The best walks and hikes in High Leys National Nature Reserve

Yes, you can bring your dog, but to protect ground-nesting birds, they must be kept on a short lead between March 1st and July 31st. The area around Ennerdale Water offers some great walks for you and your dog, such as the Ennerdale Water Lakeside Path – Ennerdale Water loop from Ennerdale Bridge.

Summer is the best time to visit if you want to see the traditional hay meadows in full bloom. The reserve is known for its vibrant display of wildflowers, including species like oxeye daisies, marsh marigolds, and the rarer greater butterfly orchid.

Yes, there are several easy walks suitable for the whole family, particularly around the nearby lakes. A pleasant option is the View of Ennerdale Water – St Mary's Church, Ennerdale loop from Ennerdale Bridge, which is a relatively flat and short trail offering lovely scenery.

You can find over 230 hiking routes in the region surrounding the reserve. These range from short, easy strolls to challenging all-day hikes, with the majority being moderately difficult.

The trails in this area are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Hikers often praise the mix of landscapes, from the peaceful woodlands and rare hay meadows to the beautiful paths around Ennerdale Water.

Absolutely. Many of the best routes in the region are circular. For a moderately challenging loop with rewarding views, consider the Blake Fell Summit – Burnbank Fell loop from Lamplugh, which takes you up into the fells.

There is no official car park at the reserve itself. However, limited parking is available in a lay-by at the entrance. For hikes starting elsewhere, such as those around Ennerdale, you will find designated parking areas near the trailheads.

The reserve's main draw is its incredible plant life, including rare species like the adder's tongue fern. The mosaic of meadows, grasslands, and woodlands also supports a rich variety of insects and ground-nesting birds, especially during the spring and summer months.

The reserve itself is quite compact, covering about 22 acres (8.8 hectares). While the reserve offers a lovely short walk, most longer hikes explore the wider Copeland region, which includes extensive forests, grasslands, and lakes.

Yes, the surrounding area has beautiful woodland trails. A great option that combines a reservoir and forest scenery is the Cogra Moss – Cogra Moss Woods loop from Asby. This route circles the Cogra Moss reservoir and passes through the adjacent woods.

Public transport options to the immediate reserve are limited. The area is rural, and many trailheads are best accessed by car. However, bus services run to nearby villages like Ennerdale Bridge, from which you can access several popular lakeside and fell walks.

Yes, the region offers around 25 difficult trails for those seeking a challenge. These routes often involve significant elevation gain and navigate the more rugged terrain of the fells, providing expansive views across the landscape.