Eskdale is one of the most beautiful valleys in the Lake District. Situated in the quieter side of the National Park, it has a peaceful tranquility that makes it especially appealing to those who want to avoid the crowds.

At the upper end of Eskdale is one of the Lake District’s best-kept secrets, Great Moss, a stunning open valley surrounded by some of the highest peaks in England, Scafell Pike, Esk Hause and Bowfell. There is excellent climbing here, described in Climbonline.co.uk and bouldering.

The road winds its way down Hard Knott Pass, a steep mountain road that is one of the most challenging drives in the Lakes. It goes past an old Roman fort built between AD120 and AD138, which is open to visitors. There are spectacular views from there right down to the Irish Sea and the old fishing village of Ravenglass, where there is a ruined Roman bath-house. Nearby is Muncaster Castle, Gardens and Owl Centre , with lots for children to do all year round.

The valley bottom is mostly fields, marked out by dry stone walls – farming is still the mainstay of village life. The River Esk flows right along it to the estuary at Ravenglass. The river has natural pools for swimming, with Trough House and Forge bridges for jumping off. It is also popular with canoeists and those who like to fish. Stanley Ghyll Force is a dramatic 60 ft waterfall in a deep gorge that is well worth seeing. Also along the river is St Catherine’s Church, which dates back to the 12th century.

There are two villages in the valley. The hamlet of Boot has one of the few remaining working water mills in the country, dating back to 1578 and open to visitors, with a museum. Fold End Gallery exhibits and sells art and crafts.

The other village is Eskdale Green, where you can visit the Discover Eskdale centre in St Bega’s Church, which looks at the life, times and landscape of the valley through the ages, stock up on provisions from the village shop, Eskdale Stores, or take a walk through the exotic Japanese Gardens, created at the end of the 19th century for Lord Rea, a Liverpool coal and shipping magnate who lived in the nearby Gatehouse , now owned by the Outward Bound. The Gatehouse estate is open to the public once a year, in August, for the Eskdale Fete, but the recently restored Japanese Gardens are open all year round.

There are many ways to explore Eskdale. The famous Ravenglass & Eskdale Miniature Railway runs along the valley, its steam trains making the leisurely seven-mile journey down to the sea.

The recently opened Eskdale Cycle Trail travels 8 miles along the river. Bring your own bikes or you can hire them from Budgie Bike Hire at Dalegarth Station.

The walking in Eskdale is unparalleled. You can hike from the valley bottom to the summit of the highest peak in England, walk over the high fells, or trace the sinister old coffin route to Wasdale.

There is also an 18 hole golf course , near to the coast and open from April to October.

The Beer Garden at the Bower House Inn

Eskdale isn’t just about outdoor activities. There are five pubs in the valley, all welcoming children and serving real ales and good food. In Upper Eskdale you will find the Woolpack Inn, with its own microbrewery, featured in the Good Beer Guide 2008, Boot has the Boot Inn with a restaurant as well as bar, and Brook House Inn, awarded 4 **** from the AA and an RAC Dining Award. Boot even has its own beer festival each June. Further down the valley is the George IV , with over 200 malt whiskies. And in Eskdale village you’ll find the Bower House Inn, next to the village cricket ground and set in beautiful gardens. There is public wi-fi access at the Bower House.

Useful Links for Eskdale

• For the village shop in Eskdale, please visit www.eskdalestores.co.uk.
• Eskdale has five pubs: the Bower House Inn, the George IV pub, Brook House Inn, the Boot Inn and the Woolpack.
• For Muncaster Castle, Gardens and Owl Centre, please visit www.muncaster.co.uk.
• For the miniature steam railway which follows a scenic 7 mile track from Eskdale to Ravenglass, please visit www.ravenglass-railway.co.uk
• If you would like to spend a day of guided climbing, canoeing, ghyll scrambling or other outdoor adventure sports, then visit Carol at www.carolclimb.co.uk or Andy at www.adventures.org.uk
• For general climbing information, please visit Steve Crowe's website: www.climbonline.co.uk
• For bouldering in Eskdale, please visit www.lakesbouldering.co.uk
• A good information site about Eskdale with events, accommodation, where to eat, where to go is www.eskdale.info.

Cottages for this area