Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway | Flickr Back to albums list Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway is a 15 in (381 mm) minimum gauge heritage railway in Cumbria, England. The seven-mile line runs from Ravenglass to Dalegarth Station near Boot in the valley of Eskdale, in the Lake District. At Ravenglass the line ends at Ravenglass railway station on the Cumbrian Coast Line. Intermediate stations and halts are at Muncaster Mill, Miteside, Murthwaite, Irton Road, Eskdale Green, Fisherground and Beckfoot. The railway is owned by a private company and supported by a preservation society. The oldest locomotive is River Irt, parts of which date from 1894, while the newest is the diesel-hydraulic Douglas Ferreira, built in 2005. The line is known locally as La'al Ratty and its 3 ft (914 mm) gauge predecessor as Owd Ratty. Steam trains in the UK: Britain's best heritage railways - BT Steam trains in the UK: Britain's best heritage railways Do you go loco for steam trains?

We track down where you can ride the rails - and taste the soot - up and down the UK. Print this story If you have a yearning for the nostalgic pleasure of a steam train journey, then satisfaction is never too far away - nearly 150 heritage or preservation lines are run across the country, and that’s not including the many miniature railways or tramways. The vast majority of these lines were started thanks to the hard work, patience and often financial backing of local volunteers who refused to see a major part of our heritage slip away. Most are still operated to a large extent by volunteers. Almost every heritage railway runs regular services from spring to early autumn, with curtailed services and ‘specials’ only in the winter months. Most also operate a mixture of steam and diesel or petrol locomotives, so if you are looking for an authentic steam train experience, be sure to check timetables before travelling. Here is just a small selection of some of the most popular preserved steam railways to be found across the UK. A journey through history Arguably the most famous of all British heritage lines, the Bluebell Railway runs for 11 miles from East to West Sussex, between Sheffield Park and East Grinstead.

It was the first standard-gauge heritage railway to offer a passenger service, in 1960 – just three years after British Rail had closed the line. Now run largely by volunteers, it has the largest stock of steam locomotives outside of the National Railway Museum, 10 of which are still in service. Renowned for its regular appearances in films and television series, the line’s four stations from Sheffield Park and Kingscote have been refurbished to reflect a different era of its original history, from Victorian times to the 1950s. The Bluebell runs regularly from April to October with a limited service in the winter months. It has regular themed and dining events, and excursions are run to nearby attractions such as Chailey Windmill and Folk Museum, and 400-year-old Sackville College. Island line At 15.3 miles long, the Isle of Man Railway is one of the longer narrow gauge heritage lines in operation in the UK today, but it was originally part of a 46-mile network that covered the whole island. It now operates between Port Erin at the island's southernmost tip to the capital, Douglas.

The line, which is said to have inspired the Rev Wilbert Awdry ‘s Thomas the Tank Engine, still runs five of its original steam locomotives built between 1874 and 1926, and has 30 liveried coaches. It runs from February to November. Many attractions in the south of the Island are located near to its stations, including the ancient capital of Castletown, Rushen Abbey at Ballasalla and the Port Erin Railway Museum, and the line passes through a host of dramatic coastline and countryside views. Saved by Parliament The Talyllyn Railway, running from Tywyn to Nant Gwernol in Gwynedd, Wales, was the first narrow-gauge railway licensed by Parliament to carry passengers, and also holds the title of oldest heritage railway in the UK, saved by a public committee when closure looked imminent in 1951. Its story provided the inspiration for the Ealing comedy The Titfield Thunderbolt. Alongside some diesel trains, the service still uses seven steam locomotives - two have which have been employed on the line for almost 150 years.

Operating mainly between Easter and October, trains run just over seven miles through the Fathew valley and the station stops are great starting points for woodland walks. Sightseeing highlights nearby include the Dolgoch Falls, three magnificent waterfalls in the woods near Tywyn, as well as the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum, Talyllyn Lake and the 13th century Castell- y-Bere, while Cader Idris and other peaks of southern Snowdonia are within easy reach. Severn heaven Much of the Severn Valley Railway’s 16-mile route follows the course of the River Severn through Worcestershire and Shropshire. After the original line was closed to passenger traffic in the 1960s, enthusiasts organised its restoration and a short section was first reopened in 1970. The railway now attracts over 250,000 passengers a year. Operating on standard gauge, the services are largely pulled by steam locomotives built mainly in the first half of the 20th Century, though some diesel engines are used. A number of other steam trains are being overhauled, while more are on display at The Engine House in Highley.

Ride across the river at Hampton Loade on the ‘foot ferry’ and visit 17th century Dudmaston Hall, while Bridgnorth and Bewdley are attractive towns worth exploring. The length of the line provides stunning views of the river and valley, and the railway holds dinner evenings, special events and driving courses. Long service The West Somerset Railway originally ran between Taunton and Watchet until its closure in 1971, but was saved by enthusiasts and reopened just five years later. Spanning 22.75 miles, it is currently the longest standard gauge heritage line in the UK. Normal services run 20.5 miles between Minehead and Bishops Lydeard; the additional two and a quarter miles to Norton Fitzwarren are used for special events. [Related story: BBC Four’s Trainspotting Live review: Peter Snow and Hannah Fry present this haphazard yet entertaining look at the most British of pastimes] The line owns eight steam locomotives, though not all are operational at any one time. Most of its regular services (which run from March to October) as well as various winter ‘specials’ are steam-hauled.

There are 10 restored stations along the line, which takes in the Quantock Hills and the edge of Exmoor. Nearby attractions are the medieval village and castle at Dunster; 13th century Cleeve Abbey monastery near Washford; and the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian gardens at Hestercombe, reached via a bus service from Bishops Lydeard. Great scots The Strathspey Railway is a 10-mile standard gauge heritage line from Aviemore to Broomhill through the Cairngorms National Park, in the Scottish highlands. Volunteers helped to preserve the line after it closed to passengers in 1965, and trains began running again in 1978; the full route to Broomhill has been running since 2002. It currently has three operational steam locomotives and others being overhauled, which run in tandem with diesel engines. The line retains many original features; Boat of Garten station still has its original buildings, dating as far back as 1904, while Broomhill stood in for ‘Glenbogle Station’ in the BBC series Monarch of the Glen.

The Cairngorm Mountains provide the backdrop for the 90 minute round-trip, much of it alongside the River Spey. There are some stunning walks and cycle routes along the line, which also offers a dining service, special events and train driving experiences. Stephenson country The original North Yorkshire Moors Railway opened in 1836 under the guidance of no less a figure than George Stephenson. Reinstated in 1973, it runs for 18 miles between the village of Pickering and the coastal town of Whitby, and claims to be the busiest heritage railway in the world. Trains are mostly steam-hauled, though occasionally heritage diesel engines are used. One of the six steam locos in use on the line is is the A4 Class Sir Nigel Gresley, one of only three of its kind still approved for main-line use. Trains run every day from April to October, with a reduced service in winter.

As well as the fine views of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park, attractions close to the line include Pickering Castle, the moorland towns of Levisham and Newtondale, and Goathland station, which doubles for Hogsmeade in the Harry Potter movies, as well as the seaside delights of Whitby. From coast to Boot Known in local dialect as ‘La’al Ratty’ (little railway), the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway runs from the Cumbrian coastal town of Ravenglass, to Dalegarth near the village of Boot. When the original line was closed in 1960 it was purchased for preservation by local businessmen and has run as a tourist attraction since. The line runs four steam locomotives ranging from the River Irt, built in 1994, to the Northern Rock, completed specially for the railway in 1976, as well as diesel and petrol engines. Services are regular from March to October, with a reduced service and ‘specials’ in the winter. The seven-mile journey passes alongside the Scafell Range and takes in beautiful scenery of the Ravenglass Estuary and the fells of Eskdale Valley.

Attractions nearby include a Roman Bath House at Ravenglass and a fort at Hardknott, as well as 13th century Muncaster Castle. Boot boasts a working corn mill and a micro-brewery. Do you still prefer steam over the diesel and electric trains that followed? What's your favourite heritage line? Let us know in the Comments section below. Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway – Train journey in miniature – Tammy Tour Guide • ( 1 Comment ) Ravenglass & Eskdale Steam Railway There’s nothing better than the sight, smell and sound of classic steam trains in the English countryside. The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway is a sight to behold as its miniature trains steam their way across the dramatic landscape of the western Lake District. Jump on board the train at Dalegarth in the heart of Eskdale and the train will take you over the fells to Ravenglass on the Cumbrian coast. A great adventure’s in store as you steam along through some of the Lake District’s most spectacular scenery. Mini rail adventure Now, I’m no train spotter but I do enjoy an old-fashioned ride on a steam railway – and this is one of the best I’ve been on.

It’s like travelling on your own personal railway line with top class service guaranteed and quirky stops available on request There are few delays, little overcrowding and everyone has happy, smiling faces – a far cry from modern rail travel. Tammy at Dalegarth station This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Ravenglass and Eskdale Steam Railway so it’s a great time to visit this narrow gauge railway. In the late 19th Century, the railway connected the iron mines of the Eskdale valley with the Roman port of Ravenglass. Granite was also transported by the railway in its later years. In the mid 1930s the Ravenglass-Eskdale line was the smallest passenger railway in the whole world. Today, the railway is a hugely popular tourist attraction, run by a preservation society, where you can step back in time, relax and be taken for a 40 minute ride through the Lake District National Park. Turning the train at Dalegarth Station We made the trip to the coast, breaking off for an extended lunch break and beach walk at Ravenglass before leaping back on board to return to Dalegarth a couple of hours later.

You can ride inside one of the tiny carriages or sit outside in the open, breathing in the smell of the steam engine, soaking up the atmosphere and getting a blast of fresh air as you travel across the countryside. It’s almost like travelling on a miniature railway in Lilliput. Everything is smaller than a conventional railway including the steam engines, carriages, stations and rail track. Taking in the countryside from the train There’s a sense of exhilaration and romance that comes with this train journey, something that has been lost from most modern rail travel. It helps that it’s run by enthusiasts who have a real passion for what they’ve doing. Everything is spotless, well-maintained and shiny. It’s a real joy to visit the railway and enjoy a ride on its trains. History in motion The Ravenglass and Eskdale Steam Railway is one of the oldest and longest narrow gauge railways in England. It’s known as La’al Ratty which means ‘little railway’ in the old Cumbrian dialect, although it sounds like a rodent from The Wind in the Willows. All on board – travelling cross country The journey takes passengers on a scenic trip through ancient woodlands and countryside of the Eskdale Valley to the coast.

Keep your eyes to the skies and look out for birds including buzzards which circle overhead on the thermals. As you approach the scenic Ravenglass estuary, there’s a good chance of seeing wild geese, oystercatchers, ducks and wading birds. The rail trip was one of Alfred Wainwright’s favourite journeys, crossing seven miles of spectacular scenery to the foot of England’s highest mountains, the Scafell Pike range (3,209 feet high). He also wrote a series of walks which could be taken from the Ratty railway line. Eskdale’s stunning views As you steam along at a leisurely pace, there are small station halts where you can request to jump on and off to explore the surrounding countryside. My favourite stop is Irton Road, one of the few sections of the line where the rail track doubles up so trains can pass each other. Our outward journey was on a diesel train so it was thrilling to watch as a steam engine approached us with billowing smoke heralding its arrival. Steaming along As we watched the steam engine disappear under the tunnel, my partner Tony remembered his adventures as a small child on the same railway back in 1962.

Apparently, a couple of the old trains from that period are still operating on the route so we made a mental note to check out the vintage engines when we arrived at Ravenglasss. The great thing about these heritage railway trips is they have a timeless quality which brings out the romantic in even the most cynical of souls. Changing tracks Rail travel has the great advantage of forcing you to go at a slower pace. These trains don’t go much faster than 20 mph which makes for a very leisurely, lazy trip. There’s also the thrill of seeing a very different window on the world compared with driving in a car or hiking along the fells. You’re forced to look up at the hills which frame the valley – a different perspective. As you ride along, the stations have evocative names like Miteside Halt, Beckfoot, The Green, Muncaster Mill and Fisherground, conjuring up images of a quieter age. Full steam ahead – the Eskdale Steam railway Steaming ahead As our train pulled into Ravenglass, there was a lot of activity going on with an army of people working on maintaining the steam trains and welcoming us into the station.

Steaming up at Ravenglass Once on the platform, there’s a great opportunity to get close to the old trains and watch them being made ready for their next journey.. As we marvelled at the mini steam train, called Northern Rock, I was surprised to discover that most of the trains are relatively new, despite looking like throwbacks to an earlier age. Most were built in the 1990s with a few older trains dating from the 1960s. Northern Rock, as it turns out, was completed in 1976. At the time it was regarded as the most powerful 15″ gauge steam engine in the world. Naturally, Tony had to go in search of the River Mite engine which he’d travelled on as a child. Amazingly, it was still there after all these years – looking even better than in its heyday. Tony with the old train – River Mite Meanwhile I became fascinated by the guys shovelling coal into the boilers to whip up enough power and steam to propel the next train leaving the station. This looked like extremely hot work with the flames roaring in the boiler, heating the coal and turning it into piping hot steam.

The army of volunteer workers were obviously enjoying their hands-on roles and playing the parts of driver, engineer and stoker. Shovelling coal at Ravenglass At the far end of the station I watched the slow process of moving the train around on its turning circle. During this operation, the engines started to generate a lot of steam which I was blissfully unaware of, as I was busy looking through my camera lens. Soon, I was engulfed in a giant cloud of smoke much to the amusement of fellow passengers. I loved the smell and sound of the trains even if my hair was full of grit and smoke after getting enveloped in the fumes! Steam experience at Ravenglass station Exploring Ravenglass Once in Ravenglass, it’s time to enjoy the enigmatic delights of this small coastal town which boasts an estuary, beach and seaside community which feels authentic and under-developed. Ravenglass Estuary Down on the sands at low tide, there’s a strange atmosphere of desolation and quietness which makes this a slightly surreal experience. Walking amongst the yachts, catamarans and abandoned boats is interesting – and full of surprises. You never know quite know what you’re going to see next.

This isn’t a posh place but it feels timeless, as if left behind by the rest of the world. The main street is lovely but very quiet with little of the rampant commercialism that has ruined many coastal towns. Although it could do with a few more charming cafes and shops, it has a certain charm and unspoiled character. Raven glass by modern rail There’s also an interesting walk around the estuary from where you call see interesting views of the town as well as indulging in bird watching and train spotting. Oystercatchers dominate the town’s tideline, running around in the gloopy mud looking for the next seafood dinner. Boat lovers will enjoy the amazing range of vessels anchored close to the shore from posh yachts to fishing boats and unsalvageable wrecks. Ravenglass seafront For those who like exploring historical sites, take a walk from the station to the Ravenglass Roman Baths, a short 10 minute stroll down a wooded back lane. The Roman Baths are better preserved than I expected although the site is fairly small. You can still see the niches in the walls of the baths where the Romans kept their altars to the gods.

The Romans were in Ravenglass around 130 AD and the soldiers lived in a garrison over the road from the bath house, although there is little to be seen of that building today other than the earthworks. Ravenglass Roman Baths The remains of the bath house are among the tallest Roman structures surviving in northern Britain with the walls standing at almost four metres high. The fort at Ravenglass once guarded what was probably a harbour and there is evidence that soldiers stationed here served in the Emperor Hadrian’s fleet. From here, we headed back to the station to enjoy a leisurely ride back to our Eskdale camp site on the return steam train. A journey on one of the world’s smallest passenger railways is a great adventure in miniature. Next time I’ll be returning for a much longer ride. Tammy’s Top Travel Tips – Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway The Ravenglass & Eskdale Steam Railway runs from Ravenglasss station on the coast to Dalegarth near the small village of Boot in Eskdale in England’s western Lake District. Ravenglass Hotel Main Street The Pennington Hotel Ravenglass railway station Ravenglass railway station serves the village of Ravenglass in Cumbria, England.

It is a stop on the scenic Cumbrian Coast Line and the terminus of the Ravenglass and Eskdale heritage railway. The two parts of the station are separated by the station's car park (...) Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway is a minimum gauge heritage railway in Cumbria, England. The seven-mile line runs from Ravenglass to Dalegarth Station near Boot in the valley of Eskdale, in the Lake District. At Ravenglass the line ends at Ravenglass railway station on the Cumbrian Coast Line (...) River Mite The River Mite is a river in the county of Cumbria in northern England. The valley through which the river Mite runs is called Miterdale. The name Mite is thought to be of British origin and related to a root such as 'meigh': to urinate or dribble, possibly a wry reflection of the relatively minor (...) Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway : Wikis (The Full Wiki) Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway River Irt approaches Miteside Loop, October 2007 Locale Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Co. Ltd.

Stations Preservation history 1960 Saved by the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Preservation Society and reopened owned by the R&ER Co. Ltd. 1977 New Radio Control System unveiled. Dalegarth Station near Boot, with Ravenglass-built diesel loco Lady Wakefield River Esk, with her driver, Peter van Zeller, on the turntable at Ravenglass station Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway 1 in 43 (up) Murthwaite Oak Tree Murthwaite Quarry 1 in 43 (up) Hollin How Bank 5 miles from Ravenglass 1 in 52 (up) Spout House Curve Spout House Bridge 1 in 53 (up) Beckfoot Bank Ghyll Force Jn to Boot Beckfoot Summit The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway is a 15 in (381 mm) minimum gauge heritage railway in Cumbria , England . The seven-mile line runs from Ravenglass to Dalegarth Station near Boot in the valley of Eskdale , in the Lake District . At Ravenglass the line ends at Ravenglass railway station on the Cumbrian Coast Line .

Intermediate stations and halts are at Muncaster Mill, Miteside, Murthwaite, Irton Road, Eskdale Green , Fisherground and Beckfoot. The railway is owned by a private company and supported by a preservation society. The oldest locomotive is River Irt, parts of which date from 1894, while the newest is the diesel-hydraulic Douglas Ferreira , built in 2005. The line is known locally as La'al Ratty and its 3 ft (914 mm) gauge predecessor as Owd Ratty. [1] Nearby attractions include: the Roman Bath House at Ravenglass; the Hardknott Roman Fort , known to the Romans as Mediobogdum, at the foot of Hardknott Pass ; the watermills at Boot and Muncaster; and Muncaster Castle , the home of the Pennington family since 1208. Contents Advertisements Original railway The original Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway was a 3 ft (914 mm) line opened on 24 May 1875 to transport hematite iron ore from mines around Boot to the Furness Railway standard gauge line at Ravenglass.

[2] There has been dispute about the gauge. It is shown as 3 feet in records but is quoted as 2 ft 9 in (838 mm) in some books such as the ABC of Narrow Gauge Railways. [3] This figure was believed for many years until the present company discovered a sleeper from before the line closed, with spacings between holes made by track spikes confirming the gauge was the wider one. The confusion probably stems from the fact that the line was built under the condition that it was "of a gauge not less than 2' 9"". [1] Passengers were permitted from 1876 and were carried until November 1908. [1] [2] It was the first public narrow-gauge railway in England. [2] The line was declared bankrupt in 1897 although it operated for many years afterwards. It was forced to close in April 1913, due to decline in demand for iron ore and small volumes of passengers in summer.

[2] Bassett-Lowke era In 1915 Wynne Bassett-Lowke and RP Mitchell, two model makers, converted the line to the 15 in (381 mm) gauge that it is today. The first train operated over the regauged line on August 28, 1915. [1] By 1917, the entire line had been converted and trains were running along the whole length. Initially, services were operated using the Bassett-Lowke -built, to-scale 4-4-2 Sans Pareil. Rolling stock was augmented by Sir Arthur Heywood 's Duffield Bank line, following Sir Arthur's death in 1916. These included the 0-8-0 locomotive Muriel, whose frames and running gear were rebuilt as River Irt. As well as passengers, the line transported granite between Beckfoot Quarry and Murthwaite crushing plant. From Murthwaite to Ravenglass the track ran as dual gauge for a time, with standard gauge track straddling the 15 in (381 mm) gauge rails.

A diesel locomotive was obtained in 1929 to work this section and details are in Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway locomotives . The line carried much of the goods and produce for the valley. By the mid-1920s, the line had been extended to its present terminus at Dalegarth Station. Passenger trains did not run during World War II . Keswick Granite Following the war, the line was purchased by Keswick Granite Company, but the quarries closed in 1953. With the railway for sale, 1960 was the last season of passenger traffic. Gilbert's Cutting After passing Spout House Farm the line reaches Gilbert's Cutting. Until 1964, trains were forced to follow a sharp curve along a contour in order to avoid steep gradients. However, after several thousands of tons of granite had been dug out, a new 210-metre cutting was opened by Colin Gilbert, thus ending the squealing noise the trains had made negotiating this part of the line until that year. Preservation Locals and railway enthusiasts formed Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Preservation Society to save the line, with financial backing by others.

The structure, the railway owned and operated by private company, with the backing of the preservation society, is still in place. Despite construction of the 2-8-2 engine River Esk in 1923 and the rebuilding of Muriel into the 0-8-2 River Irt in 1927, the line was short of motive power. To allow for an expanded timetable, the preservation society raised funds to build a third steam locomotive. River Mite (2-8-2) entered service in 1967 and, although owned by the society, has been on permanent loan to the company ever since. In the early 1970s it became apparent that, with passengers rising, another locomotive was required. This time the company constructed the engine itself. Northern Rock ( 2-6-2 ) was complete in time for centenery celebrations in 1976. A further addition was made in 1980 when the company constructed the B-B diesel locomotive Lady Wakefield.

Other significant locomotives include: Bonnie Dundee, built in 1900 as a 2 ft (610 mm)-gauge tank engine before being donated to the R&ER by a member and converted to 15 in (381 mm)-gauge, later converted again from tank to tender configuration; Synolda, a twin to the original 15 in (381 mm) loco Sans Pareil, built in 1912, saved from Belle Vue Zoo in 1978 and now in the railway museum; Shelagh of Eskdale, a 4-6-4 diesel built in 1969 incorporating parts of the Heywood loco Ella; Perkins, a rebuilt 0-4-4 diesel engine, which started as a quarry shunter before being rebuilt into the steam-outlined Passenger Tractor and then again in 1984 into its current guise; Douglas Ferreira, a B-B diesel loco constructed in 2005 and named after the general manager of the R&ER from 1961 to 1994. Since the 1960s, the railway has improved and visitors have increased.

Between 1961 and 1994, Douglas Ferreira was the general manager and he is one of the people who have left the biggest legacy on the Ratty. Today, there are 120,000 passengers each year with up to 16 trains daily in summer. Trains run most of the year; the railway is only closed in January. Train operations The railway uses radio control train order. Outside Ravenglass station, the line is single track with passing loops at Miteside, Irton Road and Fisherground. Trains operate by radio communication between drivers and at Ravenglass signal box. At passing loops and the terminus station, drivers contact the controller, using reporting numbers (even numbers for up trains ex-Ravenglass, and odd for down) the train is within the loop and is clear of the preceding single track. To leave the loop, the driver contacts control to enter the next single section. No fixed signals are used outside Ravenglass station. Points at passing loops are spring-loaded with direction indicators, meaning no human intervention. Elements of the operation were used by British Rail to cut costs on remote lines.

What became known as Radio Electronic Token Block signalling shared features with the Ratty, such as centralised control, spring-loaded points at loops, and on-train equipment rather than fixed equipment at remote locations. The line Ravenglass : signal box, turntable, workshops, engine sheds, carriage shed, museum, café, booking office and shop, camping coaches, holiday bungalow, car park. Muncaster Mill : historic corn mill (no longer open to the public), car park (1 mile/1.6 kilometres from Ravenglass). Formerly known as Muncaster.

The operational passenger stock of the railway currently comprises the following - 7 20-seat heated saloons (102; 110; 111; 113-115; 136) 2 18-seat heated saloons (106; 107) 1 14-seat heated brake saloon (112) 3 20-seat saloons (119; 121; 122) 2 14-seat brake saloons (104; 120) 1 16-seat brake saloon (103) 4 24-seat maxi saloons (131; 132; 134; 135) 1 22-seat heated maxi brake saloon (133) 1 20-seat heated maxi special saloon (130) 1 17-seat heated disabled saloon (118) 2 19-seat disabled saloons (123; 137) 8 20-seat semi-opens (101; 108; 1

09; 116; 117; 124-126) 3 20-seat disabled semi-opens (127-129) 9 20-seat opens (166; 169-469; 170-370; 187) 4 18-seat brake opens (271; 371; 199; 287) The permanent way department currently utilises nine four-wheeled flat wagons, seven of which have removable tops for ballast carrying, a four-wheeled railbender wagon, a bogie man-rider wagon, a bogie flat wagon, an emergency and utilities van and a mess coach (number 105).

[4] The line in fiction The Arlesdale Railway in The Railway Series by Rev. W. Awdry is based on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway. [5] In Small Railway Engines (1967), Awdry relates part of a holiday he spent visiting the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway with the Rev. E. R. Boston ; the two appear in the book as the Thin Clergyman and the Fat Clergyman, respectively. [6] The fictional railway's locomotives are each based on Ravenglass engines: Bert, Rex, Mike and Jock are the steam engines River Irt, River Esk, River Mite and Northern Rock, while the Sudrian diesels Frank, Sigrid of Arlesdale and Blister 1 & 2 are the Cumbrians Perkins, Shelagh of Eskdale and Cyril. [5] The Arlesdale Railway stations are also visibly based on the Ravenglass ones: Arlesburgh is Ravenglass, Ffarquhar Road is Muncaster Mill, Marthwaite is Irton Road, Arlesdale Green is Eskdale Green and Arlesdale is Dalegarth.

[5] The line features in The Plague Dogs by Richard Adams ; the canine protagonists evade the force of paratroopers searching for them by riding from Eskdale to Ravenglass on an empty train. See also Bush Mill Railway References ^ a b c d Van Zeller, Peter (December 2008). "100 years since the end of the 'Owd Ratty'". The Railway Magazine 154 (1,292): 39–40. ^ a b c d Whitehouse, Patrick and Snell, John (1984). Narrow gauge railways of the British Isles. David & Charles. ISBN 0715301969. ^ Ian Allan ABC of Narrow Gauge Railways, c. 1960, pp 49-50 ^ van Zeller, Peter and Higginson, Martin (2006). Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway Stockbook (4th Edition). Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway Preservation Society. ^ a b c Awdry, Wilbert and George (1987). The Island of Sodor: Its People, History and Railways. Heinemann.

ISBN 0434963488. ^ Wilcock, David, The Rev Wilbert Awdry - Thomas the Tank Engine's Creator - Dies at 85 , obituary in Steam Railway dated June 1997 online at pegnsean.net (accessed 13 April 2008) External links ravenglass and eskdale railway : definition of ravenglass and eskdale railway and synonyms of ravenglass and eskdale railway (English) Ghyll Force mines The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway is a 15 in (381 mm) minimum gauge heritage railway in Cumbria , England. The 7 miles (11.3 km) line runs from Ravenglass to Dalegarth Station near Boot in the valley of Eskdale , in the Lake District . At Ravenglass the line ends at Ravenglass railway station on the Cumbrian Coast Line . Intermediate stations and halts are at Muncaster Mill, Miteside, Murthwaite, Irton Road, Eskdale Green , Fisherground and Beckfoot. The railway is owned by a private company and supported by a preservation society.

The oldest locomotive is River Irt, parts of which date from 1894, while the newest is the diesel-hydraulic Douglas Ferreira , built in 2005. The line is known locally as La'al Ratty and its 3 ft (914 mm) gauge predecessor as Owd Ratty. [1] Nearby attractions include: the Roman Bath House at Ravenglass; the Hardknott Roman Fort , known to the Romans as Mediobogdum, at the foot of Hardknott Pass ; the watermills at Boot and Muncaster; and Muncaster Castle , the home of the Pennington family since 1208. Contents History Original railway The original Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway was a 3 ft (914 mm) line opened on 24 May 1875 to transport hematite iron ore from mines around Boot to the Furness Railway standard gauge line at Ravenglass. [2] There has been dispute about the gauge. It is shown as 3 feet in records but is quoted as 2 ft 9 in (838 mm) in some books such as the ABC of Narrow Gauge Railways.

[3] This figure was believed for many years until the present company discovered a sleeper from before the line closed, with spacings between holes made by track spikes confirming the gauge was the wider one. The confusion probably stems from the fact that the line was built under the condition that it was "of a gauge not less than 2' 9" ". [1] Passengers were permitted from 1876 and were carried until November 1908. [1] [2] It was the first public narrow-gauge railway in England. [2] The line was declared bankrupt in 1897 although it operated for many years afterwards. It was forced to close in April 1913, due to decline in demand for iron ore and small volumes of passengers in summer. [2] Bassett-Lowke era In 1915 Wenman Joseph Bassett-Lowke and Robert Proctor-Mitchell, two model makers, converted the line to the 15 in (381 mm) gauge that it is today. The first train operated over the regauged line on August 28, 1915.

[1] By 1917, the entire line had been converted and trains were running along the whole length. Initially, services were operated using the Bassett-Lowke -built, to-scale 4-4-2 Sans Pareil. Rolling stock was augmented by Sir Arthur Heywood 's Duffield Bank line, following Sir Arthur's death in 1916. These included the 0-8-0 locomotive Muriel, whose frames and running gear were rebuilt as River Irt. As well as passengers, the line transported granite between Beckfoot Quarry and Murthwaite crushing plant. From Murthwaite to Ravenglass the track ran as dual gauge for a time, with standard gauge track straddling the 15 in (381 mm) gauge rails. A diesel locomotive was obtained in 1929 to work this section and details are in Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway locomotives . The line carried much of the goods and produce for the valley. By the mid-1920s, the line had been extended to its present terminus at Dalegarth Station. Passenger trains did not run during World War II .

Keswick Granite Following the war, the line was purchased by Keswick Granite Company, but the quarries closed in 1953. They sold the railway in 1960 . Preservation Locals and railway enthusiasts formed Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Preservation Society to save the line, with financial backing by others. The structure, the railway owned and operated by private company, with the backing of the preservation society, is still in place. Despite construction of the 2-8-2 engine River Esk in 1923 and the rebuilding of Muriel into the 0-8-2 River Irt in 1927, the line was short of motive power. To allow for an expanded timetable, the preservation society raised funds to build a third steam locomotive. River Mite (2-8-2) entered service in 1967 and, although owned by the society, has been on permanent loan to the company ever since. In the early 1970s it became apparent that, with passengers rising, another locomotive was required. This time the company constructed the engine itself.

Northern Rock ( 2-6-2 ) was complete in time for centenary celebrations in 1976. A further addition was made in 1980 when the company constructed the B-B diesel locomotive Lady Wakefield.

Other significant locomotives include: Bonnie Dundee, built in 1900 as a 2 ft (610 mm)-gauge tank engine before being donated to the R&ER by a member and converted to 15 in (381 mm)-gauge, later converted again from tank to tender configuration; Synolda, a twin to the original 15 in (381 mm) loco Sans Pareil, built in 1912, saved from Belle Vue Zoo in 1978 and now in the railway museum; Shelagh of Eskdale, a 4-6-4 diesel built in 1969 incorporating parts of the Heywood loco Ella; Perkins, a rebuilt 0-4-4 diesel engine, which started as a quarry shunter before being rebuilt into the steam-outlined Passenger Tractor and then again in 1984 into its current guise; Douglas Ferreira, a B-B diesel loco constructed in 2005 and named after the general manager of the R&ER from 1961 to 1994. Since the 1960s, the railway has improved and visitors have increased.

Between 1961 and 1994, Douglas Ferreira was the general manager and he is one of the people who have left the biggest legacy on the Ratty. Today, there are 120,000 passengers each year with up to 16 trains daily in summer. Trains run most of the year; the railway is only closed in January. Gilbert's Cutting After passing Spout House Farm the line reaches Gilbert's Cutting. Until 1964, trains were forced to follow a sharp curve along a contour in order to avoid steep gradients. However, after several thousands of tons of granite had been dug out, a new 210-metre cutting was opened by Colin Gilbert, thus ending the squealing noise the trains had made negotiating this part of the line until that year. Train operations The railway uses radio control train order. Outside Ravenglass station, the line is single track with passing loops at Miteside, Irton Road and Fisherground. Trains operate by radio communication between drivers and at Ravenglass signal box.

At passing loops and the terminus station, drivers contact the controller, using reporting numbers (even numbers for up trains ex-Ravenglass, and odd for down) the train is within the loop and is clear of the preceding single track. To leave the loop, the driver contacts control to enter the next single section. No fixed signals are used outside Ravenglass station. Points at passing loops are spring-loaded with direction indicators, meaning no human intervention. Elements of the operation were used by British Rail to cut costs on remote lines. What became known as Radio Electronic Token Block signalling shared features with the Ratty, such as centralised control, spring-loaded points at loops, and on-train equipment rather than fixed equipment at remote locations. The line Ravenglass : signal box, turntable, workshops, engine sheds, carriage shed, museum, café, booking office and shop, camping coaches , holiday bungalow, car park. Muncaster Mill : historic corn mill (no longer open to the public), car park (1 mile / 1.6 kilometres from Ravenglass). Formerly known as Muncaster.

The operational passenger stock of the railway currently comprises the following - 7 20-seat heated saloons (102; 110; 111; 113-115; 136) 2 18-seat heated saloons (106; 107) 1 14-seat heated brake saloon (112) 3 20-seat saloons (119; 121; 122) 2 14-seat brake saloons (104; 120) 1 16-seat brake saloon (103) 4 24-seat maxi saloons (131; 132; 134; 135) 1 22-seat heated maxi brake saloon (133) 1 20-seat heated maxi special saloon (130) 2 17-seat heated disabled saloons (118; 126) 2 19-seat disabled saloons (123; 137) 7 20-seat semi-opens (101; 1

08; 109; 116; 117; 124; 125) 3 20-seat disabled semi-opens (127-129) 9 20-seat opens (166; 169-469; 170-370; 187) 4 18-seat brake opens (271; 371; 199; 287) The permanent way department currently utilises nine four-wheeled flat wagons, seven of which have removable tops for ballast carrying, a four-wheeled railbender wagon, a bogie man-rider wagon, a bogie flat wagon, an emergency and utilities van and a mess coach (number 105).

[4] The line in fiction The Arlesdale Railway in The Railway Series by Rev. W. Awdry is based on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway. [5] In Small Railway Engines (1967), Awdry relates part of a holiday he spent visiting the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway with the Rev. E. R. Boston ; the two appear in the book as the Thin Clergyman and the Fat Clergyman, respectively. The Arlesdale Railway was also the focus point in Jock the New Engine , with an incident that was inspired by an accident that happened on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, when Perkins crashed in the back of the shed, and with cameos in other books. [6] The fictional railway's locomotives are each based on Ravenglass engines: Bert, Rex, Mike and Jock are the steam engines River Irt, River Esk, River Mite and Northern Rock, while the Sudrian diesels Frank, Sigrid of Arlesdale and Blister 1 & 2 are the Cumbrians Perkins, Shelagh of Eskdale and Cyril.

[5] The Arlesdale Railway stations are also visibly based on the Ravenglass ones: Arlesburgh is Ravenglass, Ffarquhar Road is Muncaster Mill, Marthwaite is Irton Road, Arlesdale Green is Eskdale Green and Arlesdale is Dalegarth. [5] The line features in The Plague Dogs by Richard Adams ; the canine protagonists evade the force of paratroopers searching for them by riding from Eskdale to Ravenglass on an empty train. See also Ravenglass Cottages - holidaycottages.co.uk Ravenglass Cottages Sleeps: 8 Bedrooms: 4 Pets allowed: 1 Preferred changeover day: Saturday 7 nights Hide map Note: As the postcode is used to identify the general area of the property, it may not always reflect its precise location, therefore please only use this map as a guide. Ravenglass is a village on the western coastline of the Lake District . It is the only coastal village within the National Park, with views out across the Irish Sea towards the Isle of Man around 30 miles to the west.

The village at the conjunction of three rivers - the Esk, the Mite and the Irt – and is an excellent starting point for exploration of the inland delights of the Lake District. The history of Ravenglass A port at the place where Ravenglass now sits served as a vital naval hub for the many Roman soldiers stationed in the area during the first and second century AD. Following the departure of the Romans, the area continued to be important for local sea trade, and King John awarded Ravenglass a market charter in 1208. By the 19th century Ravenglass had become a sub-port to Whitehaven, 15 miles up the Cumbrian coast, carrying out minor ship-building duties and serving as a base for local oyster fishermen. The railway arrived to connect the area with the wider country in 1875. Things to see and do in Ravenglass Ravenglass Roman Bath House, known locally as Walls Castle, is all that remains of the Roman settlement of Ravenglass. The ruins have walls of over 12 feet high, making the bath house one of the highest standing of Roman remains in England, and it is maintained today by English Heritage. The railway is a popular tourist attraction.

The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway today operates as a heritage railway, known locally as La'al Ratty, operating an enjoyable 40-minute steam train ride for around seven miles to the east, terminating at Dalegarth for Boot station next to the Whillan Beck, a tributary of the River Esk. The Ravenglass Railway Museum is comprised of working small gauge railway locos and rolling stock, models, artefacts, archival and pictorial images. The museum holds the archive collections of the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway as well as those for other local railways, and records of iron mining, stone quarrying and historic points of interest in the local area. Arts and crafts have a home in Ravenglass at the Muncaster Water Mill. The mill, next to the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, is a working water-powered corn mill dating from 1455, regularly producing a range of stone-ground organic flours and oatmeals. Muncaster Castle is another local attraction, a privately owned castle overlooking the River Esk. A Grade I listed building, the castle is owned by the Pennington family, landowners in the area for at least 800 years.

Himalayan Gardens, the world’s finest dedicated Owl Centre and the Meadow Vole Maze all make Muncaster a must-see spot on any visit to Ravenglass. And of course no self-respecting castle would be worth its weight in stone without a resident ghost. Muncaster Castle is reputedly one of the most haunted buildings in England, with scientists unable to explain some of the strange occurrences reported since studies began over 20 years ago. The Muncaster 'Ghost Sit' allows groups of up to 6 people to stay overnight in the Tapestry Room, supposedly the most haunted room in the castle. There is plenty to see and do in Ravenglass, and one of our splendid holiday cottages would serve as an excellent starting point to explore the Lake District’s unique coast, as well as the more traditional points of interest you’ll find by following the rivers inland. Holidays in Ravenglass Ravenglass dates to at least the 2nd century when it provided an important military and trading base for the Romans. It now contains a terminus for the ever-popular Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway.

Book a break at one of our Ravenglass cottages if you are interested in enjoying the impressive coastal scenery or the Lake District's scenic railway. View our guide to Ravenglass holidays or search for Ravenglass cottages above. British Heritage Steam Railway tour 2016 Your hotel: Holiday Inn, Ashford North. Dinner included. Day 2. Sunday, 26 June Battle and the Bluebell Railway This morning, drive to Battle there will be a short stop to explore the site of the Battle of Hastings, fought between King Harold of the Anglo Saxons and the Norman invaders on 14 October, 1066 – 950 years ago. The site of the Battle of Hastings is one of the least altered of medieval battlefields. In 1066 this part of Sussex was little populated, and the battle was fought on open land immediately south of the dense Wealden forest with perhaps 14,000 soldiers involved. The foundation of the abbey a few years later effectively preserved most of the battlefield, although no relics of the battle have ever been found there.

Continue to Sheffield Park, where there will be time for lunch before joining a train on the standard gauge, steam operated Bluebell Railway for a trip to East Grinstead and back. This is the biggest preserved railway in the Home Counties south of London, offering fine stations, good scenery and big engines. The railway runs some 11 miles north from Sheffield Park to Horsted Keynes, Kingscote and East Grinstead where it connects with Southern mainline trains. In all it provides a 22 mile round trip. The Railway's four stations, its locomotives and its rolling stock cover a period of railway history from the 1870s to the 1950s and as such provide a unique insight into a way of life that has largely disappeared from the United Kingdom today. This afternoon motor to your hotel, near the city of Bristol. Your hotel: Novotel Bristol City Centre. Breakfast and dinner included. Day 3. Monday, 27 June The West Somerset Railway Drive to Bishops Lydeard, a small town near Taunton and one end of the West Somerset Railway, the longest standard gauge preserved steam railway in Britain.

Trains run between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead, making their way through the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that is the Quantock Hills and along the Bristol Channel Coast. Along the way there are various historic sites. Crowcombe Heathfield station is where scenes from the Beatles’ “A Hard Days Night” were filmed whilst the old harbour town of Watchet has a history dating back into Saxon times and still boasts narrow streets, local shops and places to eat and drink as well as two Museums. Alight at Washford station for the walks to Cleeve Abbey and Torre Cider Farm or continue to Minehead, the beach is literally across the road from the station whilst a left turn takes you into the town centre. You will have a day rover ticket and are free to join any train, but it is anticipated that we will travel directly from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead before stopping off at intermediate stations on the return journey. This afternoon, return by road to your hotel in Bristol for the night. Your hotel: Novotel Bristol City Centre. Breakfast and dinner included. Day 4.

Tuesday, 28 June SS Great Britain and the Gloucester and Warwickshire Railway After breakfast, we will make our way down to the Bristol waterfront to visit Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s famous ship, the SS Great Britain. Rescued as a rusted hulk in the Falklands and brought back in a floating dock, the ship has now been impressively restored in the same dry dock where she was built in 1843, when she was called the ‘Greatest experiment since creation’. Continue our adventure today with a drive to Cheltenham, one of Britain’s best known horse race venues. Board the standard gauge, steam operated Gloucester and Warwickshire Railway for a journey to Toddington. The railway commands wonderful views of sleepy hamlets and villages as it runs though the beautiful Cotswold countryside. The line was built between1900 and 1906 to improve through services from Birmingham to Bristol and the West Country, it also carried fruit from the highly productive farming areas both in the Cotswolds and the Vale of Evesham. The line closed in 1976 and the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway was formed in 1981.

Their aim is to one day restore the line from Stratford Race Course to Cheltenham Racecourse. This afternoon, drive to Kidderminster where you will spend two nights. Kidderminster is a town in the Wyre Forest district of Worcestershire, England. It is located 17 miles south-west of Birmingham and 15 miles north of Worcester. Best known as a carpet manufacturing centre, and as the birthplace of Lord Roland Hill who invented the modern postage stamp. Kidderminster is also the mainline junction station for the Severn Valley railway. Your hotel: Gainsborough Hotel, Kidderminster. Breakfast and dinner included. Day 5. Wednesday, 29 June Severn Valley Railway, the Bridgenorth Funicular Railway and a Parry People Mover This morning, join a steam train on the standard gauge Severn Valley Railway to Bridgenorth and back, stopping at Highley for the Enginehouse museum and including a ride on the funicular railway at Bridgenorth. The Severn Valley Railway runs for most of its length up the Severn River valley.

It is about 16 miles long, one of the longest preserved lines in England, running one of the most intensive steam timetables. The enginehouse museum at Highley displays ‘out of ticket’ locomotives that are waiting to be returned to operating condition, as well as a number of smaller displays and a restaurant. The funicular railway at Bridgenorth links the lower town alongside the river with the upper town. It avoids a strenuous walk and is one of the few funicular railways in Britain not located along the coast. Bridgenorth is a pretty market town, a pleasing place for lunch in one of the quaint coffee shops or bar restaurants. After lunch, return to Kidderminster by steam train. Transfer to the adjacent mainline station to complete your railway experience with a ride on a Chiltern Railways commuter train to Stourbridge Junction, and from there on a Parry People Mover on the 0.8 miles railway branch line to Stourbridge Town. This is a unique form of traction on the shortest mainline railway in Europe, with one with the busiest timetables.

Now used solely for passenger traffic, it was originally constructed to allow trans-shipment with the Stourbridge Town Arm of the Stourbridge Canal. The Class 139 units utilise flywheel energy storage as means of smoothing energy demand to start and propel the vehicle. The flywheel captures braking energy when the brakes are used and re- uses the energy for acceleration. A small on-board engine is used to start the vehicle and to provide power for the on-board systems. Return by road to Kidderminster. Your hotel: Gainsborough Hotel, Kidderminster. Breakfast and dinner included. Day 6. Thursday, 30 June Crich Tramway Museum, National Railway Museum in York and dinner at The Sidings This morning, travel by road to the National Tramway Museum at Crich. The Museum is situated within Crich Tramway Village, a period village containing a pub, cafe, old-style sweetshop and the tram depots. Ride a variety of trams that run through the village to the countryside and back. The trams mostly ran along the streets of cities in United Kingdom before the 1960s, with some trams rescued and restored (even from other countries) as the systems closed.

Continue our road journey to the famous city of York, about 2 hours distant. This afternoon, visit the National Railway Museum at York with time also to see the impressive mainline station before checking in to your hotel. Dinner this evening will be at The Sidings, a restaurant with a difference alongside the East Coast Mainline. As an alternative to the railway museum, join Geoff on a walking visit to the historic town of York and the impressive York Minster. Your hotel: Park Inn York City Centre by Raddison. Breakfast and dinner included. Day 7. Friday, 01 July North York Moors Railway and Whitby This morning, motor to the small market town of Pickering, terminus of the standard gauge North York Moors Railway. Ride a steam train over the Yorkshire Moors to Grosmont, where we will break our journey to walk through the George Stephenson tunnel, built in 1835, to the railway’s engine sheds. Our steam train journey will then continue over mainline rails to the seaside town of Whitby. The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is a heritage railway in North Yorkshire, England running through the North York Moors National Park.

First opened in 1836 as the Whitby and Pickering Railway, it was planned in 1831 by George Stephenson to facilitate trade inland from the seaport of Whitby. The line closed in 1965 and was reopened in 1973 by the North York Moors Historical Railway Trust Ltd. The railway carries more passengers than any other heritage railway in the UK and may be the busiest steam heritage line in the world. The 18-mile railway is the third-longest standard gauge heritage line in the United Kingdom. Whitby boasts having the best fish and chips in the UK, you won’t have far to travel out of the station before your taste buds are tantalised. Wander through the streets of the old fishing port and discover all there is to know about Captain Cook at the Captain Cook Museum before climbing the famous 199 steps to St Mary’s Church and the atmospheric ruins of Whitby Abbey. Our hotel: The Gisborough Hall in Guisborough, your chance to experience a glamorous stately home. Breakfast and dinner included. Day 8.

Saturday, 02 July The National Railway Museum at Shildon, Edinburgh and the Forth Bridge This morning, make a short visit to the second location of the National Railway Museum at Shildon, where many of the locomotives that cannot be displayed in York are shown. Shildon Was the heartland of the Robert and George Stephenson railway empire, many of their original buildings still exist. Drive north to the city of Edinburgh with a break for lunch en-route. Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, located on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth. It is the second largest city in Scotland and the seventh in the United Kingdom. Recognised as the capital of Scotland since at least the 15th century, Edinburgh is home to the Scottish Parliament and the seat of the monarchy in Scotland and is home to national institutions such as the National Museum of Scotland, the National Library of Scotland and the Scottish National Gallery. It is the largest financial centre in the UK after London. Edinburgh's Old Town and New Town together are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a short visit to the City, continue to our hotel at South Queensferry on the banks of the Firth of Forth.

Dinner tonight will be in a restaurant with a view of the famous Victorian Forth Bridge. The Forth Bridge is a cantilever railway bridge over the Firth of Forth in the east of Scotland, 9 miles west of Edinburgh City Centre. The iconic structure is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Construction of the bridge began in 1882 and it was completed in 1890. The bridge spans the Forth between the villages of South Queensferry and North Queensferry and has a total length of 8,296 feet. It was the longest single cantilever bridge span in the world until 1917 when the Quebec Bridge in Canada was completed. It is still the world's second-longest single cantilever span. Your hotel: Premier Inn South Queensferry. Meals included: Breakfast and dinner. Day 9. Sunday, 03 July A distillery tour and Sunday lunch on the Strathspey Railway Our journey will continue today to the Highlands of Scotland, where we will visit the Blare Athol whisky distillery. Blair Athol Distillery stands at the gateway to the Scottish Highlands in the picturesque town of Pitlochry, Perthshire.

From the water of the Allt Dour burn comes our 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky, with a mellow deep-toned aroma, a strong fruity flavour and a smooth finish. Blair Athol wins hearts through its contribution to the Bell's Blend, the most popular blended whisky in the UK. Our next visit will be a return journey on the Strathspey Railway where you will enjoy an included traditional three course roast lunch in a dining car as you steam through the highlands countryside – definitely a highlight of the tour. The standard gauge Strathspey Railway is a 10 miles preserved line from Aviemore to Broomhill via Boat of Garten, part of the former Inverness and Perth Junction Railway (later part of Highland Railway) which linked Aviemore with Forres. It is one of a handful of primary/secondary main lines to be preserved in Britain today. Continue our road journey to the highland city of Inverness where we will spend the night. Your hotel: The Royal Highland Hotel. Meals included: Breakfast, dining car lunch, dinner. Day 10.

Monday, 04 July Loch Ness, the Jacobite steam train and a drive up Glen Coe Pass and over the Trassocks After breakfast, motor down the length of the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness as we make our way across Scotland to Fort William. Ride on the ‘Jacobite’ standard gauge steam train from Fort William to the small fishing town of Mallaig, one of the most scenic railways in the world with the most famous landmark being the Glenfinnan Viaduct – if you are a Harry Potter fan, you will know all about it! There will be time for lunch and a visit to the fishing harbour before returning to Fort William for the night. Despite its relatively short route, the Jacobite offers an abundance of scenic highlights. The journey begins in Fort William in the shadow of Ben Nevis, the UK's highest mountain. The train follows the shore of scenic Loch Eil and begins its ascent to the village of Glenfinnan across the spectacular Glenfinnan Viaduct, built between 1897 and 1901.

One of the first railway viaducts constructed entirely from concrete, it has twenty-one arches and rises thirty metres from the valley floor to provide superb views of Loch Shiel. The sea is visible around the village of Arisaig which lays claim to the UK's westernmost railway station. Here, the rugged coastline and the shore of Loch nan Ceall, on which Arisaig is situated, afford more unforgettable views. There will be time for lunch in Mallaig, a traditional Scottish fishing port and gateway by ferry to the islands of Skye, Muck Eigg and Rum. This afternoon, return by steam train to Fort William. On arrival, continue by road over the Glen Coe Pass and the Trassocks to Dunblane, where you will spend the night. Your hotel: Hilton Dubletree, Dunblane. Meals included: Breakfast and dinner. Day 11. Tuesday, 05 July The Bo’ness steam railway, Scottish Railway Museum and Carlisle This morning, drive to Bo’ness on the Firth of Forth, home to the standard gauge Bo’Ness and Kinneil Railway and Scottish Railway Museum.

The Bo’ ness and railway is operated by the Scottish Railway Preservation Society and operates a total of over 5 miles of track (between Bo'ness and Manuel Junction, via Kinneil and Birkhill. Bo'ness railway station is the also home to the Scottish Railway Museum. This afternoon, continue over the border to England and the historic city of Carlisle where we will stay for two nights. Your hotel: Premier Inn Carlisle (M6 J44). Meals included: Breakfast and dinner. Day 12. Wednesday, 06 July Whitehaven, The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, the Lakeside and Havethwaite Railway, Lake Windermere and the Lake District This morning, drive to Whitehaven to visit the place where John Paul Jones invaded England during the American war of independence. Americans may like a photograph alongside the statue of the famous patriot ‘spiking the guns’ before we continue to Ravenglass to ride one of England’s more unusual steam railways, the La’al Ratty. The 7 mile long Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway is a small train doing a big job in dramatic scenery.

This will be the second 15 inch gauge steam railway we will visit, but it is very different from the first as it climbs from the coast at Ravenglass into the foothills of the Lake District at Dalegarth. There should be an opportunity to look behind the scenes before we join our train into the hills. Continue your journey along the scenic coastal road to Haverthwaite, terminus of the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Steam Railway. Walk around the Engine Shed before boarding a steam train up the picturesque Leven Valley at the southern end of Lake Windermere. Transfer to an historic lake steamer to continue your journey to Bowness. The 3.5 mile long standard gauge L&HR runs from Haverthwaite at the southern end of the line via Newby Bridge to Lakeside at the southern end of Windermere. The railway is a former branch line of the Furness Railway and was opened in 1869. The line was served by local passenger trains which started their journey at Ulverston on the mainline from Carnforth to Barrow-in-Furness. Rejoin your coach at Bowness for a journey through the scenic northern lakes region back to Carlisle.

Your hotel: Premier Inn Carlisle (M6 J44). Meals included: Breakfast and dinner. Day 13. Thursday, 07 July The Settle and Carlisle Railway, the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, Howarth and the Bronte Sisters Ride on the Settle - Carlisle Railway today. Running through some of the most attractive scenery in the Yorkshire Dales and Cumbrian Fells, the railway is world famous for its Victorian architecture, huge stone viaducts, long tunnels and remote wayside station buildings. It is not a preserved heritage railway – it is part of the UK rail network. The diesel sprinter trains carry well over a million passengers every year and provide a vital link to the remote communities they connect. There will be time to look behind the scenes at Keighley before taking a train on the steam operated standard gauge Keighley and Worth Valley Railway. The railway is a preserved, steam operated 5 mile branch line that served mills and villages in the Worth Valley. It runs from Keighley to Oxenhope, connecting to the national rail network at Keighley railway station.

From Oxenhope, return to Haworth by road for a short visit to the attractive Yorkshire town made famous by the literary exploits of the Bronte family who wrote some of the best books in the English language there. Continue our journey by road to Leeds. Your four star hotel is located next to the railway station.. Your hotel: The Queens Hotel, Leeds. Meals included: Breakfast and dinner. Day 14. Friday, 08 July Train to London After breakfast, transfer to Leeds Railway Station. Leeds is on the East Coast main line to London, and a standard class ticket to the big city is included. Your tour ends on arrival at London Kings Cross Station, at about 12h00 noon. Meals included: breakfast

Question: Which heritage railway runs seven miles inland from a station on the Cumbrian coast to Dalegarth Station?
Answer: RAVENGLASS & ESKDALE RAILWAY