Ennerdale Water is a remote and wild region in the Western Lake District, characterized by its dramatic landscapes, deep glacial lake, and surrounding fells such as Pillar and Great Gable. It is the only Lake District lake without a public road running alongside it, contributing to its tranquil character. The area offers varied terrain, from forest tracks and low-level shoreline paths to demanding mountain trails, making it suitable for several sports like hiking, jogging, mountain biking, road cycling, and more.
…125
Routes
4.5
(542)
Average rating
6597
People visited

4.8
(118)
994
hikers
11.4km
03:03
100m
100m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

5.0
(1)
3
hikers
24.6km
09:25
1,460m
1,470m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

4.8
(81)
814
hikers
13.3km
05:19
790m
790m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

4.9
(50)
541
hikers
12.9km
04:26
520m
520m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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4.0
(1)
198
runners
11.7km
01:22
110m
110m
Hard run. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

26
runners
13.1km
02:14
780m
780m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

14
runners
21.9km
03:02
850m
850m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

11
runners
25.1km
03:48
1,120m
1,120m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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5.0
(3)
92
riders
26.1km
02:35
260m
260m
Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

5.0
(2)
22
riders
36.3km
02:23
370m
370m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

17
riders
41.8km
02:44
540m
540m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

8
riders
79.2km
05:16
1,130m
1,130m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.8
(6)
65
riders
25.7km
02:18
260m
260m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

5.0
(1)
18
riders
37.3km
02:55
520m
520m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
19
riders
64.0km
04:23
1,100m
1,100m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

4.5
(2)
25
riders
47.8km
03:30
530m
530m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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64
riders
48.1km
02:31
600m
600m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5.0
(2)
53
riders
41.8km
01:52
420m
420m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

20
riders
30.3km
01:28
370m
370m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

16
riders
24.8km
01:13
320m
320m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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6
hikers
16.7km
06:48
980m
980m
Hard mountaineering route. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

5.0
(1)
4
hikers
7.42km
03:02
490m
490m
Moderate mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

5.0
(1)
5
hikers
13.1km
05:30
880m
880m
Hard mountaineering route. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

5
hikers
15.0km
05:17
770m
770m
Hard mountaineering route. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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Ennerdale Water is a deep glacial lake located in the Western Lake District, recognized for its remote and wild character. It is the only Lake District lake without a public road running alongside it, contributing to its tranquil environment. The area is also central to the "Wild Ennerdale" project, which promotes natural landscape evolution.
Ennerdale Water offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, jogging, mountain biking, and road cycling. The region provides diverse terrain, from forest tracks and low-level paths to challenging mountain trails. Komoot users have contributed over 235,000 experiences, with routes averaging 4.53 out of 5 stars.
Yes, Ennerdale Water features several easy hiking options, including low-level circular walks. The popular "Around Ennerdale Water" trail is approximately 7.1 miles (11.4 km) and follows the shoreline. For more options, refer to the Hiking around Ennerdale Water guide.
Ennerdale Water offers a network of mountain biking trails, ranging from flowing gravel sections to more technical stretches. Forestry England manages many of these routes, including the "Bike the Big Valley" trail. For detailed information, consult the MTB Trails around Ennerdale Water guide.
While there is no public road directly alongside Ennerdale Water, road cyclists can access the area via minor roads. A cycle path from Whitehaven to Rowrah connects to these minor roads, allowing access to the scenic surroundings. For route ideas, see the Road Cycling Routes around Ennerdale Water guide.
Ennerdale Water provides options suitable for families, including low-level walks and forest tracks. These routes offer accessible terrain for various ages and abilities. The Family-friendly hikes around Ennerdale Water guide offers specific recommendations.
Ennerdale Water is surrounded by imposing fells, including classic Wainwrights such as Pillar (892m), Steeple (819m), and Great Gable (899m). These peaks offer challenging hikes and provide extensive views of the Lakeland mountains and the Cumbrian coastline.
The popular circular walk around Ennerdale Water is approximately 7.1 miles (11.4 km) long. The time required to complete this walk varies depending on pace and stops, but it typically takes several hours.
Ennerdale Water is generally dog-friendly, with many trails and paths suitable for walks with dogs. It is important to keep dogs under control, especially near livestock or wildlife. For specific routes, refer to the Dog-friendly hikes around Ennerdale Water guide.
Komoot offers several guides for Ennerdale Water, covering various activities and interests. These include guides for Hiking around Ennerdale Water, MTB Trails around Ennerdale Water, and Road Cycling Routes around Ennerdale Water, among others.
For specific inquiries or permits for groups of 5 or more people wishing to canoe on Ennerdale Water, United Utilities can be contacted via email at amber.thompson@uuplc.co.uk or by phone at 017687 72334. For general inquiries about Forestry England sites, their membership team can be reached at membership@forestryengland.uk or 0300 068 0400.
Ennerdale Water is a deep glacial lake known for its exceptionally clear water. The valley is home to the "Wild Ennerdale" project, allowing the landscape to evolve naturally. Notable features include the River Liza, which chooses its own path, and Anglers Crag, a prominent rock face along the lake.

