Things to do nearby Birk How

The Bower House near Birk How

Birk How is wonderfully situated to enjoy all of Eskdale's amenities. Just a short walk away you can catch a steam train on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway. Whether you go up to the foot of the fells at Boot or down to the coast at Ravenglass it makes a magical day out. The valley is blessed with five pubs offering excellent food and real ales and both The Bower House and The King George IV are an easy walk away from Birk How. Heading out of the valley Muncaster Castle makes an enjoyable place to visit, while the Eskdale Golf Course is a delightful 18 hole parkland course just five miles from the cottage.

Sunset over the Western Lake District

Eskdale is a wonderfully unspoilt valley that offers fabulous food, real ales glorious scenery and a host of opportunities for walking and cycling for all abilities.

The Scafell Range in the Lake District

If you've come to the Lake District armed with your walking boots then you'll find the choice of paths here superb. You will find a variety of routes to the top of Scafell and Scafell Pike to suit all abilities. As well as big hikes to the highest fells, there are plenty of more gentle walks in the valley too. The path following the River Esk must surely rank as one of the most picturesque anywhere. A short walk from Dalegarth Station will take you to the beautifully situated St Catherine's Church, where you can cross the river Esk by its famous stepping-stones (providing the river isn't in spate!) and continue on down the valley. A short detour from the bridleway will take you to the magical Stanley Ghyll force. Across the valley you can take a rather steeper path to the tranquil surroundings of Blea Tarn, a wonderful spot for a summertime wild swim. From Eskdale Green you could take a walk up from the village to the wonderfully named Giggle Alley, from here you can head to the Japanese Garden, a beautifully tranquil spot. Eskdale Green is also on the edge of the secluded Miterdale Valley. It's an incredibly peaceful place, you might not encounter a soul on a walk up through its forests. Why not take the walk up to Burnmoor Tarn or over into the Wasdale Valley from here?

The La'al Ratty

Aside from the phenomenal natural heritage around the valley then perhaps the jewel in the crown of Eskdale is the magical Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, more popularly known as the La'al Ratty. This narrow gauge steam railway makes a leisurely seven mile journey from Ravenglass to Boot taking in some staggering scenery along the way. The railway passes through the village and visitors can wave at the train as it steams past (you have to wave at the La'al Ratty, it's practically the law!). Irton Road Station serves the western side of the village so whether you make the journey down to the coast to the delightful village of Ravenglass or further up the valley to Dalegarth at Boot you can enjoy great walks and indeed a play park and café at either end. With prior arrangement you can put your bikes on the train at either end of the line and cycle back via the Eskdale Trail. The railway has a new improved museum where you can find out more about the line's rich history through interactive exhibits, photographs and artefacts from the areas that it touches.

Ravenglass Roman Bath House


Cycling in the Lake District


Wastwater and the River Irt


Muncaster Castle in Spring


Drigg Beach, near Holmrook


Bridge House in Ambleside


Whitehaven Northern Lights


Local real ales


Herdwicks in Eskdale