The best walks and hikes around Ennerdale And Kinniside

There are two main car parks at the western end of Ennerdale Water, Bowness Knott and Bleach Green. These provide access to the lakeside paths and the fells on either side of the valley. For hikes starting from the Kinniside fells, there are smaller parking areas available. Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking is limited due to the valley's remote nature.

Yes, Ennerdale is great for families. The Ennerdale Views Trail is a short, accessible 2.5 km circular walk with fantastic views of the lake and mountains. Another gentle option is the Smithy Beck Waterfall Walk, a 3 km route through woodland to a lovely waterfall.

Dogs are generally welcome in Ennerdale, but they should be kept under close control, especially between April and July during the bird nesting season and around livestock. The Wild Ennerdale project encourages responsible access to protect the area's unique wildlife and rewilding efforts.

For experienced hikers seeking a challenge, the Red Pike – Ennerdale Water loop is an excellent choice. This difficult route involves a steep ascent but rewards you with extensive panoramic views across the high fells and down to the lakes.

Ennerdale offers a wilder, more remote experience than Wasdale. It's the only major valley in the Lake District without a road running its full length, creating a unique sense of tranquility. While Wasdale is famous for the dramatic screes and England's highest peak, Ennerdale is characterized by its extensive forests, the pristine Ennerdale Water, and a pioneering rewilding project.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community. Reviewers often praise the sense of remoteness and wildness, a direct result of the Wild Ennerdale project. The mix of lakeside paths, extensive forest tracks, and rugged high fells is frequently mentioned as a major highlight.

Reaching Ennerdale by public transport is challenging due to its remote location. The nearest train station is in Whitehaven, from which you would need to take a taxi. There are no regular bus services that run directly into the valley, so planning a visit by car is more practical.

The Grike Summit Cairn – Crag Fell Summit loop from Flat Fell is a great moderate hike that allows you to tick off two of the western fells, Grike and Crag Fell. It offers superb views back over the Cumbrian coast and towards the higher peaks of the Ennerdale Horseshoe.

Besides the trails themselves, hikers are drawn to several key locations. Wild Ennerdale is the heart of the area, a highly-regarded rewilding project offering miles of forest tracks. For peak-baggers, Green Gable is a popular summit offering fantastic views, often tackled as part of longer high-level routes. For a beautiful natural feature, many visitors seek out Holme Force Waterfall, a picturesque cascade in a quiet woodland setting.

Pillar Rock is a famous climbing crag that dominates the skyline in the upper valley. While climbing it is for experienced rock climbers only, you can get excellent views of it from the high-level traverse on the High Stile & Pillar loop. The path passes below the rock, allowing you to appreciate its immense scale.

You can explore over 110 different hiking routes around Ennerdale and Kinniside. The trails range from 29 easy walks suitable for all abilities to 28 difficult routes for experienced mountaineers, with plenty of moderate options in between.