Ravenglass

Ravenglass is a coastal village where the Esk, Mite, and Irt rivers meet the sea, forming a natural harbor along the Cumbrian shore. The settlement is defined by its railway connections, with both a main coastal line and a heritage narrow-gauge railway serving the surrounding valleys.

The Romans established a naval base here in the 2nd century with a fort and bathhouse that supplied northwestern Britain. This military presence shaped the site's importance as a harbor for centuries afterward.

The narrow-gauge railway through Eskdale Valley is locally called "La'al Ratty" and shapes village life with its heritage steam trains that still operate regularly. This transport tradition connects residents and visitors to the surrounding landscape in a way that defines the character of the place.

The railway station connects the village to both the main coastal line and the heritage narrow-gauge railway into the valleys, with regular train services. Visitors should check schedules in advance, as the heritage line operates seasonally with varying frequency.

The Roman bathhouse remains at Walls Castle stand as one of the tallest surviving Roman structures in northern England with their distinctive walls still visible. This building offers a rare chance to see Roman military architecture that has survived nearly two thousand years.