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 Ravenglass, a small coastal town standing 12 miles north of Millom, is in fact the only coastal resort within the National Park. Ravenglass is proud to be the home of the " La 'al Ratty ", a 15 inch guage railway which begins it's 7 mile journey from the well equipped station through the scenic Eskdale Valley to Dalegarth. This beautifully maintained rolling stock of highly polished steam and diesel locomotives, pulling open and closed passenger coaches, full to capacity on warm summer days, is a special treat for young and old alike.
 It may be difficult to envisage that once, this peaceful place was once an important Roman naval base. Little remains of the main structure of the fort of Glannaventa except for the 4 metre high walls of the bath house. The garrison of over 1000 men, established a supply route over the Hardknott and Wrynose Passes to their fort in Ambleside.
 In later years, ownership of the town see-sawed between England and Scotland before it finally came under the control of the English Crown.
Moving farther forward in it's history, it gained quite a reputation for smuggling activities, resulting in frequent raids by the Customs and Excise officers.
 This is an unspoiled holiday retreat positioned near to the deepest lake of Wastwater and the Lake District's highest mountain, Scafell Pike. Muncaster Castle is a mile or so to the south, and to the north is Cockermouth, Whitehaven, Ennerdale Water, Loweswater and Buttermere.
 The demanding gradients of the Wrynose and Hardknott Passes lead to the central lakes and beyond. There is much to commend Ravenglass and this area of the west coast.
The visitor is assured of a warm welcome at all of the many establishments which provide food, drink and accommodation.
How to get there:
By rail: If traveling from London, take the West Coast Main Line and change at Lancaster for Ravenglass.
From the north, change at Carlisle for Ravenglass.
By road: If traveling from the South, exit the M6 at J36 and take the A590 towards Barrow in Furness. Turn right at Greenodd onto the A5092 until Broughton in Furness, where you can join the A595 to Ravenglass.
Local links:
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