"Relaxing or strenuous, the choice is yours"
| Eskdale is an
unspoiled and tranquil valley situated at the foot of the Western Cumbrian
fells. It's a little further to travel to, but you are rewarded by the peace
and quiet which makes the valley so special. Sca Fell, England's highest
mountain range, is only six miles to the North East and the coast is five miles
to the West. Wasdale and Wastwater, which is the deepest Lake in England and
the most spectacular in the Lake District, is only a five mile drive away.
Located in the Lake District National Park it is an excellent centre for a peaceful few days in the country to walk, climb, cycle or just relax and take in the scenery and abundant wildlife including squirrels, roe deer, buzzards and the local herdwick sheep. Walking in the area is superb with a combination of high peaks for the fit and many low level walks for the less ambitious or for those days when high level walking is not advised. |
|
 |
|
The Ravenglass & Eskdale railway, known locally as "Laal Ratty", is both a tourist attraction and a means of transport in the valley. A frequent steam-hauled train service runs throughout the tourist season and connections with the Cumbria Coast main line can be made at Ravenglass. Several walks can be made from The Ferns & Whin Rigg by using the Ratty for the outbound or return leg. |
|
 |
|
A double wheel water mill at Boot village is now operating after being painstakingly restored. Go and talk to Dave who will demonstrate the mill workings and enthusiastically talk about its history. Nearby is a gallery well stocked with items of arts and crafts. For lunch or dinner try the Brook House Inn. Access to Langdale, Keswick, Ambleside, Grasmere and Coniston, following the Roman road over the Hard Knot and Wrynose passes, is one of the most breathtaking drives in Britain. At the head of the Eskdale valley is Hard Knot Roman Fort - stop off to visit and contemplate a winter posting here. |
|
 |
|
A few miles to the West is the coastal village and once Roman port of Ravenglass. Here the rivers Esk, Mite and Irt converge forming a large estuary which is sanctuary for shoreline birds. Nearby is Muncaster castle which is open to visitors and is famous for its gardens, particularly the show of Azaleas and Rhododendrons in the Spring. It is also the headquarters of the World Owl Trust and birds of prey are flown each day, weather permitting. |
|
 |
|
The nearest large town is Whitehaven which was once one of Britain's largest ports. The fishing harbour is still very busy and there is a museum, shops, swimming pool and some superb examples of restored Georgian architecture. A few miles to the South of Whitehaven is the village of St Bees where there is a fine priory church, beach and headland cliffs where many examples of sea birds can be seen. Whatever your interests you will find Eskdale a central location for a truly relaxing break. For further details on attractions and outdoors go to www.eskdale.info Back to top |