ticket purchase.

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Description: This is a linear route where we take the steam train up the valley and walk back. The Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway is ideally suited to outdoor activities and is a great way to start the walk.

Route: We start with a walk down to Ravenglass station – about 15 minutes. We then board the 10.30 am train with a choice of open air or enclosed carriages and take the 7-mile steam-hauled journey to the top of the line, climbing from sea level to 210 feet on some steep gradients, skirting the base of Muncaster Fell and then following the base of the Eskdale crags arriving at Dalegarth at 11.10 am.

We set off by traversing Boot village, passing the only remaining working water mill in the Lake District (the water wheel is visible from the footpath) and up onto the old trackbed where the railway used to terminate. We continue on the footpath from Beckfoot up the Eskdale crags, with superb vistas opening out to the West Cumbrian mountains, the Hardknott Pass and ahead to the sea. A path takes us back down to The Green station where there are picnic tables and a good spot for lunch.

After lunch we set off through Eskdale Green and take the path up Muncaster Fell. The craggy fell offers views in all directions – north to Sellafield, south to Black Combe and west across the Irish Sea. The trig point is at 231 metres, the ‘Eskdale Trail’ then leads us past Muncaster Tarn hidden in the trees, back down to Muncaster and finally to our start/end point.

Steam train tickets: a single journey costs £17. If you are a resident of LA7-LA23 or all CA postcodes you can apply for a free local resident’s pass giving 25% off the ticket. Information here: https://ravenglass-railway.co.uk/plan-your-visit/timetables-and-fares. (I’m also trying to find out if they do group tickets.)

Please check the weather and bring appropriate clothing (waterproofs and spare warm clothing), footwear and enough food and water. The leader reserves the right to turn away any walker not suitably equipped. The leader may cancel the walk or modify the route dependent on conditions.

New members: please note the walk leader may ask for more information about your walking experience. This is to ensure you have the fitness required to complete the walk that is planned safely.