Eskdale TRail is a fun day out for the whole family to explore this western valley. You can catch the La'al Ratty train from Ravenglass to Dalegarth and follow the new metal fingerposts that are unique to the Eskdale TRail.
Eskdale TRail has a capital R to highlight 'Rail' as part of the trail! There is a specific trail pack available from stations that can be purchased (or information downloaded free) and they include paper and crayons that can be used to collect brass rubbings that are on each of the 22 fingerposts.
If cycling is your thing, head up with your bike on a converted carriage on the Ravenglass and Eskdale railway. Then ride from the foot of the Scafell range via riverside pastures, meadows and historic oak woods of the Eskdale Valley down to Ravenglass on the Irish Sea.
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.
Work has begun at Stanley Ghyll with minimal disruptions.
The woodland at Stanley Ghyll has been affected by the tree disease Phytophthora ramorum, which sadly affects Larch trees. We have been provided with a legal notice to fell or poison the Larch trees to prevent further spread.
Footpath closures will be kept to a minimum and the viewing platform will remain open and accessible.
Some tree trunks will be retained to provide important deadwood habitat for minibeasts and woodpeckers, we will also aim to make use of the felled timber for the construction of footpath bridges and building conservation and look to plant broadleaf species as appropriate.
The tree disease is harmless to people, but you can help us to prevent the spread of the disease by:
14km or 8.5 miles.
The train ride from Ravenglass to Dalegarth takes 40 minutes. For cyclists, the 'pedal down' is not likely to take more than about 2 hours, depending on how many stop-offs you take. For walkers it is approximately 4-5 hours station to station.
Eskdale TRail is a mixture of country lanes, stony and earthy tracks and grass fields. After rain, it can be wet and muddy in places. There are a number of gates to go through. The gradient is gradually downwards apart from the challenging climb up Chapel Hill - rapid descent if you're on a bicycle after you reach the summit and fairly easy pedalling most of the way.
The new fingerposts and gate latches are designed and fabricated by local artist Chris Brammal and his team. They help give Eskdale its special tone of voice that fits in with the recent viewing platform at Stanley Ghyll.
Loads! Take your pick from:
