Ravenglass
This avoids the main road and brings you through to Saltcoats and a tidal path to the Mite Bridge attached to the railway structure. Hopefully here you will have time to look at the remains of the Roman bath house, once part of the base for the Roman Wall Fleet. Even better continue along the edge of the Esk Estuary and cross the river at low tide on the line of the Roman Ford, where the railway viaduct now stands. (If you are starting here then travel to Bootle Station and from there cycle north past the gunnery ranges for the whole military experience). Try to leave time for the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, which despite running on a 15in gauge, carries bicycles and leads you to the 8.5 mile Eskdale Trail waymarked route back from Dalegarth Visitor Centre to Ravenglass. You can end on a suitably Roman note by visiting Muncaster Castle. This spectacular edifice has been in the Pennington family since 1208 and was built on Roman foundations. Ravenglass is the National Park's only coastal settlement and you may find that walking along the beach is a welcome break after 174 miles in the saddle. Stick around and enjoy!
Accommodation
| Pennington Hotel, Main St, Ravenglass, Cumbria CA18 1SD | |
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Highly contemporary feel to this stylish old establishment next to the sea. Tastefully refurbished, the emphasis is upon unfussy comfort and good food (AA rosette). There's a bar serving bar food and a courtyard with an ice-cream parlour. Worth enquiring about offers. Secure cycle storage. See also Pennington Lodgings, three Georgian houses in Ravenglass. |
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01229 717222 or 0845 450 6445 |
Rooms : 2F, 16 D/T, 3D. |
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Have you stayed here? Let us know! |
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| The Coachman's Quarters B&B, | |
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Ten bed and breakfast rooms located within the gardens of near by Muncaster castle, sleep up to 28 and have the option of being booked on a self catering basis for larger groups. For the duration of your stay you receive access to the beautiful gardens and owl centre, with a small upgrade payable to visit the castle. Peace and quiet in a stunning setting. Located 1 mile from Ravenglass village.. |
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0845 450 6445. |
Rates : £80 for double occupancy on a bed and breakfast basis |
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Have you stayed here? Let us know! |
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| The Bay Horse, Main Street, Ravenglass, Cumbria, CA18 1SD | |
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Attractively and authentically restored 1764 house which Elaine and Mike spent 18 months working on before opening in May 2008. Old beams and wooden lintels now in evidence, along with warm hospitality and a generous Cumbrian breakfast. The stables have now been converted into living accommodation but part of it is now the Games Room, containing a half sized snooker table, darts board and board games. |
Run by: Elaine Gissing 
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01229 717015 |
Rooms : 2D. 1S B&B: £27.50-£35 |
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Have you stayed here? Let us know! |
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| Ravenglass Camping and Caravanning Club, Ravenglass, CA18 1SR | |
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500m from the end/start of Hadrian's Cycleway. Facilities include power showers, free hair dryer, washing machine and tumble drier, dishwashing facilities. Small cycle lock-up. Easy walking distance to pubs and restaurants. Member of the Camping & Caravanning Club. Full facilities plus a shop. Between £7 and £9 a night per person. Contact site for details. |
Run by: Craig Frazer |
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Tel: 01229 717250 |
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Have you stayed here? Let us know! |
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Places to eat
Pennington Hotel 01229 717222. Upmarket and smartly refurbished.
Ratty Arms, Ravenglass, Cumbria CA18 1SN Tel: 01229 717676. Busy and reasonably priced pub in the former Victorian railway station.
Image: Beautiful Muncaster Castle
