Walk of Month - Muncaster Fell and Glannoventa Fort

We’ve linked up with carfreewalks.org, the website for people who love walking but want to reduce their impact on the environment, to bring you this great walk.

#GETOUTSIDE WITH BRITAIN ON FOOT*

Britain on Foot is an initiative with one clear objective; to encourage people to get active outdoors. It’s all about getting fitter, healthier and happier! This could mean walking to work, hillwalking, geocaching with the family, trail running or even mountaineering. Britain on Foot is now working closely with Ordnance Survey and is getting behind #GetOutside, the new high-profile campaign to inspire even more people to get active outdoors. (*More details at the end of this article)

This months walk: Muncaster Fell and Glannoventa Fort

The West Coast side of the Lake District has some fantastic walks, and is much quieter than the tourist traps in the middle. The West Coast railway line offers easy access to loads of great places to explore. This moderate walk, about 9 miles with an estimated walking time of just over 4 hours. takes you up Muncaster Fell with a short extension at the end to visit the site of an old Roman Fort.

• Loop or linear? Loop
• Map: OS Explorer: OL6 - The English Lakes: SW area
• Total distance: 14.5km (9 miles)
• Total height gain: 162m (530ft)
• Start: Ravenglass railway station
• Unsuitable for: buggies, wheelchairs
• Public transport: rail, or regular bus services

1. Ravenglass railway station, OS Grid SD085965

• Start from the station, taking the footpath heading through the woods to the site of the Roman Bath House. Follow this through the woods until you meet the road.

2. Fell Lane, OS Grid SD100966

• About 1.6km (1 mile) from 1
• At the corner of the road, take the bridleway up to Muncaster Fell. This becomes a footpath heading along the top of the fell.

3. Forge Hills, OS Grid SD148994

• About 5.4km (3.3 miles) from 2
• As you descend at the north end of Muncaster Fell, pick up the bridleway that follows the south side of the fell and head towards Muncaster Head.

4. Muncaster Village, OS Grid SD110967

• About 4.5km (2.8 miles) from 3
• From the village, take the Cumbria Coastal Way along the north side of the river Esk. This path takes you along to spectacular views of the Eskmeals viaduct and the sea.

5. Glannoventa Roman Fort, OS Grid SD086956

• About 2.6km (1.6 miles) from 4
• The path follows the dramatic coast, with lots of sand dunes around the mouth of the River Esk. You head back past the Roman ruins into Ravenglass. The trains head north and south along the coast, but if you have to wait then the Ratty Arms pub is right on the station and has lots of local selections.

You can always incorporate this walk with a ride on the ‘La’al Ratty’, the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, either on the way out (Ravenglass to Irton Road) or on the return (Irton Road or Eskdale Green to Ravenglass). It makes the walk more exciting, and of course halves the walking distance. There’s also a new museum at Ravenglass Station open this year.

*Take a quick look at the Britain on Foot website britainonfoot.co.uk where you can upload your own activity and share your experiences with thousands of other like-minded individuals. It's a socially interactive community-led site that's continually updated. So take your first step and sign up today!