Stay on track for autumn treats
A series of themed trains on one of the UK’s most scenic narrow gauge railway routes has been unveiled for September and October.
Whether it’s raising a glass to one of the nation’s favourite tipples with a ‘Gin Train Evening’, tucking into a fish and chip supper or enjoying some hearty fare on a brand new ‘Pie and Mash Evening’, Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway has something for every taste this autumn.
The next ‘Gin Train Evening’ is being held in conjunction with Ulverston’s Shed One on Friday 15 September (6.30-8.30pm).
The award-winning husband and wife team, Andy & Zoe Arnold-Bennett, from Shed One – who create and produce classically distilled craft gin in a true micro-distillery – recently added a silver award for their ‘Make Your Own Gin Experience’ at this summer’s VisitEngland Awards for Excellence to their already busy trophy cabinet.
Passengers on the night will be greeted with a welcome drink at Ravenglass station, enjoying panoramic views of the coast and Lake District mountains onboard the seven-mile journey to Dalegarth station.
On arrival, they’ll be met by the Shed One team to explain the distilling process and offered the chance to sample four gins.
That includes Cuckolds Revenge, which is featured in “101 Gins To Try Before You Die” by best-selling drinks writer and spirits guru, Ian Buxton.
People will also try out their ‘Fancy Frolic’ and ‘Chilli Fest’ gins, along with a mystery gin. Anyone who’s feeling peckish can add a tasty tapas platter too, before the train gets back on track for a 9pm finish at Ravenglass.
Co-owner and founder of Shed One, Zoe Arnold-Bennett said: “We love being part of events like these, collaborating with top quality attractions to deliver exciting, new, and memorable experiences for locals and visitors. Who wouldn’t want to spend a leisurely evening soaking up some of the Western Lake District’s magnificent scenery before indulging in a range of bespoke gins at the picture postcard Dalegarth station?”
The affectionately named La’al Ratty will also see the return of the popular ‘Fish and Chip Trains’ this autumn.
Starting and finishing at Ravenglass on Friday 29 September (6pm-8.40pm), passengers will be pulled by one of the railway’s diesel engines as they head off on the tranquil route to enjoy the autumnal colours of the changing seasons. Along the way, they will enjoy a fish and chip supper – with gluten-free and vegetarian options also available.
Meanwhile, a brand new ‘Pie & Mash Train’ is available to book for Friday 20 October (6pm-8.40pm). A pie and mash - plus pudding treat – will await passengers at Dalegarth station, with drinks available to purchase on the night.
To see full timetables and book tickets, visit: www.ravenglass-railway.co.uk
