Ravenglass

Ravenglass is the only coastal village in the Lake District offering stunning views across the estuary towards the Irish Sea. The village is home to the Ravenglass and Eskdale railway and Muncaster Castle.

Panoramic View across the Ravenglass Estuary at low tide from the salt marshes at Saltcoats

Ravenglass is a small village on the West Cumbrian coast just south of Seascale. The village dates back to the Roman occupation of England when it was a naval guard and supply station with roads leading from the coast over Hardknott pass to the forts at Hardknott and Ambleside. The village dates from the 2nd century and was know as Itunocelum.. Remnants of the roman bathhouse are still visible just outside the village.

Sailboat on the Estuary at Ravenglass at sunset. The sun lights up the viaduct across the River Mite

The village stands on the estuary where three rivers meet, the Irt, Mite and Esk. The large estuary is tidal and home to a variety of sand dunes and salt marshes stretching from Saltcoats to the north, down to the Eskmeals Dunes Nature Reserve south of the village. The area is an important breeding area for numerous birds, mammals and amphibians including Natterjack toads. Its location on the west coast provides some spectacular sunsets across the estuary and salt marshes towards the Irish Sea.

The village forms the starting point of the Ravenglass and Eskdale railway, known locally as La’al Ratty. This narrow gauge railway was originally constructed to transfer iron ore from three hematite mines near Boot in Eskdale to the main railway line along the west coast of Cumbria. La’al Ratty is now a heritage railway, transferring tourists from Ravenglass into the Eskdale valley to Dalegarth.

Locomotive “River Esk” on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway

Other local attractions include the nearby Muncaster Castle and gardens. this grade I listed building dates back to 1208 and is thought to stand on the remains of the original Roman fort. Here you can take a tour around what is claimed to be one of the UK’s most haunted castles, whilst the gardens host a maze, children’s play area, and a Hawk and Owl Centre with a large collection of birds of prey. Muncaster also has a large heronry, and there are daily feedings where up to 40 wild herons congregate in the trees and fields near the castle.

Nearby Muncaster Castle, said to be one of the most haunted buildings in the UK

Muncaster Church hidden in the trees

Vultures at the Hawk and Owl Centre, Muncaster Castle

Getting There:

From Whitehaven, take the A595 south past Egremont and Seascale. After about 30 miles the turn for Ravenglass is signposted. Take care at the junction as the road can be busy, traffic is fast moving and the junction is on a sharp left hand bend.

Follow the road into the village. As you pass under the railway bridge there is a small car park on the left for the Ravenglass and Eskdale railway and also the main Cumbrian west coast railway station. Further along the road there is a much larger car park and access to the Roman bathhouse.

Muncaster Castle is a little further along the A595 to the south of the Ravenglass junction and there is a car park opposite the main entrance to the castle grounds.

You can also reach Ravenglass by train, Ravenglass station is on the west coast railway between Barrow and Carlisle.

Ravenglass Grid Ref: SD 086 964

Muncaster Castle Grid Ref: SD 099 961