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Written by Eliot Andersen - 18 May 2007
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Location notes
A small viaduct on the Cumbrian Coast Line in the village of Ravenglass, inside the Lake District National Park. A short walk away from Ravenglass for Eskdale station, with the southbound platform extending almost to the viaduct itself.
Railway type and traffic
Passenger services by Northern Rail are run by 156s (9 trains per weekday and 3 with a 153), 153s (3 trains per weekday and 3 with a 156) and 142s (2 trains per weekday).
Freight services are usually run by DRS 20s, 37s and occasionally 66s.
These include 6C51/6C52, the weekly Sellafield-Heysham P.S. return nuclear flask working on Thursdays, which goes south at 12:45 and north at 19:40.
6C53 (Crewe-Sellafield) runs from Tuesday-Saturday, passing north at about 09:20 during the week and at 08:50 on Saturday.
6K73 (Sellafield-Crewe) runs on Monday-Thursday and then again on Saturday, southbound at about 15:45 during the week and at 09:20 on Saturday.
Environment
The village itself is small and quiet and has a friendly atmosphere. A good deal of residents are involved with the small railway in one way or another and so any enthusiasts are welcomed. The countryside is breath taking and a short walk can take you out onto the sands of the estuary of the Rivers Irt, Esk and Mite, each with a viaduct on the Cambrian Coast Line, the one over the Mite being right next to the station. Eskmeals viaduct is a half hour walk over fields to the south.
Road directions
From the M6, Junction 36:
Head westbound onto the A590 until you reach Greenodd. Then take the A5092 to Broughton and finally the A595 north to Ravenglass, which is at a T-junction just after passing Muncaster Castle. The village and miniature railway are well signposted from the road.

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Mite Viaduct map co-ordinates
Parking
There is a large car park offering free parking all day (although if you plan to come on a busy weekend or Bank Holiday then arrive early!). Alternatively, the car park at the R&ER is �2 for two hours or �3 for all day. Both of these are safe places for your car to be left.
Public transport
Trains serve the station frequently throughout the day from Carlisle and Barrow. Some trains come from Lancaster and Preston, but you will usually have to change at Barrow after a TransPennine Express service from Manchester.

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Amenities
Ravenglass village has a lot to offer, with several pubs serving food and drink, a cafe on the 'La'al Ratty' station and public toilets nearby.
Accommodation
There are a few Bed and Breakfasts and caravan/camp sites nearby, within five minutes walk of the station.
Sun Compass
Sun Compass using Suncalc by brought to you by Vladimir Agafonkin:
It might be necessary to adjust the time to suit your visit, this link should open with the current day.
Mite Viaduct

Googly map
Streetmap links
Mite Viaduct general view map
Mite Viaduct close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Mite Viaduct



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Photographic notes
There are two main places for good photos of trains on the viaduct, both on the seaward side of the viaduct, one to the south (from Ravenglass village green on the main street opposite the Muncaster Parish Hall) or over the footbridge on the viaduct to Saltcoats, which is parallel to the aforementioned location in the village. The one in the village is best for shots of southbound trains and the Saltcoats one, accessible from over the bridge is suited for northbound trains. Another location is one not particularly accessible to the general public, but those involved with the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway are able to get a view from the river side of the bridge from the embankment beyond the 15\" gauge carriage shed. A similar view can be seen from the drive to Raven Villa, which can be reached from the turnoff on the right just before the Network Rail (not R&ER) railway bridge into the village, opposite the driveway up into the Ratty car park. It is best that you just come down here on foot, as turning facilities are non existent without trespassing on the property of Raven Villa. Head-on views of stock on the viaduct can be obtained from the southbound platform of the station, which is reached from the R&ER car park, next to the museum.


General views - All photographs © Eliot Andersen unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking north


Fig 1 - Looking north


Fig 2 - Looking south


Fig 2 - Looking south


Fig 3 - Looking north west


Fig 3 - Looking north west

From the platform.

Fig 4 - Foot Directions


Fig 4 - Foot Directions


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