RAVENGLASS is an attractive village with its main street running parallel to the sea. It has an ancient history. In Roman times there was a thriving harbour, but this silted up over time and its importance is now somewhat underrated and in the three little rivers, the Esk, Irk and Mirk, there was an important freshwater pearl fishery.

This walk is a joy for those interested in history and natural history.

How to get there: those without cars can enjoy this walk which starts and finishes at Ravenglass Station. By road, Ravenglass is reached via the A595.

1 Begin at the railway station which, apart from the main line, is also the terminus for the Ravenglass and Eskdale narrow gauge railway.

'La'al Ratty' was built in 1875 to carry iron ore from the high hills. Its three-feet gauge is now a fantastic tourist attraction.

Trains run all the year round (telephone 01229-717171). There is a museum and a pub, The Ratty Arms, alongside the station complex and car park.

From the station, turn right towards the A595 and look out for a narrow road.

Turn right.

2 Approach a structure with a very confusing name - Walls Castle.

This is not a castle but a very well-preserved Roman bathhouse, looked after by English Heritage. The walls stand 11feet 6inches high and there were once hot and cold rooms and a system of underground heating called hypocausts.

From Walls, turn right and follow an area of trees to reach the decoy pond on the left.

These ponds were very much a feature of medieval England, long before the days of the deep freeze, when fresh meat was in short supply.

The decoy ponds were planted with shrubs and hidden nets were carefully placed.

Ducks and other wildfowl were attracted into the area and could be killed. The decoy here would have been important to serve the kitchens of Muncaster castle.

Pass Holme Farm on the left and bear right to Muncaster Castle.

3 Muncaster is one of the finest stately homes in Cumbria (Tel: 01229-717614) and has been built around a 14th century pele tower.

The gardens are open daily and the castle on some afternoons in the warmer months.

Here is the base for the World Owl Trust and the birds can sometimes be seen in flying displays, which also feature other birds of prey.

From the terraces, there are splendid views over Eskdale and I always have trouble dragging myself away from this hauntingly beautiful place.

From the castle, follow an obvious track through woodlands down to the river Esk.

4 This is the place to see herons because there has been a heronry here for centuries.

Herons are wonderful anglers, but I can’t call them the king of the fishers - but this stretch of the Esk is very much kingfisher country.

These, our most colourful birds, can often be seen skimming across the river, which is unpolluted and full of fish.

The track passes alongside the river, with Waberthwaite on the opposite bank, and close to an ancient ford. The path sweeps right through Beacon Plantation and under the main Millom to Whitehaven railway.

5 Turn right into the tidal area, once the site of a large Roman fort called Glannoventa. Here is the chance to enjoy the seabirds and plants of the seashore.

Walkers should carry with them not just their OS map, but also the small pocket guides which identify birds and flowers.

My tip has always been to travel light, but make sure that you have enough material to enjoy the stroll.

Return through the village to the station, but do make use of the seats and enjoy the scenery around this historic spot.

Map reference: For the ‘pay and display’ car park at the station. OS L89 or OL6.

Length of walk: 6 miles.

Terrain: Fairly easy, but with one stretch along the shoreline subject to flooding at very high tide.

Refreshments and toilets: Plenty in-and-around the village.

NB: Restrictions on space mean that this article provides a general summary of the route.

It is advisable for anyone who plans to follow the walk to take a copy of the relevant Ordnance Survey map.