Eskdale and Further afield
Overview
Eskdale is an idyllic valley that meanders from the mountainous heart of the lake district down to the sea following the path of the majestic river Esk. There are aeons of history locked away in this scenic valley if you know where to look one can start to piece together some of this rich history. Listed here are a few of the more Iconic attractions that the valley has to offer as well as a few from further afield.
Muncaster castle
Muncaster Castle, Gardens and Owl Centre is a genuine ancient Haunted castle, The Pennington Family still live there, but they open the castle up to the public, so you can tour the castle and learn about its fascinating and at-times, gruesome history and maybe meet one of its many ghosts. There are wonderful Himalayan Gardens, which are particularly stunning in the spring, when the hundreds of Rhododendrons are in flower, and the whole place it an absolute riot of colour. In the gardens there is a bird of prey centre, where there are owls everywhere that you look and if you time it right you can see a demonstration and see the splendour of a bird on the wing.
Eskdale Mill
Eskdale Mill is located in the lovely hamlet of Boot - a gem set in one of lakeland's most beautiful valleys.
Set on the leafy banks of Whillan Beck, which cascades down from the flanks of Scafell, Eskdale Mill still boasts its historic working machinery, and is one of the oldest water powered corn mills in England, and is now the last remaining working mill in the lake District. This historic building and its unique machinery, has been Grade2* listed and is a vital survivor of a vanishing heritage.
The Lal Ratty
Why not take a trip from Ravenglass, the only coastal village in the Lake District National Park, across the estuary, through the hills, past seven request stops with a 1:55 gradient at times, en route to a final destination some seven miles up the line to Dalegarth for Boot Station. The journey itself was one of Wainwright’s favourites, crossing seven miles of spectacular scenery to the foot of England’s highest mountains, the Scafell Range (3,209ft) at their peak. This quaint train line is a popular means to get to the rail mainline.
Wasdale head
Situated one valley north Wasdale Head is a quintessentially scenic Cumbrian valley that was voted the most beautiful place in Britain. Wasdale Head is home to the highest mountain (Scafell Pike), deepest lake (Wastwater), smallest church and biggest liar in England. The last of these claims refers to Will Ritson, who paradoxically proclaimed himself as such.
St Catherine's Church
It is said that in the sixth century a Hermit lived on Arment Hill - quarter of a mile east of the parish church of Saint Catherine. People used to travel miles to seek his prayers and healing. His Well is still recognisable and some of the farmers still draw water from it when they bring their children to Baptism in the Church Stepping stones at St. Cathrines
The River Esk is easily crossed at Saint Catherine's and the old stepping stones are still used by those coming to Church and those walking from The King George up to Doctor Bridge - one of the best riverside walks in the area.
The position of this Church is determined by both the presence of the Holy Well and the Stepping Stones - it is very ancient. Fortunately the Victorians did not spoil its simplicity when they rebuilt it - a barn, beside a river, under the mountains where the Christian God has been worshipped by generations of valley people and their visitors.