Return to Eskdale

THE inquests begin this week into the shooting rampage by Derrick Bird on June 2 last year. This awful day ended in Eskdale when Bird took his own life. It took some time before we felt we could return to Eskdale - it has always been our favourite part of the Lake District. We've been back a few times since and returned again last Sunday for a short walk along the river. Unlike most valleys in the Lakes, Eskdale does not have a lake. It does, however, have the Ratty - the small gauge steam railway which runs from Ravenglass to Dalegarth. It has many other delightful features such as Eskdale Mill and St Catherine's Church. There is the recently rediscovered St Catherine's holy well, the stepping stones and a number of packhorse bridges. If you're looking for a quiet day in one of the most remote part of the Lakes, then head to Eskdale: join the Ratty at Ravenglass and enjoy a lunch at Dalegarth or Boot before walking up to the mill and then for a stroll to one of the nearby tarns. A perfect day out.