Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Transport

Situated in the English Lake District this 15" Narrow Gauge Railway carries passengers from the old Roman Port of Ravenglass seven miles along the Eskdale.

A seven-mile journey of steam to the foot of England's highest mountains.

In 1873 the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Act was passed authorising the construction of a railway of 'not less than 2' 9' gauge' with the purpose of transporting iron-ore from workings above Boot village to Ravenglass and the mainline railway. The first traffic travelled on the 3-foot line on May 24th 1875. Following a detailed inspection by Colonel Yelland of the Board of Trade, passengers were carried with effect from November 20th 1876.

'Devon', a 0-6-0 side-tank engine, built by Manning Wardle & Co. Of Leeds, was joined by a similar locomotive, 'Nab Gill' at the point when passengers were first carried.

In the summer sunshine, the open carriages are always the most popular, while the outdoor tables always fill first at 'Fellbites' - Dalegarth Station Cafe. Here 'River Mite' is ready to haul a full train back from Eskdale to Ravenglass. .