Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway on track for top national award
One of Cumbria’s most iconic visitor attractions could be adding to its trophy cabinet after being nominated for a top national award by the Heritage Railway Association (HRA).
It’s been revealed that Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway - known to many in Cumbria as La'al Ratty - has been shortlisted in the highly sought-after ‘Railway of the Year’ category at the HRA Annual Awards.
They are the largest and most prestigious awards in heritage rail and the HRA says this category is arguably its ultimate honour for 2023.
The nomination follows a record number of entries, with the judging panel’s final verdict set to be unveiled at the 2023 HRA Annual Dinner and Awards on Saturday 11 March in Birmingham.
Stuart Ross, General Manager (Visitor Experience) at the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, says: "The HRA awards are a prestigious event in the heritage railway calendar. For the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway to be recognised alongside some very high-profile heritage railways is a real tribute to the hard work our staff put in to ensuring our visitors have the best experience possible.”
Heritage Railway Association Chief Executive, Steve Oates, says: “Despite all of the challenges thrown at the sector, some of the work demonstrated by entrants to the awards this year is literally staggering. The amount of effort put in by staff and volunteers at railways and tramways up and down the country over the past 12 months never ceases to impress – and these awards are all about celebrating their successes.”
The news comes as Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway returns for the first time in 2023. It is operating a week of special half-term services from 15 to 22 February, to coincide with the school holidays.
For full timetables on La’al Ratty over half term, visit: www.ravenglass-railway.co.uk and buy tickets here.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
For further information or images, please contact:
Heather Sewell, hsewell@cumbriatourism.org / 07795 487003.
Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway is a family-owned business operating a heritage, narrow gauge steam railway on the Western Coast of the Lake District. The railway is surrounded by stunning views and walks and is based in Ravenglass, the only coastal village in the Lake District National Park.
