The Lakes & Dales By Train
Karen Byrom enjoys a leisurely journey through gorgeous countryside and historic towns
Stunningly beautiful at all timeses of year, there is so much to explore in the Lake District – not least the waters of Windermere, Grasmere and Coniston.
This trip, though, I’m heading south from Carlisle to the Lake District National Park’s only coastal village – Ravenglass, home of the Ravenglass & Eskdale steam railway ( WWW.RAVENGLASS-RAILWAY.CO.UK).
It’s a miniature delight, taking passengers along a seven- mile route through spectacular Lake District scenery from the coast at Ravenglass
to the foot of Scafell Pike Pike, England’ s En glands highest mountain.
As I board an open carriage on the miniature train, I feel I’m stepping back in time. The guard lowers his flag, the whistle blows and the nostalgic scent of coal-fired steam fills the air as we set off at a sedate pace, giving us time to feel the air on our face, admire the scenery and wave to the Herdwick sheep which graze contentedly along the route, unfazed by the engine driver’s dog sitting happily in the cab.
Seven stops on the route allow
youou to hop on and offoff, and at the end you can treat yourself to a cream tea at Dalegarth Station’s Fellbite café.
Back at Ravenglass, there’s time to explore the museum and discover the fascinating history of this little railway, which was originally built for the purpose of hauling ore from local mines. Now it’s such a popular visitor attraction that there are plans to add a very plush glass observation car to the coaches.
Don’t leave this scenic part of the country without visiting Muncaster Castle ( WWW.MUNCASTER.CO.UK), a family-owned estate dating from the medieval age. The house offers a fascinating glimpse of the life of the Pennington family through the centuries, and the spectacular grounds, overlooking the soaring peaks and ancient woodlands of the Lake District, include a Hawk and Owl Centre, offering daily displays.
Watch out, though, for the ghost of Tom Skelton, who gives his name to the word “tomfoolery” and who reportedly lingers to trick unsuspecting visitors right up to this very day!