The La’al Ratty: Ravenglass to Eskdale Steam Train | Family & Dog-Friendly Adventure Guide

Published on by Mélodie

All aboard for a nostalgic journey through the heart of the Western Lake District! The Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, affectionately known as the La’al Ratty, is a must-visit for families and their four-legged companions. From the historic coastal village of Ravenglass to the rugged beauty of Boot in Eskdale, this narrow-gauge steam train offers breathtaking views, hidden trails, and a truly magical day out for all ages.  Plan your perfect steam train journey through the Lake District.

Last friday Marcus and I went with my colleague and his girlfriend on a little adventure on the ‘La’al Ratty. The Ravenglass to Eskdale Railway, also called the ‘La’al Ratty train is celebrating its 150 years this year. The train commercially opened in 1875 to transport iron ore from Booths to Ravenglass, where it was then loaded onto the Furness Railway to Barrow. In 1876, the train opened to passenger traffic. Over the years, the train line closed and re-opened several times under new management companies and with major refurbishment every time to make the line safer.

Read more – Visit of Muncaster Castle.

Ravenglass to Eskdale train, Cumbria
Ravenglass station

Nowadays, the passenger train operates 7 days a week from mid-March to end of October, with limited opening days during winter months. During Christmas they even do a special Santa’s train. They have different types of carriages: fully open, half open, totally closed with some more luxury than others. The train is dog friendly, which is great. The train takes around 40 minutes to do the 7 miles journey. Passing at the bottom of Muncaster Fells, the train allows to enjoy the beautiful scenery. It is possible to go from one end of the line to the other or to stop at one of the little stations. This little train is a great way to discover that area of the Lake District National Park and it is even possible to combine it with a walk.

Find all our walks starting from Ravenglass and surrounding villages here.

Ravenglass to Eskdale train, Cumbria
Turning the locomotive at Dalegarth station

We took the first train of the day starting from Ravenglass up to Dalegarth. We were in one of the open carriages and luckily the weather was very nice which made the ride very enjoyable. Marcus was very excited and absolutely loved observing the cows and sheeps in the fields. Once at Dalegarth, we watched the driver and assistant turning the locomotive before heading toward the children playground. We had decided to take the first train back to Ravenglass, which was giving us 40 minutes at Dalegarth. After several up and down the slide in the playground, we went for an ice cream before jumping in one of the half-opened carriages for the way back. Once back at Ravenglass, we decided to go for a short stroll on the beach before driving back home. It was a perfect morning exploring somewhere new close to home.

Information to visit the La’al Ratty Ravenglass to Dalegarth train:

  • La’al ratty website
  • Fees apply
  • Large car park by the station and in the village – fees apply
  • Dog friendly
  • Family friendly; however carriages are too small to fit pushchairs
  • Toilets, cafe and playground area at Ravenglass and Dalegarth station

Final Thoughts

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43 thoughts on “The La’al Ratty: Ravenglass to Eskdale Steam Train | Family & Dog-Friendly Adventure Guide”

  14. Thank you for the trip down memory lane. We took the La’al Ratty years ago when we spent a few days in the Lake District hiking around Wastwater and Scafell Pike. I really enjoyed it. Glad you did too 😊

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  16. I have been on the La’al Ratty. It’s great and very dog friendly. I was staying in Eskdale, walked to Ravenglass along the Esk Trail, caught the La’al Ratty to Applegarth (Boot) and then caught it back to Eskdale Green. I would heartily recommend as many people as possible travel on the train as the scenery is lovely along most of the track and the continued use of the train keeps it in service, with local people employed. 👍

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  18. Pingback: C’est le 1er, version juillet 2025 | Un Coup de Foudre

    1. Oh yes you should and also use it to do a great walk. So many options either from Dalegarth or any of the little stations or even walking back to Ravenglass.

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  20. This sounds like a great day out for the whole family! The Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway looks like a fun and enjoyable experience. I love trains, especially heritage narrow-gauge railways like these, as they offer scenic rides through a beautiful countryside. I also love the heritage steam and diesel locomotives because they add a charming, old-fashioned element to the ride. Thanks for sharing, and have a wonderful day 🙂 Aiva xx

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