Easy Hikes in the Lake District. Walking the Esk Trail to Ravenglass

Looking for easy walks in the Lake District? Wanting to do a family friendly hike with young children?

This walk to Ravenglass is one I always recommend to our guests. This hike is based in West Cumbria and close to our cottages https://www.cosycottageinthelakes.co.uk/

1. Muncaster Castle

I recommend starting this walk at Muncaster Castle due to the ease of parking. The castle is a key landmark of the area and in the ownership of the Pennington Family. It's also great for a family day out and holds various social events.

https://www.muncaster.co.uk/

2. Esk Trail Route

After crossing the A595, walk through the imposing castle gateway and you'll see a finger post pointing to the right. Once you hit this track you'll be on the Esk Trail bridleway and an enchanting walk awaits!

The Entrance to Muncaster Castle and start of this walk.

It's now a gentle walk through woodland, past babbling streams towards the coast.

Section of the Esk Trail looking towards the Irish Sea

The walk offers some interesting sites so great for keeping kids entertained!

Keep an eye out for the Whitehaven branded bricks along the pathway!

Did you know Whitehaven was once a key port for the import of goods including rum and sugar? The harbour town, developed by the Lowther family, is filled with architecture heralding back to this time. Whitehaven's importance to the trade route is clear to see from the grandeur of some of the buildings left and their impressive Georgian architecture.

If staying in the area for a few days it's worth a visit to walk around the harbour, admire the yachts, maybe a bit of fishing off the pier, a coastal walk and to have a bite in one of the many eateries and cafes.

3. The Roman Bath House

   

   English Heritage Ravenglass Roman Bath House

   
   

   One of the most complete bath houses in the UK and even featured on a BBC series Villages by the Sea!

   So well worth a stop to admire the ruins, read the information signs and discover how the Romans were instrumental in shaping this part of Cumbria.

4. Snowdrops

As you near Ravenglass you'll soon hit carpets of snowdrops emerging amongst the leaves if doing this walk in Spring! A sure sign that the seasons will soon be changing. Our snowdrops must be one of the most iconic signs of nature in Cumbria. From January though to March they really put on a show!

1. Ravenglass Village

   Once past woodland you'll come to the main road into the village. Skip this and turn left by the red bricked houses and up a small lane. From here cross the railway bridge, passing the station for the much loved Ravenglass and Eskdale steam railway and you'll then be in Ravenglass village!

   This route takes you past the Pennington Hotel, turn left again and head along the quiet rows of houses to the shores of the esturary!

   It really is like you've stepped back in time surrounded by quaint cottages.

   

   

   

Another reason to walk the route ending at Ravenglass is a chance to treat yourself to a bite in The Pennington Hotel. After this hike we recommend sitting in the bar area. It's modern decor with large comfy sofas is the perfect spot to recharge over a coffee and something from their food menu! A chance to recharge for the walk back!

FAQs

6. Do you need walking boots?

   The walk does get muddy particularly at the start so we would recommend walking boots or wellies.

7. What's the terrain like?

   Fairly gentle paths with slight inclines. Mixed terrain - woodland paths which can be being muddy but changes to mainly tarmaced paths as you near Ravenglass

8. Are there any toilets or food stops?

   Ravenglass village has the Pennington Hotel and there's also The Inn at Ravenglass pub for refreshments and toilet facilities.

9. Is there Parking?

   Ravenglass village has a fee paying car park at the back of the village just off the main road.

   Muncaster Castle also has a large car park.

Author - Natasha Mills

After growing up in London and becoming disillusioned with the corporate life I escaped to the Lake District in 2020. I had been holidaying in the Western Lake District for many years, with many staycations with my son and husband in Eskdale and around Keswick. After falling in love with the county I purchased a second home, Roses Cottage. Since moving here this has now become a much loved self catering holiday home for our guests. My passion is passing on my local knowledge and keeping our cottages in tip top shape so our guests can have the best stay! And of course walking and enjoying this gorgeous area!