Smithy Beck Trail

(Average user rating 4 unrated

4/5)

In the footsteps of medieval settlers past a
magical waterfall and with views into one of
England’s wildest valleys, the Smithy Beck
trail provides an outdoor experience for all to
remember

The Smithy Beck Trail starts and
finishes at Bowness Knott car park and provides a great introduction to the Ennerdale valley. The path is identified on the ground with red painted wooden posts. Have a look at our Smithy Beck Trail Guide which you can print and take with you.

Red squirrel in larch. Ennerdale

Look out for Red Squirrels along the trail.

Click here to find out what else you can do in this forest.

How to get there:

Smithy Beck Trail can be started from Bowness Knott Car Park in Ennerdale. Ennerdale Village is the nearest town or village.

Parking. The valley is served by two free car parks (see map overleaf). If you are biking or horse riding please use Bowness Knott car park. Please note there is no public vehicle access permitted beyond Bowness Knott Car Park unless you are staying overnight at Ennerdale YHA or Low Gillerthwaite Field Centre.

Public transport. Ennerdale is a remote location with no direct access to public transport. Nearest rail links are Whitehaven (71/2 miles ) and Penrith (40 miles ) which both have bus links. Nearest bus stops are Lamplugh (41/2 miles to Bowness Knott) and Rowrah (4 miles to Bleach Green) . Alternatively enjoy a high level walk into the valley from Honistor (21/2 miles to Blacksail ) or Buttermere (2 miles to Blacksail ) using the Honistor Rambler. Visit

Traveline or call 0871 200 2233.

OS Grid Reference: NY109153
For details of public transport visit http://www.transportdirect.info

Wildlife

Mammals: There is a chance that you will see Roe Deer if you walk this trail at dusk or dawn. Also Red Squirrels can be seen if you look carfully and are quiet. We have information about Red squirrel, Roe deer and Otter

Birds: A heron can sometimes be seen fishing on Smithy Beck on the lake and Sparrow Hawk might be seen swooping through the trees.

Habitats: The trail passes through mature larch woodland and alongside naturally regenerating birch and crosses Smithy beck, one of the streams where the rare Arctic Charr spawn. . We have information about Upland oakwood

User Comments

4 Stars
A pleasant walk . There is also a bigger waterfall up the forestry road, but it is more obscured by trees and foliage. It is easier to walk back down the forestry path, to the lakeside. There are plenty of picnic tables with close access to the lake. Its fairly safe for children as the lake is relatively shallow round the lake side

David, 27/Sep/2010