STEAM & ROLL BACK THE YEARS

Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway Press Pack

2013

Steamroll Back The Years With A Little La’al Ratty Magic In 2013

Passengers of all ages who buy a ticket to board a and Eskdale Railway narrow gauge steam train in 2013 will be rolling back the years and experiencing the magic of steam, coupled with the retro feel-good factor that comes from having days out the way they used to be.

An exciting and full day out can be enjoyed with the ’s longest-established narrow gauge steam railway, (established since 1875 and colloquially known as La’al Ratty or The Ratty), which also offers the longest steam journey available in The Lakes. Fourteen miles of twists and turns and rises and falls in the track make this a fabulous and value-for-money return trip to take from the Lake District coast, to a location nestled in the shadow of its highest mountains, including towering Scafell.

During the 40-minute journey, there is much to spot and see to satisfy keen eyes and minds, whether that is a geographical feature such as imposing , a red squirrel playing in the trees, or quiz trail clues hidden beside the track. The terrain moves from coastal estuary, to fell landscapes and from lush and hidden valley bottoms, to glimpses of the serpent-like River Esk – a dream for photographers.

A day out can also be enjoyed with train travel as the only transportation method, if budget-conscious or environmentally-friendly families wish to save on petrol and emissions and take advantage of Northern Rail services, which connect with Ravenglass. This is an ideal option for those living in, or travelling from, cities and towns such as Preston, Lancaster, Carlisle, and Grange-over- Sands.

2013 marks a milestone in the Railway’s history, as it began life in 1875 as a line with a very unusual three-foot gauge, which ferried iron ore for Iron Mines Ltd. The first passengers were carried in 1876, but the line was bankrupt by 1877 and closed altogether in 1913 – the last year in which the 3-foot gauge operated from Ravenglass.

2013 will celebrate this anniversary of the three-foot gauge, while also marking the successes of the years thereafter, when W J Bassett-Lowke took it to a 15” gauge.

New for 2013 are some recently created events and experiences, which will sit alongside firm favourites in the Railway’s events calendar. The first of these will be a celebratory reunion for Ravenglass and Eskdale’s lovely blue loco, Synolda, who will meet her brother, Count Louis in March.

Synolda celebrated her 100th birthday in 2013 – a triumph given that she had to be rescued from a zoo in the late 1970s. Synolda was built by Bassett-Lowke and was a pioneering loco of her time, identical to those that worked the Ravenglass and Eskdale line just after the First World War.

Her brother, Count Louis, was named after the racing driver who raced the car Chitty Bang Bang, (now immortalised in stage production and film) and who was a great railway enthusiast. He had ordered a loco like Synolda, and others in the style of loco Sans Pareil, from Bassett-Lowke for his own private line, the Higham Railway. After the Count’s tragic death while racing at Monza aged 29, the loco was purchased by the Fairbourne Railway in Wales and re-named Count Louis in his honour.

In March, Count Louis will meet up with his sister Synolda at a fabulous family reunion organised by Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway.

Great family events that are new for the 2013 calendar are a May Day Weekend event (May 4-6), a ‘RSPB and the Gruffalo’ event (July 21) and a ‘Steam to the Hills with a Lake District National Park Ranger event (August 1 and 29).

The May Day Weekend event will be brimming over with family fun and will feature the World Owl Trust, Waterfall Walks with Chris Berry, Mascot Mayhem, the Bay Radio Roadshow, mini train rides, prize draws, story telling from Anja Phoenix from Tale Trails and a Mind My Oily Parts photo opportunity. Other entertainment will also be laid on.

The RSPB and the Gruffalo event will feature story telling with arts and craft activities from the RSPB, as well as attendance by the Gruffalo himself.

The ‘Steam to the Hills with a Lake District National Park Ranger’ event will see participants taking the ‘Ratty’ steam train to and then walking back to the sea over . This is an experience for both adults and children and there is even the option to add a delicious homemade cream tea served in the Turntable Café at Ravenglass for a small additional fee.

Not-to-be-missed is a special Wacky Races-style challenge to be tackled by ‘The Ratty’ and Muncaster Castle’s mascot, Max Meadow Vole. Both will race each other down the Eskdale Trail in the Eskdale Valley, with Ratty travelling along his trusty rails and Max driving a husky sledge. This promises to be a great thrill for anyone on the train that day – keep an eye on our facebook pages for the exact date in March

Another highlight will be a fabulous Easter extravaganza, featuring a Teddies Bear Picnic and giving children the opportunity to travel for free when accompanied by their bear and aged under 15. A bear judging competition will also take place, which all can enter.

On the other hand, Mums and Dads alike will appreciate the great Mothers Day and Fathers Day voucher options available with The Ratty, particularly as these include a delicious cream tea and a hearty Beer n Bangers lunch respectively. Both vouchers can be bought online at www.ravenglass- railway.co.uk by those wishing to treat their parents.

There will be ‘Steam and Ramble’ experiences, combining train travel with a guided walk with a Wildlife Trust guide on May 18 and June 1, Discovery Trail days over August Bank Holiday (back by popular demand) and a Postman Pat® and Jess the Cat weekend on October 5 and 6.

Food lovers will be on the scent of a Valley Seafood Festival to be staged in June and fish suppers combining rail travel and fish and chips in February, March, April, May, September and October.

Add to this a brand new ‘Roaming with Romans’ experience, which will combine a trip on ‘The Ratty’ with a guided electric bike excursion to the Roman fort at Hardknott and it all makes for an action- packed year sure to steamroll back the years for anyone who is still in touch with their inner child, as well as delighting those still young enough to be developing such evocative memories for their future years.

The full details of all events and experiences, whether by train, cycle or on foot, which Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway can provide can be found at www.ravenglass-railway.co.uk ENDS

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

Steamroll Back The Years By Adopting The Loco That You Feel Has The Esk Factor

2013 will be just like any other season at the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway in that visitors will all be debating which of its wonderful locos are their favourite and really have what the Railway calls ‘The Esk Factor’.

Locomotives at the Railway have featured in the Thomas The Tank Engine series and there are other star quality statements to be made about them. is the oldest working 15” gauge locomotive in the world (built in 1894), while Northern Rock is the most powerful.

To some, it’s all a question of colour. To make it simple, is the red one and River Irt the green one, while Northern Rock is an unusual Muscat (green/yellow) and River Esk is the line’s very own black beauty.

Other locos less in the limelight than these four are very important internal combustion engine locos, Quarryman, Perkins, Shelagh of Eskdale, Lady Wakefield and Douglas Ferreira. Last, but not least, is the 100-year-old lady Synolda, housed in the Ravenglass and Eskdale Museum in Ravenglass.

A vote may sometimes be given on the basis of the sterling effort that a loco puts in when tackling the 1:55 gradient on one part of the line, though sometimes passengers are gaining so much enjoyment from their open carrianges, open-sided ones or cosy covered saloons, that they hardly notice.

Adopting an engine is a great thing for a visitor to Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway to do, to keep the enchantment alive long after they return home, knowing that they have a little bit of the RER in their heart.

To help you choose which to adopt, study the facts and decide what ticks your box when it comes to defining the Esk Factor.

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 in 1894. 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. It 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. In 2013, it will meet up with its brother, Count Louis! 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, but made guest appearances, including a visit to Railfest in York, in 2012, to enable visitors to help celebrate its birthday milestone.

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 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.

Insights Of The Line That Can Help You Steamroll Back The Years

Ravenglass This is the start of your Ravenglass and Eskdale steam day out, at Ravenglass Station in 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 meal in the new 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.

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, ’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’. These 10 walks were created by legendary fell walker, , who was commissioned by the owner of the Railway, Lord Wakefield, to create walks that could be taken from stations along the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway line. The walks range in terms of level of difficulty, from charming rambles to more ambitious mountain ascents, and these days come published in a small booklet, peppered with Wainwright illustrations and available for purchase for a small cost. Every booklet sold generates a 50p per copy donation to Lakeland conservation organisation, Nurture Lakeland.

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 (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.

MILESTONES IN RAVENGLASS & ESKDALE RAILWAY’S HISTORY

1875 The Railway opened in May 1875 with the purpose of ferrying iron ore from workings at Boot on behalf of the Whitehaven Iron Mines Ltd. The line is built to an unusual three-foot gauge.

1876 The line carried its first passengers in November 1876.

1877 The line was bankrupt and had to be temporarily saved by the Whitehaven Iron Mines Company, until it too failed, resulting in the line’s closure until 1913.

1915 The line was acquired by miniature railway engineer, W J Bassett-Lowke and his friend R Proctor-Mitchell. They used it to test locomotives under severe and harsh conditions. With some experience of 15” gauge locos used at parks and pleasure grounds, Bassett- Lowke recognised that the three-foot line needed re-gauging to 15”. By August 1915, passengers were carried as far as Muncaster Mill.

1916 Trains run as far as Irton Road.

1920s Prosperous years for the Railway thanks to the opening of the Beckfoot Granite Quarry in 1922. Trains carried a sizeable tonnage of granite to Murthwaite and then Ravenglass. Trains also carried white coal, coke, fertilisers and cattle food in one direction and pit props, timbers, wool and farm produce in the other.

1927 Passenger traffic was suspended and did not recommence until after the Second World War in 1946. The Railway never recovered from this.

1958 The Railway was put up for sale in individual lots.

1961 Only last-minute intervention from the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Preservation Society, local landowner Sir Wavell Wakefield and Midlands stockbroker, Colin Gilbert, saved the day, enabling the visitor attraction that we know today to be developed and grown.

Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Rolls Back The Years To Roman Times

Spring and summer 2013 will see the launch of brand new Roman tours on offer from heritage narrow gauge steam railway, The Ravenglass and Eskdale, which will combine the ancient and the historic with the state-of-the-art, by blending Roman history with steam rail travel and a guided excursion by eco-friendly electric bike.

Keep an eye on the news as we join with celebrations for the 10th Anniversary of Hadrians Wall National Trail in 2013.

Steam & Roll Away The Stress By Tackling Ravenglass & Eskdale’s Walking & Cycling Adventures

In 2013, heritage Lake District steam railway, The Ravenglass and Eskdale, expects to see more visitors than ever buying tickets for its services with a view to busting their stress by using the line as the means to open up either a walking a cycling adventure.

The 14-mile, stunningly scenic line can be a means to an end for those wanting a gentle stroll, a more challenging walk, or an exhilarating cycle ride down the Eskdale Valley, with the Railway offering various ‘tools’ to add interest to the intention.

Walkers can take advantage of ‘Walks From Ratty’, a pocket-sized walks booklet, distinguished from any other by the fact that all 10 walks within it were exclusively created for the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway’s owner, Lord Wakefield, by Alfred Wainwright. All were meticulously researched and illustrated by Wainwright and all start at a station on the line between Ravenglass and Dalegarth.

Six of the walks start at the terminus at Dalegarth and can extend the day once a passenger has travelled up the line from Ravenglass. The shortest of the walks is a two-mile, 1.5-hour walk to Dalegarth Force, known on OS maps as Stanley Force and Lakeland’s loveliest waterfall according to Wainwright.

The longest walk also starts and finishes at Dalegarth and takes 5 hours to cover 7.5 miles to the summit of Harter Fell, where panoramic views are the draw for the walker.

‘Walks From Ratty’ costs just £3.00 and 50 pence of that is donated to Cumbrian conservation organisation, Nurture Lakeland. It can be bought at the gift shop at either station.

For the cyclist, there is a chance to don a yellow jersey and play at being Bradley Wiggins for a while by tackling the 8.5-mile, virtually traffic-free Eskdale TRail. This takes in charming and unspoilt villages that are a haven for wildlife, including red squirrel, roe deer and buzzard. This trail allows the cyclist to ride back to Ravenglass by bike, having taken the train up to Dalegarth and helpfully only has one point at which they may wish to hop off and push their bike up the gradient.

Bikes need to be booked on board a train 24 hours ahead, whether cyclists choose this cycle route or one of three circular routes from Dalegarth. Cycle Route 1 runs alongside the beautiful River Esk, through farmland, past a historic packhorse bridge and takes around 1 hour.

Cycle Route 2 takes the same amount of time and uses both roads and bridleways. This time, as well as journeying beside the River Esk, it also takes riders to the flanks of imposing Muncaster Fell.

Cycle Route 3 allows cyclists to ride on a moderately-graded off-road path as they explore lesser known parts of Eskdale and journey over the River Mite and through Miterdale Forest.

Whichever of these three routes is selected, the rider can return to Dalegarth to re-board the train back to Ravenglass or one of the stations en route, if they have pre-arranged the latter.

All routes can be bought on cycle cards available in the Scafell Gift Shop at the Dalegarth Visitor Centre for a small charge. Routes are both described and visualised and helpfully laminated for all-weather use.

Details of the train timetable can be found at www.ravenglass-railway.co.uk and bikes can be booked on board by calling 01229 717171. Steam and roll back the years with a bit of stress-busting exercise in Eskdale and you’ll soon feel the benefit!

ENDS

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

Notes To Editors

The ten Walks From Ratty are:

1. Muncaster Fell – starting at Ravenglass and ending at Irton Road. Distance 5 miles. Time required 3 hours.

2. Irton Fell – starting and finishing at Irton Road. Distance 4.5 miles. Time required 3 hours.

3. Miterdale – starting and finishing at Irton Road. Distance 5.5 miles. Time required 3 hours.

4. Blea Tarn – starting at Beckfoot Halt and finishing at Dalegarth. Distance 3 miles. Time required 3 hours.

5. Burnmoor Tarn – starting and finishing at Dalegarth. Distance 6 miles. Time required 4 hours.

6. Eel Tarn – starting and finishing at Dalegarth. Distance 3.5 miles. Time required 3 hours.

7. Dalegarth Force – starting and finishing at Dalegarth. Distance 2 miles. Time required 1.5 hours.

8. Riverside Walk – starting and finishing at Dalegarth. Distance 2 3/4 miles. Time required 1.5 hours.

9. – starting and finishing at Dalegarth. Distance 7 miles there and back. Time required 3.5 hours.

10. Harter Fell – starting and finishing at Dalegarth. Distance 7.5 hours. Time required 5 hours.

Steam & Roll Away Cost & Climate Concerns With Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway’s Affordable And Greener Options

Western Lake District visitor attraction, the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, is responding to the economic and environmental pressures that day-trippers and staying visitors face at present by reminding them of affordable ways of enjoying a heritage steam railway experience in 2013.

For those living in Lancashire or in the north and northwest of Cumbria, the Northern Rail service to Ravenglass is a cost-effective and greener way to reach the hamlet’s idyllic narrow gauge railway using the spectacular .

Whether you board the train in Carlisle, Maryport, Workington, Barrow, Morecambe, Grange-over- Sands, Carnforth, Lancaster or Preston, or a host of smaller stations on the route between Carlisle and Lancaster, all you need do is buy a through ticket to Ravenglass at any staffed station, or from the conductor on the train. This will include travel on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway and you will save £4 per adult and £2 per child on the price of normal combined fares. If you have a railcard, you will save even more.

This means that you can park up the car at home and travel by train right until the point when you disembark to start your Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway adventure. You will both save on your petrol costs and also cut your emissions for this trip.

A 10% discount is also provided by Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway to holders of the following tickets: Cumbrian Coast Day Ranger, Lakes Day Ranger, Lakes Family Day Ranger, North West Rover, North Country Rover and Cumbria Round Robin.

For frequent visitors, or those staying in the Western Lake District for a while, there is also the option of buying a Ratty Rover Pass. This gives the holder travel on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway for five full days a year, for just the price of three, whether they use their allocation in a block, or spread their five days across the year.

The Ratty Rover can be bought online at a cost of £37.80 for an adult, £18.00 for a child and £100.00 for a family of two adults and two children aged 5-15 years.

Head to www.ravenglass-railway.co.uk and www.northernrail.org to discover more. ENDS

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

Steam & Roll Back The Boundaries Of Conventional Holidaying With A Pullman Coach Break

If you roll back the boundaries of conventional holidaying this year, you may just find yourself on track for a Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway holiday in one of the last Pullman coaches available as holiday accommodation in Britain, or in a cottage, which was once a railway’s general office.

This unique accommodation is situated on the station complex at Ravenglass, just a short stroll from the shore. Two Pullman coaches, ‘Elvira’ and ‘Maid of Kent’, and the very different Hilton Cottage have personality aplenty and are ideally placed for those wanting a boy’s own adventure – whatever their age or gender!

‘Elvira’ and ‘Maid of Kent’ were originally built as ambulance cars during the First World War and both sleep up to six people in three separate bedrooms. Bedroom one and two both have two single bunk beds, while bedroom three has two single beds. Each room has a washbasin, but there is also a bathroom with toilet and an electric walk-in shower.

Heating in the Pullman coaches is provided by storage heaters and there is a well-equipped kitchen in both, offering fridge, small freezer, kettle, microwave, toaster, steamer, oven, two electric hob rings, sink and drainer, plus pots, pans and utensils.

Ambience in the living and dining room area comes from Edwardian inlaid wood panelling, but modern touches are provided by colour TV, storage heater, electric fire and table and chairs seating up to six.

Hilton Cottage was built in the 1920s, but this atmospheric bungalow, once station store as well as office and named after Harry Hilton, General Manager of the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway from the 1920s until 1959, has been fully refurbished.

Two bedrooms – one double and one with two single beds – sleep up to six, taking into account a double bed settee in the large and comfy lounge-diner. Colour TV with Freeview and a well equipped kitchen with full-sized electric cooker, washing machine, fridge-freezer, toaster, kettle and utensils and pots and pans, are all available for use and heating is provided by fan and storage radiators, or by an open fire, if guests wish to use the coal and logs provided to create a special ambience on colder days.

Coaches and cottage are identically priced in their weekly rental rates, ranging from £320 to £500 per week from May to November 3. Rental prices include water, electricity and parking at the station throughout the stay. The person renting the accommodation is offered free travel on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway and all other guests can pay just 25% of the normal ticket price to experience the magic of steam. A reduction on admission to nearby Muncaster Castle and Gardens is also available.

While there is plenty of equipment to encourage the cook to rustle up food, guests can also be tempted by the station’s Turntable Café, which has a range of delicious, home-made food on offer daily. This might be an early bird bacon or sausage bap with tea or coffee for just £3.80, or an afternoon cream tea: a tasty main meal, or a warming bowl of soup.

The accommodation and the exquisite seven-mile Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway journey to Dalegarth, encourage exploration of the Western Lake District, home to Wastwater – the location of Britain’s Favourite View – historic Whitehaven, charming Cockermouth and England’s highest mountains, in whose shadow the Railway’s Dalegarth Station lies.

Ravenglass itself is well worth exploring, having a Roman bathhouse just a short walk away from the station, as well as a lovely coastal inlet and quaint cottages. Nearby attractions include Muncaster Castle and Murthwaite Green Trekking Centre, while in Whitehaven families might wish to visit The Rum Story.

The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway has a year-round events programme, which can add a touch of family fun over and above the thrill of staying at a station, or diversions such as a wine quiz or a fish and chip supper.

Go to www.ravenglass-railway.co.uk to find out more about the accommodation and Railway itself and call 01229 717171 to book either your unique Pullman coach, or your ‘station manager’s’ cottage!

ENDS

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

Steam & Roll Back The Years With The Lakeland Statesman

Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway will be welcoming ‘The Statesman’ and its passengers to Ravenglass in 2013, with the Statesman Rail service pulling in to Ravenglass on both Saturday August 24 and Saturday September 14.

Passengers enjoying the golden age of train travel in The Statesman’s gloriously decorated coaches will be able to take an optional excursion during their 4-hour stop in Ravenglass, journeying with the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway up the seven-mile line to Dalegarth, which nestles in the shadow of England’s highest mountains.

This train will be pulled by a little steam engine dating back to 1894, giving passengers lots of opportunities to take in the scenic views and the atmospheric mode of travel.

At Dalegarth, Statesman Rail passengers can take a riverside walk, explore the local village, shop in the Scafell Gift Shop, or enjoy refreshments in the Fellbites Eatery.

This Statesman excursion can be enjoyed at four different classes of travel: standard, first class, premier dining and Pullman dining. Tickets for individual passengers range in price from £69-£209 and for parties of four from £256 to £816. The optional Ravenglass and Eskdale journey costs an additional £8 for adults and £5 for children.

Departure stations on August 24 are Newport, Cwmbran, Abergavenny, Hereford, Leominster, Ludlow, Craven Arms, Church Stretton, Shrewsbury, Whitchurch and Crewe.

Departure stations on September 14 are Bristol Temple Meads, Bristol Parkway, Yate, Cam & Dursley, Cheltenham Spa, Barnt Green, Birmingham New Street, Tame Bridge Parkway, Walsall, Cannock, Rugeley and Stafford.

The Statesman leaves the main line at Carnforth, passing past the ‘Brief Encounter’ Refreshment Room made famous in the 1945 movie, and then Silverdale, before crossing the spectacular viaduct over the River Kent at Arnside, from where stunning views of Morecambe Bay can be enjoyed. It then continues through Grange-over-Sands and Ulverston, travelling across the Furness Peninsula where the views of the and Lakeland Mountains are truly breathtaking. Arrival at Ravenglass is at 12.20pm.

Visit www.statesmanrail.com to book both tickets and the optional Ravenglass and Eskdale excursion. ENDS

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

Steam & Roll Back The Years By Enjoying The Fun The Kids Can Have With La’al Ratty’s Kids Club

2013 will mark the first full year of Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway’s kids club, which is ably overseen and masterminded by its loveable mascot, La’al Ratty, who is a larger-than-life water vole.

The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Kids Club is growing the next generation of grown-up ‘Ratty’ enthusiasts, of which there are many. Membership of the Kids Club is absolutely free and enrolment is easy via the website www.ravenglass-railway.co.uk

Kids Club members can keep in touch with all the latest news from the Railway, as well as the antics of La’al Ratty and the quizzes, competitions, jokes and fun facts that he collates for them, via the free quarterly e-newsletters, which all members receive.

They are also invited to certain events and can travel free-of-charge on certain services specified at particular times of year.

La’al Ratty puts in appearances during holiday times and at key events throughout the year, so Kids Club members can say hello to their hero in person.

This all adds up to lots of fun at the Railway, throughout the year, ensuring that the younger generation are just as keen to make visits to ‘The Ratty’ as those who are just children at heart.

TIMES & PRICES FOR 2013

Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway services run in the first week of January and then February to December, with winter services less regular than the rest of the year. All timetables can be viewed at www.ravenglass-railway.co.uk

Pre-booking is essential for those wishing to board at an intermediate station between Ravenglass and Dalegarth and for those wishing to put a bike on board. Pre-booking is by calling 01229 717171.

Fares for 2013 are as follows:

Adult Return £ 12.80

Unlimited travel for the day including free line guide. Inc 50% off at Ullswater / 5% off when you book online

Child Return (aged 5-15) £6.40 Unlimited travel for the day including free scratch card game to play en route. Under 5s travel for free / as above

Adult Single £ 7.20 One-way travel either way on the line.

Child Single (aged 5-15) £ 3.60 One-way travel either way on the line.

Family Return (2 adults + 2 kids) £ 34 Unlimited travel for the day, including free line guide and scratch cards.

Ratty Rover Pass Adult £ 37.80 5 full days of unlimited travel (can be taken as a block or spread out during the year)

Ratty Rover Child £18.90

Dogs £1.50 Priced per journey

Cycles £3.50 Priced per journey

Special event tickets Priced individually according to the event.