Ravenglass to Dalegarth and Eskdale Railway Walk

6.8 miles (11 km)

This walk from Ravenglass takes you to the beautiful Eskdale in the Lake District National Park. It's about a 7 mile walk with the option of returning on the splendid Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway.
On the way you'll climb the splendid Muncaster Fell so a good level of fitness is required.
Walk Report October 12th 2026 By David Mercer:
We began in Ravenglass, the pretty coastal village where the rivers Esk, Mite and Irt meet the sea.... Before heading inland, I enjoyed looking out across the estuary towards Drigg Beach and the nature reserve, where the mudflats and saltmarsh provide excellent habitat for wading birds. It is a lovely start to a walk that takes you from the coast into the quieter Lakeland valleys, with a real change in scenery as the miles unfold.
We first headed south to the remains of the Roman bath house, also known as Walls Castle. It is easy to overlook how important Ravenglass was in Roman times, but these substantial ruins are a reminder that this was once the site of a Roman fort and naval base. I liked having this little piece of history so early in the walk before turning inland towards Muncaster Castle. The castle stands in beautiful surroundings, with mature trees and extensive gardens, and the route passes the estate before the more strenuous part of the day begins.
The climb along Fell Lane towards Muncaster Fell is where you really start to earn the views. It is a steady pull uphill, so this is not a walk to underestimate, particularly if the ground is wet underfoot. The landscape opens out as you gain height, and the coast begins to look quite different from above. We passed pretty Muncaster Tarn, tucked into the fellside among the greenery, and I enjoyed the contrast between its sheltered setting and the more exposed ridge ahead. I was pleased to see small birds flitting through the hedgerows and scrub along the way, while the open ground offered plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the view.
The elevated ridge is the real reward for the climb. Looking back towards the coast, you can appreciate just how far the route has taken you from Ravenglass, while the view across Eskdale towards the Scafell range gives the walk a much more mountainous feel. On a clear day, the combination of the coastal plain, green valley and rugged Lakeland fells is superb. I found this stretch a good excuse to slow down and enjoy the landscape rather than concentrate simply on reaching the end of the route.
From the high ground, the path descends towards Muncaster Head before joining the River Esk for the walk into Eskdale. After the exposed fell, the riverside section feels more sheltered, with the sound of running water and trees lining parts of the valley. The River Esk is a lovely companion for this final stretch, and the scenery becomes greener and more enclosed as you approach the railway stations. If you have time and energy to spare, the nearby Stanley Ghyll Force waterfall is a tempting extra excursion, although I would allow additional time rather than try to squeeze it in before a train.
The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway is a wonderful way to finish the day, taking you back towards the coast on its narrow-gauge line through the valley. There is something special about hearing the engine working and watching the countryside pass from a carriage, especially after crossing the fell on foot. The journey takes around 35–40 minutes, and the views are a very different experience from those you have just enjoyed on the ridge. If the weather is dry, an open-sided carriage gives you a particularly close feel for the journey; a covered carriage is a sensible choice if the Lake District weather turns. At Dalegarth station, there is a café and shop, so you can have a drink, pick up a souvenir or enjoy a short break before boarding. Back at Ravenglass, the station also has a café, gift shop and railway museum, making it worth allowing a little time there too.
This is a rewarding walk with a real variety of scenery, from the estuary and Roman remains to the castle grounds, upland tarn, broad views and riverside paths. The climb over Muncaster Fell makes it a more demanding outing than the distance alone suggests, but the railway return adds a memorable final element and saves you having to retrace your steps. Check the train timetable and book or confirm your return journey before setting off, so you can enjoy the walk without worrying about reaching the station in time.
To extend the walk head to the lovely Stanley Ghyll Force Waterfall. The waterfall trail runs for about half a mile along the River Esk through a narrow gorge with attractive woodland and rhododendrons. The 60 foot high falls are an impressive sight and one of the hidden gems of the Lake District.
Pubs and More Info
The route passes the worthy village of Eskdale Green. The pretty settlement includes a tarn, woods, a Japanese Garden, riverside trails and two fine historic pubs for refreshments. There's also Eskdale Green station or Irton Road Station on the heritage Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway here.
To continue your walking in the area try the Ravenglass Circular Beach Walk which visits the Drigg Beach Nature Reserve from the village. Here you'll find sand dunes, an abundance of plantlife and lots of wildlife with several species of wading birds to look out for.