La’al Ratty returns for half-term family fun

Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway is back for the first time in 2023, with a week of special half-term services.

The affectionately named La’al Ratty, which literally means ‘little railway’ in Cumbrian dialect,

will be operating its green timetable from 15 to 22 February – giving families a chance to experience one of the most scenic narrow gauge railway routes in the UK during the school holidays.

Along the seven-mile journey, passengers can enjoy panoramic views of the Cumbrian coast, as well as dramatic mountain scenery between the Lake District National Park’s only coastal village in Ravenglass and Dalegarth in the stunning Eskdale Valley. 

It’s also a great opportunity to take a look at the Ravenglass Railway Museum. With steam locomotives, artefacts and hands-on interactive features, the free-to-enter museum is a great place to find out the full story of this iconic railway line.

Walks from Ravenglass station range from a 5-minute stroll to the beach offering views of the estuary, to a 5km walk to the Roman Bath House and Muncaster Castle. The remains of the Ravenglass Roman Fort Bath House are among the tallest surviving Roman structures in Northern Britain, standing almost four metres tall.

At the other end, you can stroll into Boot Village from Dalegarth, with another short walking loop along Annes Walk via St Catherine’s Church to take in the ever-changing views of the surrounding crags and fells.

The village of Boot is home to Eskdale Mill. It’s the last remaining working water-powered corn mill in the Lake District National Park complete with restored waterwheels, interactive exhibitions, and milling machinery. To coincide with half term, Eskdale Mill is open 15-17 February, then 20-22 February. 

You can also head to Stanley Ghyll Force from here too. This high waterfall drops into a deep gorge and can be accessed through a series of footbridges and a path that winds through the ancient woodland.

For refreshments, both Dalegarth and Ravenglass stations have cafés with eating-in and takeaway options.

For full timetables on La’al Ratty over half term, visit: www.ravenglass-railway.co.uk