Ennerdale Valley is a remote wild valley on the north western edge of the Lake District National Park. Ennerdale valley offers magnificent wild scenery with a wide range of walking and cycling opportunities. Have a look at our Visitor Guide for an over view of what Ennerdale has to offer you or enjoy our waymarked Smithy Beck trail. The valley also provides opportuntities for biking, climbing, riding,canoeing and visiting historic sites. Find out more at Wild Ennerdale.
From the car park at Bowness Knott the valley stretches 7 miles east with mountains on either side rise to nearly 3000ft asl.
Wild Ennerdale
Wild Ennerdale is a partnership between people and organisations led by The Forestry Commission, National Trust and United Utilities (UU) being the primary land owners in The Ennerdale Valley and Natural England, the Government's advisor on the environment.
Over the last five years the partnership has seen its work develop and broaden as individuals such as farm tenants, local businesses, the YHA, local people and volunteers have caught onto the excitement and vision that the original partners have developed.
Our Vision is "to allow the evolution of Ennerdale as a wild valley for the benefit of people, relying more on natural processes to shape its landscape and ecology".
Pease read our briefing note for more information about the Partnership or our latest Newsletter which is distributed quarterly to around 550 local households with thanks to the local Ecumenical Church Magazine team.
Chalara ash dieback
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- Canoeing
- Caravan Site
Nearest caravan site is the Caravan Clubs site at Dockray Meadow just outside the valley.
- Cycling
Bring your bikes to Bowness Knott and enjoy 14 miles of forest roads.
- Dogs
Please keep your dog under control.
- Easy Access
The walk from Bleach Green car aprk to the lake is easy and flat.
- Educational
The walk from Bleach Green car aprk to the lake is easy and flat.
- Horse riding
Bowness Knott provides the best access for horse riders wanting to enjoy the 14 forest roads and bridleway upt to Blacksail.
- Information
Guide Leaflets can be purchased from local tourist information centres in Egremont, Whitehave and Cockermouth or download free from the Wild Ennerdale webesite www.wildennerdale.co.uk
- Ancient Monuments
Ennerdale is the best example of a settled medieval valley left in the lake District. Check out our Historic Features Guide Leaflet
- Orienteering
Orienteering courses start from Bleach Green and Bowness Knott car parks. See www.wildennerdale.co.uk for more information.
- Parking
The car parks at Bleach Green and Bownes Knott are free and open all year round.
- Picnic
Bowness Knott has a limited number of picnic tables.
- Restaurant
Check out the community run pub The Fox and Hounds in Ennerdale Bridge
- Trail (easy)
Check out the Smithy Beck Trail
- Walking
From the short family Smithy beck Trail to a full day climbing onto Pillar there is something for everyone.
- Trail (moderate)
Try the Round the lake Walk or Liza Path.
- Viewpoint
The view from Bowness up the valley torwards Pillar with the shimmering Ennerdale Water in the foreground is one of the best views in the western lakes.
Location
OS Grid ref: NY109153
Contact
Opening & Parking
Parking
The car parks at Bleach Green and Bownes Knott are free and open all year round.
Useful sites
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