Ravenglass & Eskdale 150th Anniversary Steam Gala - 3-5 May

Green Goddess from RH&DR announced on Facebook as visiting

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Bonnie Dundee is due back at Ravenglass for the 150th Anniversary Celebrations, pulling its first R&ER trains in 20 years. Info from R&ER Facebook page.

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Does anybody know if the RER are still operating the Covid 19 2020 approach for the 6th season in a row?

In other words if you want a rover ticket like those halcyon days of 2019 you can only attend a gala now?

 

...and in a similar vein, does one still have to nominate the train you are coming back on from Eskdale? The website is silent on the matter. I went in 2023, and it was an unpleasant experience - essentially you were grilled about why you were travelling, what your plans were and what time you would come back. I was contemplating a return trip, but if that's still the approach, the money will go elsewhere.

 

We were planning to be in the Lakes the weekend before this event, but are looking to change our plans so we can attend this gala as R&ER is always a favourite. If anyone in the know is able to confirm whether there will likely be a 2-day or even 3-day rover ticket available that would be great? Thanks in advance.

 

For galas after Covid they’ve done rover tickets, only weekend of the year last few years where you could buy one.

 

Good news!! The covid 19 2020 approach to trains returns again by popular demand for the 2025 season!!

So yes, each train in each direction is required in advance!!

However, the railway does suggest those that attended multiple times per year to now attend the gala only.

 

150th Anniversary Steam Gala Weekend | Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway

Gala Weekend Timetable Poster

 

For those that don't know, the open coaches and semi opens have also had the screens removed

 

• 24 replaces Katie, now on display only.
• No.24 (1990) - This is an extra special honour for us, as No.24 was also part of the 125th anniversary celebrations and it also marks No.24’s return to traffic after a major overhaul at John Fowler & Co. Therefore the engine will run in passenger service at Ravenglass before its homecoming event at Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway.

Gala Weekend Timetable Poster

 

Attended the Gala on Saturday and stayed over in Ravenglass, a very enjoyable day helped by the perfect weather. The railway certainly seemed busy!

Some operational issues with a few cancelled trains due to an (unsurprising given the conditions) lineside fire, but nothing to spoil the enjoyment. River Esk was also out of service but was replaced for the finale train by Whillan Beck, which gave a spirited run paired with Green Goddess. I had some friendly interactions with a few volunteers, and my (non enthusiast) partner appreciated everyone trying to keep the information flowing to the public even with the disruptions. It was also great that the 'Hop On-Hop Off' tickets were available allowing us to break a journey and have a spontaneous walk around Muncaster.

Thanks to everyone at Ravenglass for putting on a great event!

 

We managed to get the Esk out on the Monday for 2 round trips ready for the grand finale with all 5 big engines. Hard to believe that when it looked like this on Wednesday morning