Eskdale and the La'al Ratty
Mountains. Steam Engines. Rivers.
Eskdale - Lake District
Different Levels of Walks
Join us for three days of hiking in Eskdale, a peaceful and picturesque valley in the western Lake District. Known for its breathtaking scenery, fascinating history and wonderfully remote atmosphere, Eskdale feels a world away from the busier parts of the National Park.
Scattered through the valley are the small communities of Boot and Eskdale Green, surrounded by ancient woodland, open fellside and some of the Lake District’s most impressive mountains. The River Esk flows through the heart of the valley, creating delightful riverside trails, historic crossings and inviting pools along the way.
At the centre of our adventure is the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, affectionately known as the La’al Ratty. We will use this historic narrow-gauge railway to reach the start of several walks, making the journey part of our Eskdale experience.
Our programme brings these different elements together. There will be mountain adventures for those wanting to climb high onto the surrounding fells, alongside beautiful lower-level routes exploring the River Esk, Muncaster Fell, Ravenglass and the quieter corners of the valley.
The village of Boot
The village of Boot in Eskdale provides the perfect hub for exploration
Eskdale
Your Base
Eskdale combines high mountain scenery with quiet woodland, riverside paths and a rich industrial and Roman history. Hardknott Roman Fort overlooks the famous pass, while reminders of mining, farming and railway life are scattered throughout the valley.
Accommodation is widely available if you book early. Boot is a popular place to stay, there are a couple of local pubs, cottages, and cabins to rent.
Views over Eskdale Tarns
A place where mountain energy meets the calm of the Tarns, with your three guides.
Highlights
A choice of Walks
DAY 1 – TUESDAY 4 MAY
Eskdale Tarns & the La’al Ratty
12 km | 450 m ascent | 4-4½ hours
A shared valley walk combining the railway, mining history, St
Catherine’s Church and the River Esk stepping stones.
DAY 2 – WEDNESDAY 5 MAY
Scafell or Muncaster Fell
Mountain: 14.5 km / 950 m • Lower: 9 km / 220 m
Choose a substantial ascent via Slight Side to Scafell, or ride to
Ravenglass for Roman remains, Muncaster Estate and coastal views.
DAY 3 – THURSDAY 6 MAY
Hardknott & Harter Fell or River Esk
Mountain: 8-10 km / 550-750 m • Lower: 9.5 km / 170 m
Explore Hardknott Roman Fort and Harter Fell, or enjoy a gentler
riverside journey finishing with a well-earned drink at the
Woolpack.
A traditional finger post directing to ScaFell
Mountain and Lowland options are available daily
Itinerary
Choices of Levels
Each day offers a new perspective on Eskdales’ landscapes — from high mountain ridges to tranquil tarn paths. You’ll explore the area’s rich heritage, climb some of its most celebrated fells, and enjoy peaceful lowland routes. With both Mountain and Lowland options available daily, you can choose the perfect adventure to match your energy and the conditions, ensuring a rewarding and memorable experience throughout.
The trip begins on Monday 3rd with arrival, orientation, and settling into accommodation. On Tuesday 4th, the group enjoys a social hike and explore the valley together, following paths through a landscape shaped by farming, mining and centuries of local life. Our route visits the Eskdale Tarns, with mountain views towards the Scafells, before passing old peat huts and reminders of the valley’s mining history.
Wednesday 5th offers two options: a mountain hike up Scafell for a classic Lakeland experience, or a gentler lowland walk to catch the La’al Ratty from Beckfoot to the coastal village of Ravenglass, where our walk begins. After visiting the remains of the Roman bathhouse, we follow paths through the beautiful Muncaster Estate before heading onto Muncaster Fell. Thursday 6th also offers another choice between a mountain journey beginning at Hardknott Roman Fort or a gentler exploration of the River Esk.
The trip concludes on Friday 8th, or we can offer an optional day’s walk for those who want that bit more.
Scafell Range from Hardnott Roman Fort
Each day offers a new perspective.
Terrain and Fitness
What you need to know.
Each day offers a different perspective on Eskdale’s varied landscapes – from rugged mountain paths and open fells to peaceful riverside trails, ancient woodland and coastal views. Along the way, we’ll discover the valley’s rich Roman, railway and mining heritage, with journeys aboard the La’al Ratty adding something special to the adventure.
With both Mountain and Lower-Level options available on Days 2 and 3, you can choose the walk that best suits your fitness, energy and experience. All routes require a good level of walking fitness and confidence over uneven ground, while the mountain options involve longer ascents, rougher terrain and more demanding days.
- Mountain Walks (Grade 4/5): Expect a mixture of well-defined paths, rocky ascents, and uneven fell terrain. These walks require good general fitness and some experience of hill or mountain walking. Routes may include steady climbs, longer days, and varied surfaces underfoot, but no technical scrambling. Ideal for those confident on moderate-to-challenging terrain and comfortable walking for 5–7 hours.
- Lowland Walks (Grade 2/5): These routes follow lower-level paths, lakeside trails, and gentle woodland tracks with only modest ascents. A reasonable level of walking fitness is required, but no prior mountain experience is necessary. Walks are relaxed and steady, typically covering shorter distances on good paths, perfect for enjoying the scenery at a comfortable pace.
Samantha Armstrong
WALX Master and Mountain Leader
The Finer Points
The Guiding Programme
The guiding programme and logistics are provided separately from accommodation, helping to keep choices flexible and costs transparent.
Guests arranging alternative accommodation will book and pay for it directly.
How to Book – Simple Steps
- Reserve your place with WALX Derwent & Dales by paying a non-refundable £50 deposit.
- Organise your accommodation in liaison with WALX Derwent & Dales, or arrange your own accommodation nearby.
- Read the separate How to Prepare Guide, which will be sent to you once your booking is confirmed.
Prices and Supplements
Guiding price: £295 per person for three days.
Guiding price: £385 per person for four days.
Management and logistics fee: £25 per person.
Payment terms: A non-refundable £50 deposit is payable upon booking. The remaining balance is due eight weeks before the trip.
We need a minimum of six participants for this trip to go ahead.
We aim for a maximum group size of 10 participants per leader. We have three Mountain leaders.