The Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway has been in operation since 1875, originally built as a 3ft gauge line before being converted to 15in gauge in 1915. Today, trains travel seven miles through splendid Lakeland scenery, running from the coastal village of Ravenglass inland to Eskdale. Along the way, passengers can enjoy breathtaking views of rivers, woodlands, and fells before arriving in Eskdale, a gateway to traditional pubs, scenic riverside walks, and mountain climbs. On arrival at Dalegarth, the towering peaks of Scafell and Harter Fell provide a dramatic backdrop. Trains are typically steam-hauled, with limited diesel operations at certain times of the year. The locomotive fleet includes River Irt, the oldest working 15in gauge steam engine in the world, and River Mite, the first new-build steam locomotive of the preservation era.