RAVENGLASS & ESKDALE RAILWAY

GROUP & EDUCATION PRESS PACK 2014

DO THE LOCOMOTION WITH R&E!

January 1, 2014

Locomotion’s Heaven Will Thrill Group Visitors In 2014

The endearing and much-loved and Eskdale Railway will be continuing to thrill groups visiting the Lake District in 2014, with both its regular narrow gauge services and a packed events programme, which might just give a group an added reason to visit.

Twelve exciting events add to the romantic experience of travelling by steam along the longest narrow gauge railway track in , through hidden valleys and awe-inspiring landscapes on an amazing seven-mile journey. Events range from wildlife days, including an RSPB Activity Weekend (June 7 and 8) and a Conservation Day (October 12), to a Family Fun Weekend (May 3-5) and a visit from Postman Pat® (October 4 and 5).

Ravenglass and Dalegarth for Boot are the two stations between which Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway gives passengers a really memorable day and atmospheric journey. Ravenglass is the Lake District’s only coastal village and Dalegarth, nestles close to ’s tallest mountains near the village of Boot.

Groups of railway enthusiasts always find much to thrill them at the line known locally as ‘The Ratty’, but this year they can get up close to the locomotives Bonnie Dundee and Synolda, which will be on static display at the Family Fun Weekend.

Other group visitors to the Railway are often to be seen wearing walking boots – and little wonder! There are many trails and walks to explore from the Railway, whether you are brandishing binoculars and in search of birds, or wandering in search of a waterfall.

Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway has its own little gem of a walks booklet in the form of ‘Walks From Ratty’. This was especially written for the Railway by renowned walker, Arthur Wainwright, and it features 10 detailed and illustrated walks, each of which starts and ends at a station on The Ratty’s line.

A day out with Ravenglass and Eskdale gives a group the opportunity to drink in stunning scenery, while enjoying the longest and oldest steam railway journey in the Lake District. Passengers are always engrossed in their trip, which features a 1:55 gradient at times and highlights such as Rock Point, hidden Miterdale and the mighty Scafell range.

Whether dropping 20 feet to the valley of the River Esk, or slowly climbing the track, there is something to talk about en route throughout the tranquil journey.

Services on the Railway start to run again, following a short winter break, during February half term 2014, with a full service commencing in the middle of March and going right through to November 2. During late November and December, the Santa trains run for children and schools and services carry on through the Christmas and New Year period before the locos are allowed to have a little rest.

Added to all this are some new developments for 2014. There are new interpretation line panels at key stations thanks to funding from the Hadrian’s Wall Trust and a brand new commentary App to download from www.ravenglass-railway.co.uk or the Railway’s social media pages. Using these tools, you can find out much more about the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway. Additionally, there is free wi-fi available in both cafes now and also a new webcam at Ravenglass.

Bring your group to the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway and you’ll have a great day out that’s full of memories. More details are at www.ravenglass-railway.co.uk or available by ringing 01229 717171, or emailing [email protected]

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Press calls: Jane Hunt, Catapult PR, 01253 891114 – [email protected]

New Features At ‘The Ratty’ For 2014!

The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, known locally in the Western Lake District as ‘The Ratty’, has introduced some brand new features for 2014.

New interpretation and information panels have been installed at the stations of Ravenglass, Dalegarth for Boot, The Green, Fisherground Halt, Irton Road and Beckfoot Halt. These all explain a little bit about the area around the station and provide visitors with some historic background too.

At Ravenglass, visitors can read about the Roman fort at Glannaventa and the Eskmeal Dunes, while also learning about wildlife, cycling and the First World War original Pullman coaches that provide unique holiday accommodation.

At Dalegarth, there is reference to Scafell Pike, the Eskdale Corn Mill and Hardknott Fort. The Green’s panel informs the visitor about great train photography opportunities, exciting walks and some of the buildings in the village, while at Fisherground, the emphasis is on where the locos can have a drink (at a water tank), and on the wealth of local wildlife.

Irton Road’s panel presents the history of the station and references Irton Hall, while Beckfoot Halt’s explains the former importance of iron ore mining in the area and the role of the Beckfoot Quarry.

Other new features introduced by the Ravenglass and Eskdale are free wi-fi both at the Turntable Café in Ravenglass and the Fellbites Café at Dalegarth and a new commentary App, which passengers and visitors can download for free, to get more information about the Railway and its local area. This can be downloaded from www.ravenglass-railway.co.uk or the Railway’s social media pages, from which a new webcam at Ravenglass can also be accessed.

Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway’s marketing manager, Rachel Bell, says: “Our visitors and passengers are always hungry for more information about The Ratty, because it is such a lovely and very different steam railway, travelling through some amazing countryside, on a long 7-mile line. To satisfy the curiosity of our visitors, we have created information panels for those who wish to learn the traditional way and an App for those who prefer more modern ways of learning. With free wi-fi too, passengers can always get online while enjoying a refreshment or meal and access any other information they seek.”

The Ratty will start its services again during February half term, which will give passengers the first opportunity to use the new features and not only travel by steam, but also satisfy a hunger for more facts and figures. ENDS

25 Reasons Why You Should Let Your Group Do The Locomotion With R&E

1. The R&E has a great events programme to enjoy all year round. 2. The line has a heritage stretching back to 1875, when it began life as a three-foot gauge line. 3. Locomotives at the Railway have featured in the Thomas the Tank Engine series. 4. Locomotive is the oldest working 15” gauge locomotive in the world (built in 1894) while Northern Rock (1976) is the most powerful. 5. The line has an exciting 1:55 gradient for the locos to tackle, plus other challenges, such as twists and turns and rises and falls that all passengers can appreciate during their journey. 6. You will journey through hidden valleys such as Miterdale and Eskdale – the latter being much appreciated by the poet William Wordsworth and Alfred Wainwright, who described it as one of the loveliest of Lakeland valleys. 7. You can travel in an open carriage, an open-sided carriage, or a cosy covered saloon. 8. There is a free line guide for all passengers, a visitor guide for tour leaders and a Meet and Greet service available on request. 9. There are two excellent cafes serving homemade food and two well-stocked gift shops too. You can have reserved café seating for your group and access special group menus as well, if you book ahead. 10. Your journey lasts seven miles – the longest narrow gauge heritage steam train trip in the Lake District – taking 40 minutes each way. 11. The Railway is only 60 minutes from the M6, Junction 40 to the North and Junction 36 to the South and just 50 minutes from the Central Lakes. 12. There is free parking for coaches at Ravenglass. 13. Your group can be assured of level access from the coach to the platforms, cafes, toilets, shops and trains and the carriages are designed to accommodate wheelchairs. 14. You can reserve carriage seating for your group and choose from different reserve options. 15. Drivers and guides travel and eat free. 16. There are toilet facilities at both ends of the line. 17. You can access bespoke interest tours on request, combining train travel with a tour of the Railway’s Museum at Ravenglass. 18. You can visit at any time from March to November and there are also winter trains on specified dates, which can offer you festive food options as an add-on. 19. Your group will start its journey in a coastal nature reserve and end it at the foot of England’s highest mountains. 20. There’s a wide variety of flora and fauna to spot en route, from whitebeam and oystercatchers, to sessile oak and kingfishers and red squirrels and roe deer. 21. Your group can take a unique ‘Walk from Ratty’ following up to 10 special routes written for the Railway by famous walker, Alfred Wainwright. Each one starts and ends at one of our stations.. 22. Your group can see a waterfall that can more than rival Aira Force, if you visit Dalegarth Force on one of the Walks From Ratty. 23. Kids can play in the excellent children’s playground at Dalegarth, which was opened by HRH Princess Alexandra. There are picnic and play areas at both Ravenglass and Dalegarth. 24. You can explore Roman history at Ravenglass, by visiting a Roman bath house during your day out. 25. You can find out key stations by reading new line panels installed for the 2014 season.

Lake District Estates’ Attractions To Fly Two Flags For The Commonwealth

Lake District visitor attractions, Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway and Ullswater ‘Steamers’ have been honoured by becoming two of only nine sites in Cumbria to be chosen to fly special Commonwealth flags on Commonwealth Day, March 10 2014.

The ‘Fly a Flag for the Commonwealth’ initiative has been created to celebrate the amazing and influential family of nations that spans all the continents of the world. It is marketing the true value of the Commonwealth as an increasingly multi-cultural world seeks unity, understanding and tolerance.

Organisers have selected locations across the UK and beyond that are significant, strategic and eye-catching. Other flags will be flying at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow (July 23- August 4).

Lake District Estates, which runs both Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway and Ullswater ‘Steamers’, has been given two flags to fly. Another seven flags are to be distributed to the county, these going to Cumbria County Council, Carlisle City Council, Allerdale Borough Council, Barrow Borough Council, Copeland Borough Council, Eden District Council and South Lakeland District Council.

The HM Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria, Mrs Claire Hensman, will present the flags to Lake District Estates on February 10, one month before they will both proudly fly. The presentation will be made at ______at 10am and ______will receive them on behalf of both attractions.

Jim Walker, CEO of Lake District Estates says: “We are honoured to have been selected to fly two of the Commonwealth flags and believe we have locations that certainly fit the eye- catching criteria, with both of our attractions operating against stunning backdrops.

“We welcome visitors each year from across the Commonwealth, so hope that our flags will have special significance for these overseas visitors. Our attractions’ joint motto is ‘One Happy Family’, which we hope conveys the spirit of the Commonwealth that we shall be celebrating with these very special flags.”

The Commonwealth is made up of fifty-four sovereign states working together in mutual support towards shared goals of democracy, development and respect for diversity. It includes some of the world’s largest, smallest, richest and poorest countries, with two billion citizens drawn from all faiths and ethnicities, half of them under 25 years old. ENDS

Press calls: Jane Hunt, Catapult PR, 01253 891114 – [email protected] Catering For The Needs Of Your Group

Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway caters for the needs of groups, which it has been working with for many years.

Some of what we can offer is, however, new and that includes the new Turntable Café on Platform 1 at Ravenglass. This is built on the site of the original three-foot gauge building and, despite its historic roots, it serves modern and contemporary food that is all homemade and delicious to taste thanks to much of it having a local provenance.

Whether you choose light bites, or Northern Rock freshly baked cakes, you won’t be disappointed, whether you decide to let your group take in food and refreshments at Ravenglass, or in the Fellbites Café at Dalegarth for Boot.

You can reserve either the upper floor of the Turntable Café, or the lower floor of the Fellbites Cafe. Up to 50 can be seated in the reserved vaulted seating area at Ravenglass and up to 60 at Dalegarth, where there are also extra tables available in the Eskdale Room.

At Ravenglass there is level access from the car park to the shop, ticket office side entrance, trains and toilets. At Dalegarth, there is level access from the platform to the Fellbites Café, the Scafell Gift Shop and toilets. There is also a ramped walkway giving access to the car park and lower ground of the Eskdale Room.

Café group menus are available, for a minimum of 10 persons, to suit your day’s itinerary, whether you want an early brunch or a quintessential English Cream Tea. Food options just need to be booked in advance, along with reserved seating.

We now have free wi-fi in both cafes, so your group can always catch up with their messages and information needs while dining or enjoying a refreshment.

Group numbers need to be confirmed seven days prior to your visit and any minors are the responsibility of the group organiser or tour operator.

Our group-friendly team are always happy to discuss your requirements, so please contact them by emailing [email protected] or by calling 01229 717171.

Let Others Do The Locomotion With R&E!

Cumbrian heritage railway, The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, offers exciting options and a perfect backdrop for any form of celebration, whether that’s a wedding, anniversary or birthday.

The Railway offers a range of different private charter and carriage options and can provide reserved carriage seating with a variety of indoor and outdoor options, according to the group’s wishes and needs.

Weddings on the Railway are very special occasions, with an engine provided, complete with a complimentary wedding header board, to transport your party up and down the line. Your very different wedding can include a special footplate photo opportunity, pictures in front of your engine and, of course, a very special wedding breakfast or a delicious afternoon tea.

Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway has private function rooms available for hire at both ends of the line, which can be hired with or without a carriage option and journey on the line. Both rooms can accommodate up to 60 people.

Bespoke catering options are available to all groups numbering more than 10 people, allowing you to plan the ideal menu to suit the group’s day.

Private charter hires of a steam or diesel engine see the organiser returning home with a very special memory – the bespoke engine header board that we will use on your chartered train during its journey.

For smaller functions, there is also the option to hire two private carriages. The Eskdale Belle can accommodate up to 16 and is ideal for a smaller wedding party, or those celebrating anniversaries or engagements. With small dining tables, your party can toast the couple at the centre of their celebrations while travelling up the idyllic 7-mile line.

Press calls: Jane Hunt, Catapult PR, 01253 891114 – [email protected]

Do The Locomotion And Discover Some Fabulous Engines!

Many groups and railway enthusiasts head to the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway each year just to see its fabulous engines, each of which has its own history and story to tell. To help you appreciate our lovely locos, read on …

River Irt – the green steam locomotive with a black and yellow lining - is the oldest working 15” gauge locomotive in the world and was originally called ‘Muriel’ when built by Sir Arthur Heywood at Duffield Bank, Derbyshire. It worked at the Eaton Hall Railway at one point and saw service at a munitions factory in Gretna before arriving at Ravenglass in 1917. ‘Muriel’ was renamed after being rebuilt in 1927, when the newly named River Irt became the mainstay of passenger operations. A taller chimney was added in the 1970s, to help River Irt look more attractive. This engine is named after the river that flows from Wastwater in , down to the sea at Ravenglass, at the confluence of the rivers Irt, Esk and Mite.

River Esk – the black steam locomotive – was designed by Henry Greenly and built in 1923 by Davey Paxman of Colchester. It is named after one of the rivers flowing through the Eskdale valley, through which it travels. This locomotive originally worked like a Trojan, hauling heavy stone from Beckfoot Quarry to Murthwaite for crushing, as well as carrying passengers. Its valve gear was replaced in 1928 and a new tender fitted in 1970. For many years, this locomotive was painted green, but it currently bears the Blackberry black livery with red, off- white and black lining, of the London & North Western Railway,

River Mite – the red steam locomotive – bears the Indian Red livery of the old Furness Railway and is lined in black and vermillion. It made history and headlines when hauled from York to Ravenglass by traction engine in December 1966. It came into commission in May 1967 and its arrival made it possible to run a longer and more intensive summer service. Built by Clarksons of York in 1966, it is owned by the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Preservation Society, who raised funds for its construction, and has a similar appearance to River Esk, whose old steam tender was used during the build. The river Mite, from which the loco takes its name, runs virtually parallel to the Railway for over three miles out of Ravenglass. The current River Mite is the second loco of that name at Ravenglass. The first was built in 1928 out of parts taken from three of the miniature engines in service after the Ravenglass and Eskdale line was re-gauged to 15”. This original loco found it difficult to tackle the steep gradients of the Ravenglass to Dalegarth line and was withdrawn from service in 1937 and scrapped.

Northern Rock – the Muscat green/yellow steam locomotive with a red, dark green and white lining – bears the Highland Railway colours and is one of the most powerful 15” gauge locomotives in the world. It was built at Ravenglass and was named after the main sponsor, whose support made the construction possible. It was designed by the Railway’s then Chief Engineer, Ian Smith, who used all of the most successful design aspects of River Irt, River Esk and the Kentish Romney Hythe & Dymchurch loco, Northern Chief. Northern Rock came into service in March 1976 and has proved such a successful locomotive that two other locomotives have been commissioned to the same design for a tourist park in Japan. Northern Rock has visited many railways, as far away as Dresden.

Synolda – the loco in the Royal blue livery of Narrow Gauge Railways Ltd – celebrated its 100th birthday in 2012, having been built for the Sand Hutton Railway in 1912, by Bassett- Lowke, as an identical loco to those that first worked the re-gauged 15” line, in particular its sister loco, Sans Pareil. The loco was rescued from a derelict state from Belle Vue Zoo in 1978 and restored to full working order by employees of BNFL. This loco is too lightly built for everyday use, so is mainly viewed in the Ravenglass and Eskdale Museum at Ravenglass Station. However, it will be out on show for the 2014 Family Fun Weekend over the May Bank Holiday weekend.

Bonnie Dundee – Bonnie Dundee in the bronze green livery of the North British Railway will share the limelight with Synolda during the May Bank Holiday Family Fun Weekend. She as built in 1900 by Kerr Stuart, with her original owners being the Dundee Gasworks. Ian Fraser bought the engine in 1960 and donated it to Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway in 1976. She was then rebuilt and emerged as a 0-4-2T engine in 1982, with side tanks from Ella. She was used on lighter journeys and in winter, before being given a new boiler and tender in 1996. The name Bonnie Dundee derives from a Sir Walter Scott poem and song about John Graham of Claverhouse.

Quarryman – the now ‘retired’ internal combustion loco in the Fordson green livery – was built in 1926 and ended service in 1975. It has been fully restored and can be seen by visitors to the Railway.

Perkins – the internal combustion loco in the yellow and black livery – features in the books written by Rev W Awdry’s son Christopher and is known as Frank in the ‘Jock the New Engine’ series. Perkins was originally powered by a Fordson tractor engine, but was re-built in 1930. It was later officially named Perkins and given a more powerful engine and twin disc transmission in 1989. Perkins is a permanent way train hauler and shunter capable of working at low speeds for essential maintenance work.

Shelagh of Eskdale – the internal combustion loco in the two-tone green livery – is named after an Irish princess who married a Viking and settled in the Lake District in the Tenth Century. This locomotive was created from the parts of a petrol-driven loco, which was scrapped in 1930. The scrapped loco had been created from the frame and wheels of a steam loco named Ella, who was sister to Muriel, which in turn became the current River Irt. Shelagh of Eskdale has visited several lines and has even hauled HM Queen Elizabeth at a festival in Liverpool.

Lady Wakefield – the internal combustion loco in Brunswick Green – first saw service in 1980, having been constructed to the specification of then Chief Engineer, Ian Smith. She was named after the wife of the Chairman of the Ravenglass and Eskdale Company Ltd, Lord Wakefield, the father and grandfather of the current directors.

Douglas Ferreira – the internal combustion loco in the Indian Red of the Furness Railway – was named after the longest-serving general manager of the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway. Douglas Ferreira served the Railway from 1961-1994 and this loco was commissioned in his honour in September 2005. Owned by the Ravenglass and Eskdale Preservation Society, this powerful loco is the crème de le crème of the internal combustion fleet and has twin cabs. It is in daily service on the line.

Combine The Locomotion With Another Activity

A visit to the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway can be the focus of a Steam to the Hills full day spent in the Western Lake District, or part of a longer itinerary. If you want ideas for the latter, we already have some for you!

If you opt for a Steam on the Wild Side itinerary, you can enjoy a return steam journey on the Railway and then follow this with a trip to nearby Castle and the World Owl Centre. You can work the refreshments stops to suit you, as we have cafes at both ends of the line.

Muncaster has afternoon shows, which you may wish to see. Meet the Birds is a bird display taking plate at 2.30pm daily, while Heron Happy Hour takes place at 4.30pm.

The Railway also allows groups to have the pleasure of a one-way cruise on Ullswater with its sister company, Ullswater ‘Steamers’, combining this with a return steam journey through its One Happy Family package. You can take your cruise at any time within the same calendar year within that in which you travel with the Railway.

This is a real heritage day out, with heritage ‘Steamers’ having just as much history behind them as the Railway’s engines. It also allows you to drink in not just the lovely scenery of Ravenglass and Eskdale’s hidden valleys and coastal estuary, but also that surrounding what is often described as England’s most beautiful lake.

Alternatively, opt for Steam and Smugglers and visit both the Railway and The Rum Story in , to discover the importance that West Cumbria once had within the world’s trade.

Do The Locomotion With Your School Group

Schools groups flock to Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway each year, whether they are seeking to walk in the footsteps of Romans, observe fabulous geological features in the landscape, or get out into the world of nature.

The Railway is rich in history, wildlife and varying landscapes, while the Museum at Ravenglass provides added insights into how the Railway came into being and how it has evolved over time.

One teacher travels FREE with every 10 paying pupils and group rates and terms apply to school parties.

Your visit to the Railway could be combined with another heritage activity, perhaps by taking a Haig Mining Tour (call 01946 599949) or maybe hooked up with an interesting visit to a local business, such as Jennings Brewery (call 0845 127185).

Through our Steam and Smugglers option, you could also combine a steam train journey with a visit to The Rum Story in Whitehaven, while with our One Happy Family Option, you could also enjoy a one-hour cruise with our sister company, Ullswater ‘Steamers’ (taking your trip in the same calendar year, not necessarily the same day).

Your school group could reject coach travel and give the driver a day off, if it wishes to go green and travel by train all the way to Ravenglass. This can be done by using Northern Rail services from stations such as Grange-over-Sands, Whitehaven, Maryport and Carlisle and stations in Lancashire, which connect to Grange. For more information on group rates, call 0845 124 3345 or email [email protected]

In the festive season, schools can take advantage of our Santa Express for Schools service, which gives children the thrill of combining steam travel with a visit to Santa.

With new line panels at key stations, there is every reason for schools to make use of request stops and alight at different stations to explore the local area and discover their history. There is now also free wi-fi at Ravenglass and Dalegarth and a webcam at Ravenglass, not to mention a new commentary App to tell you all you need to know about the Railway. This can be downloaded from www.ravenglass-railway.co.uk or the Railway’s social media pages.

Ring 01229 717171, or email [email protected] to discuss your school party’s needs.

Pulling Out All The Stops – a Guide To The Ravenglass and Eskdale Line

Ravenglass

The start of your Ravenglass and Eskdale steam day out and the only coastal village in the Lake District National Park. Ravenglass was once a bustling port, of great importance in Roman times, which is why you can find the remains of a Roman bathhouse dating back to the latter years of the 1st Century AD just a short stroll from the station. The fort here was called Glannaventa and was linked by road, through Eskdale, to the fort at Hardknott and that at . It was the most southerly point in the Hadrian’s Wall defensive system and, although partially destroyed when the mainline rail track was laid, still has retaining walls to a remarkable height and interpretation boards which explain the layout of this Roman fort.

If you can tear yourself away from the peaceful shore, where trading schooners once signified the importance of a pearl mussel and salmon trade, you may spend a little time at Ravenglass Station before boarding the train, viewing the locos in the museum and perhaps getting a refreshment or home made meal in the Turntable Café on platform one. There is also a gift shop and, if you have time, you can look for some unique features, such as the distinctive squirrel ends on the bench seats of the old Furness Railway, the awning on platform one that features the cast iron columns from Whitehaven Bransty Station and the Victorian awning, which covers the remaining lines, which came from Millom.

Just outside Ravenglass is a signal box that features the first radio system of its kind in this country.

Barrow Marsh

Heading out of Ravenglass, which is flanked by two nature reserves, you will begin to cross Barrow Marsh, where wildlife includes greylag geese, curlew, oystercatcher, mallard, shelduck and primroses in early Spring. The bushy trees growing beside the line are Whitebeam, which has Saxon origins, as ‘beam’ was the Saxon word for tree. These trees are decorated with white flowers in spring, which turn to reddish-brown berries by Autumn. Common reed – Britain’s tallest native grass - can be seen growing by the line.

Muncaster Mill Halt (1.2 miles from Ravenglass)

This was the first terminus of the 15” gauged railway and has been a request stop since 1876. This is a site at which, until recently there was a working watermill. A mill serving the Muncaster Estate has stood since at least 1455 and, although this is now a private residence, the water wheel is still visible. Watch out here for herons, dippers, wagtails and the flash of a kingfisher diving from a low perch. A sessile oak can be seen in the field to the left of the Railway and its stance clearly shows the direction of the prevailing wind!

Mill Wood (1.4 miles from Ravenglass)

This is an area in which to spot endangered red squirrels and their feeding boxes in the trees, as the engine driver uses all their skill to climb a difficult section of track where the train climbs a millrace and a 1:42 gradient as the wood is approached. Dampness underneath the trees makes the track slippery, but these days passengers are spared the chore that their ancestors endured of pushing the train at this point – something they actually looked forward to!

Miteside Halt (1.6 miles from Ravenglass)

Passengers can look out for an upturned boat, which has provided shelter for walkers for more than a century. For two miles from this point, the train will climb almost continuously as it runs along the side of .

Muncaster Fell

At this point, the track is 757 feet higher than at the estuary at Ravenglass, but this imposing fell, almost a mountain in stature, has a steep and rocky flank that makes it seem much higher. The fell side supports heather, bilberry, gorse, bracken, woodland copse and forest, providing a blanket of rich colour. This area is home to roe deer – only two-feet in height and half the size of the other indigenous deer, the red deer. You may also see buzzards circling in the skies above, picking them out by virtue of their 20-22 inch wingspan or their characteristic mewing call. Look out for them perching on lower vantage points too, particularly between Rock Point and Irton Road.

Miteside Loop (1.7 miles from Ravenglass)

This part of the journey is absolutely magical in winter and at other times you can enjoy the sight of silver birch scrub to the left and both polytrichum and sphagnum moss in the wetter areas. The loop has only existed since 1976, this development coinciding with that of the radio signalling system. Each driver must now report to the Ravenglass control box before driving the train away from the loop. It is at this point that fully laden trains might encounter Santa’s sleigh on December Santa Specials.

Murthwaite Crushing Plant and Granite Quarry (2.5 miles from Ravenglass)

This was once a place of great industrial activity, but nowadays passengers just see the remains of the plant at which granite from Beckfoot was crushed and ground. Look out for the sessile oak woodland, rich in ferns, mosses and lichens.

You will shortly pass the ruins of Murthwaite Farm and will approach Murthwaite Halt around a sharp corner. This now has a name-board and a cleared platform.

Rock Point (3.3 miles from Ravenglass)

This is one of the most dramatic points in the journey, reached after the train has been through Horsefalls Wood. The River Mite, last seen at Miteside, reappears down a steep drop of nearly 60 feet. If the trees are bare of leaves, you may be able to see Scafell from here. The woodland here is composed of oak, beech and ash. The train now ascends a 1:4 gradient to Walk Mill summit. This is named after an old fulling mill at which wool was cleansed. The course of the River Mite is outlined by the whitewashed Bower House Inn, signalling that the train is approaching the outskirts of Eskdale Green village.

On the open fellside to the right, passengers can see heather, bilberry and wood rush. The kronking call of the raven might be heard and peregrine falcon could also be spotted. Prepare to view Scafell just as the train passes the ruins of Black Bridge. On a clear day, England’s tallest mountain should be standing majestically, glorying in its 3,162’ position above sea level.

Irton Road Station (4.2 miles from Ravenglass)

A small pink granite station building has existed at Irton Road, at the western end of Eskdale Green village, since 1876 and is the only original building on the line. This is the main crossing point on the line and is also the start of two of the unique ‘Walks From Ratty’. Many passengers with time to relax and explore enjoy a walk around the village of Eskdale Green. Walking through the village actually leads them to the next station along the line.

After leaving Irton Road, the view is dominated by the imposing Harter Fell (2160 feet above sea level), deemed beautiful by Wainwright, who revelled in its bracken, heather, grey turrets and ramparts of rock rising into a pyramid shape, as a true peak. The line drops about 20 feet at this point, as passengers journey into the valley of the River Esk. Wet meadows and wood greet the eye to the right and here grows canary grass, common rush and bog myrtle.

The Green - for Eskdale Green Village (4.8 miles from Ravenglass)

This station was originally called the ‘King of Prussia’ after a pub of that name. When this hostelry changed its name to the George IV – a patriotic move in the middle of World War One, the station was re-christened as Eskdale Green and later, The Green. Eskdale was much appreciated by the poet, William Wordsworth, who grew up in West Cumbria. Walker, Wainwright also described it as one of the loveliest of Lakeland valleys. After the train has travelled under a road bridge, there is a 1:43 gradient to climb called Hollin How Bank. The line is less slippery here than at Mill Wood and approaching the next bridge should present little problem. To the left you will now see bracken-clad hills and farmland below.

Here, you will doubtless encounter Lakeland’s famous little sheep – the Herdwick. The lambs of this breed are dark and younger sheep brown, while older sheep are grey with lovely white faces. Herdwick wool is much in demand and Herdwick meat is a taste experience all of its own, the lamb having a unique flavour thanks to the Herdwick’s diet of mosses, lichen and berries.

Fisherground Loop and Halt (5.4 miles from Ravenglass)

Here, your train will wind up and around Fisherground Corner, preparing for a steep climb into Fisherground Loop – the third and final passing place on the line. Fisherground Halt is a rustic structure near to a campsite and a typical Lakeland farm – Spout House Farm – can be seen at this point.

Gilberts Cutting (5.9 miles from Ravenglass)

This cutting was opened in 1964, after 3,000 tons of earth and rock was removed, to prevent the locos having to undergo the strain of tackling the curves in the Hollinghead Bend. The Beckfoot Quarry, last worked in 1953, can be seen on the left and colourful yellow gorse and pink granite rock will be filling your vision.

Beckfoot Halt (6.5 miles from Ravenglass)

This stop is mainly used by fell walkers, those heading to Blea Tarn and users of the Walks From Ratty booklet! The impact of the Ice Age glaciers can be seen in the rocky mounds and jagged edges here. The flora comprises of oak, birch, rowan and holly trees.

From this point, the climb is stiff and takes passengers through oak woodland (Beckfoot Wood) where, through the trees, you can glimpse the tumbling Whillan Beck, making its watery way down from Burnmoor Tarn en route to joining the River Esk. You will see a row of pebble- dashed cottages that were originally miners’ dwellings. As the line levels out and curves around, you will see Dalegarth Station.

Dalegarth (7 miles from Ravenglass)

Dalegarth Station marks the end of the line and its idyllic setting, amid England’s highest mountains, with Scafell to the east and Harter Fell to the south, reminds the passenger of the outstanding beauty of their Lake District location. The current station was built in 2005 as Dalegarth for Boot – the local village. It is well worth visiting Eskdale Mill, the Lake District’s oldest working Water Corn Mill, which has been documented since 1578, but which may well have existed at least since 1294.

Six of Wainwright’s ‘Walks From Ratty’ start and finish at Dalegarth, including a six-mile ramble to Burnmoor Tarn and back, a 3.5-mile walk to Eel Tarn and a 7-mile (3.5 hours) walk to the remains of Hardknott Fort. It is also possible to visit the lovely Dalegarth Force, originally named Stanley Gill Force. This is a lesser-known waterfall in the Lake District, but one of the most spectacular and the walk is only about a mile from Dalegarth.

The station itself has an excellent children’s playground, opened by HRH Princess Alexandra, a picnic area, the Fellbites Eatery, which serves delicious hot and cold snacks, meals and daily specials, and the very well stocked and high quality Scafell gift shop. There is a private function room for hire, in which events are held throughout the year. Mad Ratty Tea Parties for children can also be booked and a choice of menu is available. There is also an option of chartering either a train or a special carriage for special occasions and celebrations. This private charter thrill can also be given to children celebrating their birthday.

The shop sells the ‘Walks From Ratty’ booklet, plus ‘Steam and Ramble’ – a fully illustrated walk calling at every station on the way back to Ravenglass, for those who fancy making the most of their walking boots. Those preferring to cycle can buy a number of cycle route cards at Dalegarth, which will take them on a circular route from the station. Passengers who pre-book a cycle on to the train can also opt to ride the Eskdale TRail, which will lead them back to Ravenglass on their own two wheels.

All timetable and ticket information can be found at www.ravenglass-railway.co.uk and further enquiries can be made by calling 01229 717171.

GROUP RATES 2014

Steam to the Hills

Return steam journey, minimum of 20 persons, to be paid for in one transaction: Adults £8.50 Children £4.50

Steam on the Wildside

Return steam journey combined with a trip to Muncaster Castle and the World Owl Centre. Adults £13.00 Children £8.00

One Happy Family

Return steam journey plus one-hour cruise with our sister attraction, Ullswater ‘Steamers’, to be completed within the same calendar year. Adults £12.00 Children £8.00

Steam & Smugglers

Return steam journey combined with entry to The Rum Story, Whitehaven. Adults £12.00 Children £8.00

School Santa Specials

Please visit www.ravenglass-railway.co.uk for more information.