Discover Eskdale: walking, railway and cultural heritage

Eskdale is a valley in the Lake District with mountains, rocky cliffs, a river and woodland. When choosing what to do, walking, railway journeys and cultural history are distinct themes: the Eskdale Trail, the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, and Eskdale Mill, Hardknott Roman Fort and the Burnmoor stone circles offer concrete points of interest.

Exploring on foot and by bicycle

Walking the Eskdale Trail from station to station takes approximately four to five hours. Breaks and conditions affect the duration, so this is a guide rather than a fixed time. The route includes country roads, stony and earthy paths, and grassy areas. When planning your walk, therefore, take these different types of terrain into account as well as the estimated time. Look out for red squirrels, deer and buzzards along the way; sightings are not guaranteed. The Eskdale Cycle Trail is another option for exploring the valley by bicycle. Check route conditions before setting off.

Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway

The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway was built between 1873 and 1875 and was England’s first public narrow-gauge railway. Its route passes through ancient woodland and ends at Dalegarth for Boot; a journey covers seven miles. The railway also offers walking routes between the seven intermediate request stops, as well as paths that start at these stops. For planning your time, you can compare the 40-minute train journey with the approximately four- to five-hour Eskdale Trail walk from station to station. Check the timetable separately if you plan to include the journey in your itinerary.

Milling technology at Eskdale Mill

Eskdale Mill is the last working water-powered grain mill in the Lake District National Park. It is protected as a Grade 2* listed monument and preserves original milling machinery. The site includes two breastshot water wheels and a modern hydroelectric power station. Interactive exhibitions appeal to visitors of all ages. The term “breastshot” describes a design in which water strikes the wheel from above. This makes both the historic milling technology and the specific workings of the water wheels easier to understand.

Roman and prehistoric traces

Hardknott Roman Fort lies near the Eskdale end of Hardknott Pass. It was built during the reign of Hadrian, between 120 and 138 AD. Clearly visible remains include the commander’s house, the headquarters building and the bathhouse.

Burnmoor has five stone circles above Boot, near Dalegarth Station. At 96 feet (30 metres) in diameter, Brat’s Hill is the largest in the group. White Moss is one of the two twin circles on Eskdale Moor. Together, these sites offer a glimpse into different periods of cultural history, from Roman buildings to prehistoric monuments.

Discover more destinations: Dufton, Levens, Broughton, Backbarrow, Winscales, Wigton, Keswick, Stainburn

For the broader travel overview: Cumbria.