By Rail & Foot in Lower Eskdale

(Muncaster Fell, Romans by the Shore & Smuggling at Ravenglass) - A superb combination of public transport and good old-fashioned legwork. Utilize public transport to make this linear walk of contrasts: fell and seashore. Journey on \"Rattie\" to Irton Road Station. Then walk up Muncaster Fell, with superb views of Eskdale and down to historic Muncaster Castle, perhaps stopping here to visit both Castle and British Owl Centre. Across fields to the Roman Bath House and under the main line railway to walk along the shore and return via Ravenglass Village.

1. This walk starts with a 20 minute journey from Ravenglass Station, on the 15\" narrow gauge Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway (\"Li'l Rattie\"). It is advisable to check the train times in advance (01229-7171) The line skirts the estuary of the River Mite, across which can be seen the Nature Reserve of Drigg Sands. The train then passes Muncaster Water Mill (a stop-off can be made here between trains to visit) and then winds its way under the northern side of Muncaster Fell.2. Get off at Irton Road Station. Cross the bridge over the line, along a narrow lane and track for a short distance. Turn right at Footpath sign through gate. This leads to path up the side of the Fell and right along the top. It is well worth while to stop where a gate (usually open) goes through a stone wall - to look back at the superb view up Eskdale.3. The next 'natural' stop is at Ross's Camp. With every appearance of some Neolithic remains, this is a picnic table arranged by visitors to Muncaster Castle - the date 1883 is clearly visible!Once again a stance should be taken here to survey the whole surrounding panorama: Upper Eskdale to the east, to the north Irton Pike and Miterdale, south to rock-strewn Corney Fell and westwards to the Irish Sea.4. Carrying on along the fell top the path bifurcates: to the right a short detour over the top of Hooker Crag (757') the highest point of this fell; to the left the way continues and is shortly rejoined by the \"detour\" path.5. Come to a gate with a small wood on the right. In here is a small tarn firmly marked \"Private\"! This gate leads into a rough tracked Fell Lane.6. This lane emerges on the sharp bend of the very busy main A595 (T) road, so every care should be taken! Bear right, keeping to the footpath, pass the entrance to Muncaster Castle Grounds, (or if preferred take time to visit this historic Castle and the British Owl Centre - it is NOT a public right of way!)7. Continue along the road until opposite the big gate to Home Farm. Go through here and follow waymarks round the edge of the castle grounds, turn right to field and walk down the hill, mainly along a wooded path to meet a firm track.8. Turn right and right again at the lane junction to visit \"Walls\" Castle Roman Bath House (most of the remainder of the old Roman Fort (Glanoventa) disappeared when the nearby railway was built).9. Either - IF THE TIDE IS OUT - Retrace the way to the last junction, keeping right and turn right again very shortly to go under the railway line and emerge on the shore of the estuary of the River Esk.Turn right to walk along the shore until arriving at the large gates on the right leading into the main street of Ravenglass. Pass the old (many with smuggling connections) houses up this street, with village shop/Post Office on the left. Go up narrow lane opposite to return to Ravenglass station.Or:10. If the TIDE is HIGH or INCOMING (Ascertain this at the Station before starting the walk!)From the Bath House, continue along the lane to a Footpath sign to the left. The narrow path comes out near the gates to the Main Street, from whence go along this street, with village shop/Post Office on the left. Go up narrow lane opposite to return to Ravenglass station.

Getting there

Parking: Station Car Park or Village Car Park

Waypoints