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Route type: For some. This short route takes you from the waterfront of Ravenglass across the River Mite and on to the beachfront at Saltcoats - OS Explorer Map OL6
Distance: 2 km or 1.2 miles
Start point: Ravenglass car park - grid ref. SD 085964
Turning point: Saltcoats road end - grid ref. SD 079969
Facilities: Toilets, cafés and pubs in Ravenglass
Getting there: Train: Station at Ravenglass. Trains from Lancaster and Arnside in the south and Workington and Carlisle in the north. Car: A590 from Kendal, A5092 and A595 beyond Broughton in Furness.
Leave the car park and go back to the road. Turn right and walk away from the centre of the village. Cross the road as it bends round under the railway bridge. Stone flags lead you past a couple of benches to the viaduct across the River Mite. There is a short section with a 1:8 gradient up to a concrete path, running alongside the railway line. It is narrow and has a couple of tight bends.
Once over the viaduct, the path is a mixture of sand and pebbles and can be flooded at very high tides. It is a short walk to Saltcoats and the tarmac road end could be used as a pick-up point. Return the same way for refreshments at Ravenglass.
The estuary and coastline are beautiful and peaceful. In spring and early summer, the salt marsh will be a riot of colour, with its carpet of sea pinks. Whatever the season, it can be the most wonderful place to watch the sun set.