Hill: Muncaster Fell (Hooker Crag)
Date: Sunday 3rd April 2016
Company: Myself and Becky
Distance: 9.6km, Ascent: 250m
Time: 2Hrs 50Mins


Today, I decided to repeat a walk I last undertook almost exactly one year ago. While Muncaster Fell may not be the most interesting or exciting hill in the Lake District, when combined with a trip on "Ratty" the narrow-gauge steam train, it makes for a fantastic half-day out.

I managed to find a parking space in Ravenglass village thus avoiding the £3.50 parking charge at Ravenglass station.

Click here to see a map of the route undertaken

The cost of one adult and one child train ticket from Ravenglass to Irton Road station cost only £6.90. A bargain for a ride on a fantastic steam train.

Becky at Ravenglass and Eskdale station:


We arrived in plenty of time before our 10:25 departure, allowing us to see the steam train back-up onto our carriage and get the front seats on the train.

"Ratty" steam train:


I took a number of photos of the train before getting back into the carriage for our journey. When I undertook this trip last year, the train was almost full. Today it was almost empty. I suspect the schools in England are not as yet on holiday.

"Ratty" steam train:


Heading for Irton Road station:


Muncaster Fell from the train:


We disembarked at Irton Road station; a request stop. From Irton Road station we made our way towards Forest How Bridleway.

Ascending towards the 174m top of Muncaster Fell:


On my previous traverse of Muncaster Fell, I ascended the 174m top. Today, we followed the path skirting round the side of it.

Muncaster Fell:


During the walk today, we passed numerous sections of extremely wet and muddy ground. I am glad we were both wearing gaiters.

Becky ascending Muncaster Fell:


Looking back towards Eskdale:


The weather forecast for today was for cloud throughout the day. The weather was better than forecast as there was plentiful sunshine.

Looking back towards Eskdale:


We eventually reached the trig point at the summit of Muncaster Fell (Hooker Crag). At the summit, a couple were setting up a radio antenna. We had a brief stop at the summit for some food and drink; our first stop of the day.

Becky at the Hooker Crag trig point:


From the summit, we followed a path leading down towards Chapel Hill and then along an extremely muddy track which would be suitable for a tough mudder event!

Descent towards Chapel Hill:


We stopped briefly at Muncaster Tarn before continuing out to the A595.

Muncaster Tarn:


After walking a short distance along the A595, we entered the grounds of Muncaster Castle and then followed the track leading to the shore circa 500m South of Ravenglass. We then walked along the shore towards Ravenglass.

Muncaster Castle entrance:


Walking the shore back to Ravenglass:


A very enjoyable half-day out for little and big kids .