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Last modified:
March 02, 2004
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Western Cumbria &
Coastline
The Cumbrian coast
is over ninety miles long most of which has magnificent views of the Scottish
coast and the Isle of Mann. Inland between Ravenglass and Cockermouth the green
pasture of Eskdale, Ennerdale and the Vale of Lorton which encompass Loweswater,
Crummock Water, Wastwater and Buttermere rise to the rear of some of the highest
fells of The Lake District.
Whitehaven is now
the main port, but in the past Ravenglass was of prime importance to the Romans
who transported supplies to the north England interior via Eskdale. They built a
garrison fortress at the head of the valley on Hardknott Pass to protect the
shipments, latterly ore mining kept the port busy into the twentieth century.
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Ravenglass is the
coastal terminus of a narrow gauge Steam Railway which follows the river Esk
up the valley to Boot. The seven mile track was originally
opened in 1875 to carry ore to the coast and now brings tourists to view the
watermill at Boot and a short walk to Dalegarth falls. |
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The Eskdale Mill at Boot is one of the oldest in Britain, the
wheels are driven by the Beck which started its journey only a short distance
away on the side of Scafell the highest point in Britain. The original machinery
is still in operation grinding Oatmeal daily and open for visitors in the summer
months. |
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Muncaster
A local Jester, a Tom Skelton who often wore a frock
would sit under a tree by the river Esk, guiding the less generous traveller
to their death crossing the estuary. He later made a pack with his master to
kill any suitor of his daughter, he cut off a locals head to prove
compliance. His evil antics gained him a reputation as Tom the Fool, hence
tomfoolery entered the dictionary and the English Language. |
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Click on Image to info on
Sellafield Visitors Centre
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Whitehaven
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Attacked by the USA
On April 22 1778 a former inhabitant of the town
a John Paul Jones who
had emigrated and
became a Captain in the American Navy,
lead a night raid on the port
with the intention of burning as many ships
as possible. He later returned
to his ship frustrated at having found his men in a dockside tavern.
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Workington
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