The best walks and hikes around Ennerdale Water

There are several car parks providing access to the valley. The two main ones are Bleach Green and Bowness Knott. Bleach Green car park is located at the western end of the lake and is a popular starting point for the lakeside circuit. Bowness Knott car park is situated further along the northern shore, offering access to forest trails and the fells beyond. Both are free but can fill up quickly, especially on weekends, so arriving early is recommended.

Yes, Ennerdale is great for families. The most straightforward option is the western section of the lakeside path, starting from Bleach Green car park. For a very gentle and accessible walk, the Ennerdale Water – Ennerdale Water loop from Haile is a short, low-level route that offers lovely views without any significant climbs.

The full circuit around the lake is generally considered a moderate hike. While the Around Ennerdale Water trail is about 7.5 miles (12 km) and has minimal overall elevation gain, the terrain on the southern shore is rough, rocky, and involves some scrambling. It is not a simple, flat path all the way around. Good hiking boots are essential, and you should allow at least 3-4 hours to complete it.

Ennerdale is the gateway to some of the Lake District's most rugged and rewarding peaks. For a classic high-level challenge, the High Stile & Pillar loop from Ennerdale Water is a demanding full-day expedition covering multiple Wainwrights. Another strenuous but spectacular option is the ascent of Scoat Fell, which you can tackle on the Ennerdale Water – Scoat Fell loop from Ennerdale Water.

Yes, dogs are welcome in Ennerdale, but they must be kept under close control at all times. Due to the 'Wild Ennerdale' project, there is free-roaming livestock, including Galloway cattle, throughout the valley. It's crucial to keep your dog on a lead, especially near farm animals and during bird nesting season (March to July).

Wild Ennerdale is a long-term partnership focused on allowing natural processes to shape the valley's landscape and ecology. For hikers, this means a wilder, more untamed experience compared to other parts of the Lake District.

You'll encounter fewer signs of intensive farming, more natural woodland regeneration, and free-roaming Galloway cattle. The trails remain accessible, but the environment feels more remote and dynamic.

There are over 400 hiking routes to explore in and around the Ennerdale valley. These range from easy, low-level lakeside paths to some of the most difficult and remote mountain ascents in the Lake District, offering options for all abilities.

The area is highly regarded by the komoot community, with thousands of reviews. Hikers frequently praise the valley's unique sense of wildness and tranquility, a direct result of its remote location and the rewilding project. The lack of a lakeside road and the dramatic views of fells like Pillar are consistently mentioned as major highlights.

Ennerdale provides access to a fantastic group of western fells. From the valley, you can ascend iconic Wainwrights such as Pillar, Scoat Fell, Steeple, High Stile, and Red Pike. Many of these can be combined into long, challenging circular routes, like the Red Pike (Buttermere) – Ennerdale Water loop from Ennerdale Water.

Reaching Ennerdale by public transport is challenging due to its remote location. There are no direct bus services into the valley itself. The nearest services typically run to nearby towns like Whitehaven or Cleator Moor, from where you would need to take a taxi for the final leg of the journey. It's best to plan your trip assuming you will need a car.

Both valleys offer dramatic scenery, but with different characters. Wastwater is known for its stark, imposing screes plunging directly into the lake. Ennerdale feels wilder and more forested, shaped by the 'Wild Ennerdale' project. While both are gateways to high fells, Ennerdale has more extensive low-level forest and riverside paths, whereas Wastwater's main low-level walk is along the road on one side of the lake.

No, wild camping is not permitted in the Ennerdale valley. This is to protect the sensitive environment and the goals of the Wild Ennerdale partnership. There are, however, two hostels in the valley, Ennerdale and Black Sail, which offer accommodation for those wishing to stay overnight.