Ennerdale Area Guide
Even by Lake District standards, Ennerdale is remote. It is a place of seclusion and tranquility at the very west of the Lake District, with the only lake to have no road running alongside it. It also has one of the largest forests in Cumbria and very few people.
There are walks to suit all tastes in Ennerdale, from gentle strolls along the lake to mountain hikes giving you wonderful views of Ennerdale Water and Buttermere. Wainwright’s famous Coast to Coast Walk goes through the village.
There are a number of climbs in Ennerdale, most of them on Pillar Rock, on the rugged north face of Pillar Mountain. This crag offers superb rock climbs at all levels and was one of the first venues for pioneering rock climbers in the Lakes.
There are many forest roads that are open to the public and mountain biking is a popular pursuit. .
Ennerdale Water is both a reservoir and a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its lakeshore habitats. There is lots of wildlife to be seen on its shores, including red squirrels. For fishing, contact the Wath Brow & Ennerdale Angling Club 01946 84703.
Bradley’s Riding Centre at nearby Kinniside offers pony trekking for all abilities and ages - 01946 861 354.
The nearest village, Ennerdale Bridge, has a church, St Mary’s, built on the site of a medieval chapel in the 19th century and two pubs, both serving good food and real ales.
Just off the fell road from Ennerdale Bridge to Calder Bridge is the Kinniside Stone Circle, a perfect stone circle made of 11 stones.
Despite its quietness, Ennerdale is just a few miles away from the other attractions that the Lake District has to offer.
Whitehaven is just 15 minute drive and has a wonderful harbour and several museums and a lovely coastal walk to St Bees.
Whitehaven harbour at night
The market towns of Cockermouth and Whitehaven are only a short distance away and the ever-popular Keswick is only half an hour's drive.
The historic village of St Bees is also close at hand, with a long pebble and sand beach, its famous cliffs with thousands of nesting sea birds and a 12th century Benedictine priory.
Useful Links for Ennerdale
- Have a look at our Review of Outdoor Activities in the Lake District.
- For Muncaster Castle, Gardens and Owl Centre, please visit Muncaster Castle
- Have a look at things to do Down on the Farm in Ennerdale and beyond.
- Visit our Review of the Lake District shows.
- For the Ravenglass and Eskdale Steam Railway, visit the 'La'al Ratty'.
- Click here for Dog Friendly pubs in the Lake District.
