Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway

The seven-mile, narrow-gauge Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway is a spectacular way to explore this corner of the Lake District. It may not be the most environmentally-friendly mode of transport, but there’s something about travelling in old fashioned comfort on a steam train. Its gentle rhythmic jolting remains immensely pleasurable long after you’ve grown out of Thomas the Tank Engine.

Check ahead before you travel because, although the fleet of heritage trains are impressive, a ride in one of their diesel engines is definitely drawing the short straw.

If it all feels a bit lazy, gazing out at England’s highest peaks from an upholstered carriage, then combine your trip with some walking or cycling (you can pre-book your bike onto the train). The railway commissioned Alfred Wainwright to write one of his famous hiking guides for this route; Walks From Ratty is available online and at the gift shop.

If you prefer to sit back and enjoy the views, book a cream tea or travel first-class in the observation coach.

There is plenty to see. The journey goes from Ravenglass on the coast across the estuary and through the fells to Dalegarth for Boot station. It’s hard to imagine a more scenic train journey than this.