Update 11 December 2024 - Please note that the railway footbridge at Ravenglass is currently closed - the latest update from Network Rail we have received is that they intend to remove the existing bridge in February 2025 so it can be refurbished at their workshops. They then intend to reinstall the bridge in late Spring (potentially May 2025). More information regarding the closure can be found here: Temporary Closures of Rights of Way : Lake District National Park.
This short linear route (1km each way) takes you from the waterfront of Ravenglass across the River Mite and on to the beachfront at Saltcoats - OS Explorer Map OL6
If parked in the village car park, leave it the way you came in, past the public toilets to the shore road and the start of the route is just before the bridge your left.
If parked in the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway (La’al Ratty) car park, walk out of the car park onto the road and turn left, go under the bridge and the start of the walk is on your right. There is no pavement, so be careful of traffic. Update 30 April 2024 - Please note that the railway footbridge at Ravenglass is currently closed, contractors working on behalf of Network Rail are replacing and repairing some of the metal structure and decking. The works are anticipated to be complete in July 2024. More information regarding the closure can be found here: Temporary Closures of Rights of Way : Lake District National Park.
Stone flags lead you past a couple of benches to the viaduct across the River Mite. There is a short section with a 1:8 gradient up to a concrete path, running alongside the railway line. It is narrow and has a couple of tight bends.
Once over the viaduct, the path is a mixture of sand and pebbles and can be flooded at very high tides. You may need to turnaround as you get to the shore at the seat marked on the map below. If you are able to continue, it is a short walk to Saltcoats and the tarmac road end could be used as a pick-up point. Return the same way for refreshments at Ravenglass.
The estuary and coastline are beautiful and peaceful. In spring and early summer, the salt marsh will be a riot of colour, with its carpet of sea pinks. Whatever the season, it can be the most wonderful place to watch the sun set.
Please note that only wheelchairs and class 2 and 3 mobility scooters are permitted on the Miles Without Stiles routes.
Ravenglass car park
Postcode: CA18 1SJ
Grid reference: SD 085964
W3W: ///watched.buns.stitching
Grid reference: SD 079969
W3W: ///corrupted.hotels.vase
Toilets, cafés and pubs in Ravenglass. There is a LDNPA car park in the village with toilets, baby changing and disabled facilities accessible by RADAR key.. Also (with Changing Places facilities, radar key required) at the L'al Ratty Railway Station (when open).
Train: Station at Ravenglass. Trains from Lancaster and Arnside in the south and Workington and Carlisle in the north. Bus: There is no bus service to the village at present. Car: A590 from Kendal, A5092 and A595 beyond Broughton in Furness.
