Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway

Ravenglass and Eskdale steam railway is one of the oldest, longest narrow gauge railways in the world. These steam engines transport passengers across hills with a one in 55 gradient at points from Ravenglass, the only coastal village in the national park. Once a bustling port of great significance in Roman times, it is widely regarded as the most southerly point in the unique defensive system developed in the days of Emperor Hadrian.

The journey itself was one of Wainwright favourites, crossing seven miles of spectacular scenery to the foot of England’s highest mountains, the Scafell Range. On arrival there is something for everyone, with plenty of trails and walks to explore in this beautiful corner of the Lake District National Park, discover a Japanese garden forgotten for some 60 years or view one of Lakeland’s loveliest waterfalls according to Alfred Wainwright. We guarantee a great educational day out with a selection of key stage material for levels 1-3 and above, available to download from our website in 2012, all linked to the national curriculum with new updates and kid’s club information through our social media pages. There are a variety of educational tour suggestions available to suit your budget with landscape, heritage trails, conservation, geology, natural tourism and roman history subjects to enhance your learning programmes in-house and/or as part of field projects. Watch out for our wildlife as we travel from the landlocked estuary at Ravenglass, an important sanctuary for wildfowl and sea birds. Other important species up the line include the Red Squirrel, Ravens and Buzzards. If you have time pay a visit to our little museum by the front entrance, there are some fascinating artifacts and heritage story boards adding some insight into why the Railway was built and how it has changed over the years.

There has been a narrow gauge railway serving Miterdale and Eskdale since 1875, originally built to a 3ft gauge to carry ore from the mines at Eskdale.

The R & ER Stockbook, Fourth Edition

Group rates and terms apply. One teacher travels FREE with every 10 paying pupils. For extra festive treats look out for our Santa Express for Schools every December, details are listed on our website.

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