Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway (La'al Ratty)
Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway (La'al Ratty)
Journey into the heart of the UNESCO Lake District on 'La'al Ratty'—the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway. As one of the oldest and longest narrow-gauge lines in England, it traces a spectacular 7-mile transition from the ancient coastal village of Ravenglass to the majestic fells of Eskdale. This 15-inch gauge pioneer, beloved by the Rev. W. Awdry, offers a unique perspective on the Cumbrian wilderness, where meticulously restored steam locomotives conquer the landscape between the sea and the summits.
Railway History
La'al Ratty (Little Railway)
The Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway has a fascinating dual history. It began in 1875 as a 3ft-gauge iron ore mineral line but found its modern fame when it was converted to a 15-inch miniature gauge in 1913. As one of the first lines to combine industrial heritage with tourism, it has been beloved by millions of visitors, including children's author Rev. W. Awdry, and today it remains a pinnacle of narrow-gauge railway preservation in the Lake District.
