RAVENGLASS & ESKDALE
Steam Railway group pack & itineraries
ravenglass-railway.co.uk
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Welcome Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway is the oldest and longest narrow gauge railway in the Lake District National Park. Originally servicing the mining industry its history dates back to the mid 1800s. The journey covers seven miles of spectacular scenery from the coastal village of Ravenglass to the foot of England’s highest mountains. Scafell Pike at 3,209ft (978m) is one of a horseshoe of high fells open to the South surrounding the head of Eskdale Valley. We have four steam engines in regular service with a peak operating period between March and October. There are excellent accessible facilities at Ravenglass and Dalegarth for Boot stations with free coach parking at Ravenglass. There are seven request stops en route for those wanting to enjoy some of the walks and trails. The single seven mile journey takes approximately 40 minutes.
Ravenglass Station Located just off the A595 at the southern point. There is free coach parking and drivers receive complimentary refreshments. Facilities here include gift shop, licensed cafe with free Wi-Fi, picnic/play areas and the museum.
Dalegarth for Boot Station Located at the northern end of the line, the station is accessible from Central Lakes via the high passes. It is not advisable for large coaches to travel up the valley from the main coast road (A595). There is free minibus parking/drop off point and drivers receive complimentary refreshments. Facilities here include gift shop, licensed cafe with free Wi-Fi, picnic and play areas. Ten minutes walk from the centre of Boot Village.
Our History There has been a narrow gauge railway serving Miterdale and Eskdale since 1875, originally built to a 3ft gauge to carry iron ore from the mines at Eskdale. Affectionately known locally as La’aL Ratty meaning “little railway”. The mines of Eskdale were first driven into the hillside above Boot in 1845; the nearby Beckfoot Quarry was also mined for its pink granite. The pink colour is due to haematite, an iron ore that gives the granite its pinkish hue. This mineral had a considerable influence on the Eskdale valley but it was another thirty years until the transport problem was solved. The first passenger traffic was carried in 1876, this continued until 1908. The declining demand for iron ore was crippling the mining industry and together with a marked reduction in passenger numbers, the railway closed in 1913. Winston Churchill himself declared the railway unsuitable after receiving an old postcard!
In 1915, model makers Basset Lowke and Proctor Mitchell, converted the line to 15“ gauge and on August 28th the railway began to carry passengers. It was also an important means of transporting goods and services to nearby farms, it even carried the Royal Mail. Following WWII the line was purchased by the Keswick Granite Company. The quarries eventually closed in 1953. In 1960 the railway went to auction where it was saved from the scrap heap by Sir Lord Wavell Wakefield and Colin Gilbert. If you have time, pay a visit to the museum by the front entrance, there are some fascinating artefacts on display and more about our heritage. Raveng lass & Eskdale Railway
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Even as the River Mite entered service in 1967, the increasing that there would be no spare traffic on the railway meant engine for the summer season. locomotive was made, based Proposals for a new on the tried and tested boiler with changes to styling unlike design of the River Esk, but the locomotives built for Ireland, India and the Andes. Thus a half-size, narrow gauge locomotive made to match the covered coaches meant the parts were more substantial all than the third-size, main line designs which preceeded them. Present day Northern Rock on the marshes
Northern Rock during building, 1976 Commissioning ceremony at Ravenglass, 1976
Trials of Northern Chief
Length: 24ft Completed: 1976 Wheel arrangement: 2-6-2 Livery: Muscat green
Before the design was committed to construction a visit was made in November 1971 by Northern Chief from the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway to examine performance. Although the new Ravenglass locomotive was not fitted with a superheated boiler, like Northern Chief, it was completed with six driving wheels, leaf springs and a pilot valve regulator.
Built at Ravenglass
The boiler was the last ever made by the Hunslet Engine Company in Leeds, but virtually every other component came to Ravenglass as a piece of flat steel plate, or a rough raw casting, to be machined to size and fitted in the The work took Chief Engineer railway’s own workshops. Ian Smith and his assistants, David Clay and Ian Page, three years from 1973 and when they lit the very first fire in her boiler, she raised steam and was taken up the line without further adjustments.
What’s in a name?
The locomotive was initially going to be called after Sir Arthur Heywood who had developed 15" (381mm) as the Minimum Gauge Railway. However, when outside funding was needed to complete the project (with support from the English Tourist Board and the then Mutual Building Society) the Northern Rock was deemed appropriate as the railway had been built and had survived for so many years by carrying stone.
From Cumbria to the Far East
One of Northern Rock’s many admirers was Mr Nagae from Japan. His project was to lay a 15" gauge railway around Niji-no-Sato country park at Shu-jen-ji 70 miles south west of Tokyo, and the rolling stock was to be made in Britain. Work began in the new workshops at Ravenglass on two steam locomotives like Northern Rock. The first, a look-alike machine called Northern Rock 11, was delivered in by Cumbria, which was mechanically1990 followed in 1992 identical but with different bodywork and dark green livery. The two sister locomotives continue to run every day of the year on this delightful line in the foothills of Mount Fuji.
Above improvement
Northern Rock has now given yet another generation of visitors continued and reliable service in the ever changing conditions which affect the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway. Because the railway operates within many of the regulations applicable to main line railways, air brakes have been fitted, otherwise minimal alterations are a tribute to her designer and builders.
Facilities From time to time we organise familiarisation trips for tour operators and journalists. Please contact us to arrange a complimentary visit to pre-plan your itineraries.
A spectacular scenic seven mile journey onboard heritage steam engines.
60 minutes from the M6, Junction 40 to the North and Junction 36 to the South.
50 minutes from Central Lakes via A590/A595 to Ravenglass Station.
Peak operating times between March – November.
Private Charter and Private Carriage hire options.
Santa Trains for Groups and Schools on specified dates with festive food options available.
Free parking for coaches at Ravenglass.
Fully accessible facilities.
Reserved carriage seating with a variety of indoor and outdoor options.
The Turntable and Fellbites cafes have private function rooms available to hire.
Tailored group menus available on request.
Drivers and guides travel and eat free.
Bespoke interest tours available on request combined with a museum tour.
Picnic and Play areas at Ravenglass and Dalegarth stations.
Complimentary line guide for all passengers.
Meet and Greet service on request.
Language packs available.
Group Packages There are various steam tours to suit timings and budgets. Complimentary travel for tour guides and drivers, parties of 10 or more qualify for group rates on advanced bookings only. Group rates start at £8.50 for the return journey. Further incentives given for series tours; please enquire at time of booking.
Journey Times
Ravenglass to Dalegarth and vice versa - 40 minutes single journey. Full Round trip; allow two hours. Timetable planning allows greater flexibility at the end station.
Steam to the Hills
A return steam departure from Ravenglass with an option of an immediate return journey from Dalegarth for Boot or alight at the station and enjoy the excellent facilities, even explore the nearby Boot village. There are options for walking parties to alight at intermediate stations too.
Add a little extra …
Indulge in a spot of retail therapy or sample our cafe group menus from early brunches to our quintessential English cream teas. There are reserved seating areas for groups. Please book in advance.
Steam on the Wild Side
A return steam departure from Ravenglass combined with a visit to nearby Muncaster Castle and the World Owl Centre. Food options at both ends of the line so your journey can work around refreshment stops.
One Happy Family – Cruise and Steam Train
One of the best value tours giving you the freedom to enjoy two great days out. These tours do not have to be taken on the same day and you can arrange to pay for the tour in full at either one of the attractions. The tour includes a one way cruise with Ullswater ‘Steamers’ and a return steam journey on the Railway. Please quote “One Happy Family” when booking.
Explore Western Lake District
Combine a tour on the Railway with excursions to other local attractions such as Haig Mining, Jennings Brewery or National Trust Wordsworth House.
Leave the Coach behind
Northern Rail run services from key accommodation hubs such as Grangeover-Sands, Whitehaven, Maryport and Carlisle. For more information on group rates call 0845 124 3345 or email: specialised.sales@northernrail.org
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Points of interest on and around the line This valley is home to a rich biodiversity of wildlife that thrive amongst the rugged remains of a once bustling mining community and the former harbour port of Ravenglass which dates back to Roman times. Britain’s Best View is around the corner in Wastwater and Stanley Force waterfall is a short stroll from Dalegarth, it was described by Wainwright as ‘One of the most spectacular of Lakeland’s Waterfalls’.
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Hardknott Pass Hardknott Pass and back (3.5 hours) and back (3.5 hours)
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Riverside Walk Riverside Walk 3 miles (2 hours) 3 miles (2 hours)
Muncaster Head Farm Muncaster Head Farm CUMBRIAN COAST RAILWAY LINE . . CUMBRIAN COAST RAILWAY LINE
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RAILWAY RAILWAY THE ESKDALE TRAIL CYCLEWAY THE ESKDALE TRAIL CYCLEWAY WALKERS Cafe WALKERS Cafe Station Main Gift Shop Station Main Gift Shop Station Photo opportunity Station Intermediate Photo opportunity Intermediate Toilet Playground Toilet Playground Food & Drink Museum Food & Drink Museum Access Parking m Disabled Disabled Parking m Bike RackAccess Campsite Bike Rack Campsite Pubs & Inns Electric bike Pubs & Inns Electric chargingbike points Electric car charging points Electric car charging points charging points
LOCAL HOTEL & Attraction INFORMATION For a full list of accommodation providers and attractions please visit: western-lakedistrict. co.uk Haig Mining Museum 01946 599949 haigpit.com Jennings Brewery 0845 1297 185 jenningsbrewery.co.uk Muncaster Castle and the World Owl Centre 01229 717614 muncaster.co.uk Pennington Arms 0845 450 6445 penningtonhotels.com The Seacote 01946 822 300 seacote.com The Cumbria Grand 01539 532331 strathmorehotels.com Trout Hotel 01900 823 591 trouthotels.co.uk Wordsworth House 01900 820884 nationaltrust.org.uk
Food & Drink Options The lower floor of the Fellbites cafe, Dalegarth or the upper floor of the Turntable cafe, Ravenglass can be reserved for your group. Both cafes offer spacious seating with tailored group menus to suit all budgets. There is also the option to provide your customers with a bespoke menu on arrival providing a quicker turnaround at comparable rates. The Turntable cafe, Ravenglass Station The Turntable cafe on Platform 1 is built on the site of the original station building. There is a spacious seating area downstairs overlooking the platform and a large seating area upstairs with a vaulted ceiling. The upstairs area can be reserved for groups, for up to 50 persons. Special group menus and party options are available; please enquire at time of booking.
Fellbites cafe, Dalegarth for Boot Station The modern station building at Dalegarth houses the gift shop and cafe. The upper and lower floors can accommodate up to 60 persons. The lower floor “Eskdale Room� can be reserved for groups, special group menus and party options are also available. Please enquire at time of booking. Both cafes are licensed, have their own on site bakeries supplying cakes, pastries and pies. Where possible our chefs use local ingredients to ensure a taste of Lakeland with a sprinkling of flair. Book in advance terms and conditions apply.
Festive Packges Packages Why not plan an extra visit in the festive season. The station platforms are decorated and the cafes full of yuletide cheer. There are two excursions available for groups on selected dates. Please call us or visit our website for information, this includes booking forms and excursion times. Santa Express for Schools A steam departure from Ravenglass to Dalegarth for Boot, picking up Santa en route to his grotto. There are options of morning and afternoon trains. Santa visits all the carriages either on the way up or on the way down the line. Please bring your gifts so Santa and his happy elf can hand them out to the children at Dalegarth. Food options are available at both cafes.
Festive Express for Groups An afternoon excursion from Ravenglass, the stations and trains are dressed for the festive season with different food options available at The Turntable or Fellbites cafes. Festive food options include afternoon tea at The Turntable or Soup & Sandwich at Fellbites cafe.
Educational Visits With historical points of interest, wildlife and different landscapes to explore, we guarantee a great educational day out. Day Visits all year The Ravenglass itinerary covers a variety of educational learning options such as landscape, mining heritage, Roman history, conservation, geology and natural tourism subjects to enhance your programmes in-house and/or as part of field projects. The museum at Ravenglass provides an extra insight into how the railway came into being and how it has evolved over time. Group rates and terms apply, please refer to fare pages for more information. One Teacher travels FREE with every 10 paying pupils.
Santa Express for Schools At set dates throughout November and December we host exclusive Santa Express for Schools in the mornings and afternoons. Please visit our website for more information or call us, as dates vary. Please note this is a special excursion so teachers do not travel free on the Santa Trains. A gift is not provided so please bring your gifts for Santa to hand out, if required.
The Engine Shed There are four steam locomotives in regular service, including the oldest working 15” gauge locomotive in the world, River Irt. Three of our engines are named after the local rivers, the Esk, Mite and Irt.
RIVER IRT:
Originally built by Sir Arthur Heywood in 1894 and named ‘Muriel’, River Irt is the oldest working 15 inch gauge locomotive in the world. Arriving on ‘La’al Ratty’ in 1916, she was rebuilt and renamed in 1927. In 1972 she was rebuilt in a style closer to her original outline, whilst retaining her power and reliability as well as her historic fabric. She still hauls heavy trains capably even though she is now over 100 years old.
RIVER ESK:
‘River Esk’ was purpose built for the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway and was delivered in 1923 from Davey, Paxman’s of Colchester. Her design was the inspiration for dozens of narrow gauge locomotives built in Britain and Germany between the wars. After early innovations in her design (including a steam powered tender!) proved unsuccessful, she became a tireless performer, running at least 2,000 miles a year every year between 1952 and 2011.
NORTHERN ROCK:
Increasing traffic in the 1970s meant that the railway required an additional locomotive. The new locomotive, completed in 1976, was built in the railway’s own workshops and christened Northern Rock in recognition of the railway’s history as a stone carrier. She has now given another generation of visitors continued reliable performance. Her design has been replicated in two locomotives also built in the Ravenglass workshops for the Niji-no-Sato Country Park in Japan.
RIVER MITE:
The second of two locomotives to be named, River Mite, is owned by the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway Preservation Society, and first steamed in 1967. Built by Clarkson’s of York using components from River Esk’s steam tender and delivered by traction engine to Ravenglass, River Mite attracted a great deal of publicity when new and has continued to do so since, travelling as far as Dresden in Germany as an ambassador for R&ER.
Information Access information There will be no verbal variation of these terms 1. Our platforms, cafes, shops and toilets are accessible to disabled and wheelchair users. 2. Free parking at both stations for Blue Badge Holders. 3. At Ravenglass there is level access from the car park to the shop, ticket office side entrance, trains and toilets. 4. At Dalegarth there is level access from the platform to Fellbites cafe, the Scafell Gift Shop and toilets. A ramped walkway affords access to the car park and to the lower ground floor Eskdale Room plus free Wi-Fi. 5. We offer free travel for essential companions. 6. Specially adapted wheelchair-friendly carriages are available to carry wheelchairs and seated wheelchair users. Please contact us in advance to confirm availability. 7. Hearing loops at bookings offices and cafes.
Terms & Conditions
Contact Details Ravenglass Station, Ravenglass, Cumbria, CA18 1SW Tel: 01229 71 71 71 Email: steam@ravenglass-railway.co.uk Website: ravenglass-railway.co.uk
Free Wi-Fi at both cafes
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1. Please confirm your group numbers, seven days prior to visit. 2. Adult supervision for minors shall be provided by the tour operator/group organiser. 3. Smoking is not allowed onboard the train, on the platforms or in the main buildings. 4. Passengers may only board and alight when the train is at designated stops. 5. The company may cancel or alter travel in the event of emergency, breakdown, strike, or bad weather, or for any other reason outside its control, without being liable for any loss or damage. 6. No alcohol may be taken onboard the trains. 7. The tour operator/group organiser will be responsible for any loss or damage to the locomotive, carriages or the company by any member of their party. 8. Tour operators that wish to be invoiced after travel must complete a credit application form prior to first visit. 9. Cafe bookings for groups must be made in advance, minimum 10 persons to qualify. No cancellation within seven days. Deposit required for food options. 10. Full payment for food options 7 days prior to travel unless agreed in advance.