Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Routes
Hiking trails & Routes
United Kingdom
England
North West England
Cumbria
Copeland
Ennerdale And Kinniside

Around Ennerdale Water — Lake District National Park

Moderate

4.8

(126)

1,023

hikers

Around Ennerdale Water — Lake District National Park

03:03

11.4km

100m

Hiking

The Around Ennerdale Water trail offers a moderate hike through one of the Lake District's most remote and tranquil valleys. This 7.1-mile (11.4 km) circular route, typically taking 3 hours and 2 minutes with an elevation gain of 331 feet (101 metres), provides continuous views of the clear lake reflecting the impressive fells. You will traverse varied terrain, from well-maintained paths to rocky footpaths with tangled roots and slick stones, especially along the southern shore below Angler's Crag and through "The Side" woodland.

Planning your visit, be aware that the path along the lake can be uneven and wet in places, and recent flood damage means some sections are unsuitable for wheels. There are no waymarkers on the trail, so you should follow the lake to stay on route. The valley is known for its secluded atmosphere, offering an escape from busier tourist spots, and you will find sections of forestry road and flatter paths closer to the western end.

Ennerdale is unique as the westernmost of the Lake District's glacial lakes and is managed by the Wild Ennerdale project, allowing natural processes to shape the environment. This includes conservation efforts for rare plants and animals like the marsh fritillary butterfly and red squirrels. The trail also passes the former site of the Angler's Hotel and offers views from Angler's Crag, highlighting the valley's wild character and volcanic rock landscape.

Last updated: April 23, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Lake District National Park

Waypoints

A

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

1

2.78 km

View of Ennerdale Water

Highlight • Viewpoint

A simply beautiful view down the length of Ennerdale Water. The distant Western Fells form the horizon, with Pillar's profile looking particularly dramatic from here. It is possible to do a loop of the lake from here, a walk that totals just over 7 miles (11.5 km).

Tip by

2

4.74 km

This rock on the shore of Ennerdale Water is known as Robin Hood's Chair and is a perfect spot to admire the tranquil surroundings around you.

Tip by

3

9.92 km

Smithy Beck Waterfall

Highlight • Viewpoint

Just a small diversion off the path, through a beautiful forest, and you come to this delightful waterfall.

Tip by

B

11.4 km

End point

Parking

Loading

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

6.57 km

4.03 km

835 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

5.99 km

4.58 km

446 m

410 m

< 100 m

< 100 m

Sign up to see more specific route details

Sign up for free

Elevation

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Sign up to see more specific route details

Sign up for free

Weather

Powered by Foreca

Tuesday 14 July

24°C

13°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 10.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

February 29, 2024,Around Ennerdale Water — Lake District National Park
Beautiful walk but the segment at Robin Hood Chair involves quite a scramble! And a good section of the Southern Shore is very rocky so sturdy footwear is recommended.
April 27, 2025,Ennerdale circular
Well thats the longest 7 miler ive done in a while. Felt more like 14!!! A bit of rock climbing but the hardest bit was keeping an eye on the rocky paths !!
January 15, 2023,Lap of Ennerdale Water
A solo walk around Ennerdale Water this morning after the wind and rain finally gave us all a break 🫶🏻 This walk follows some of the Coast 2 Coast trail 👣 Lovely to see some snow on the high peaks.
March 31, 2024,Ennerdale Circular
Was going to walk around Buttermere and up Haystacks but couldn't find a car parking space. Very busy in the Lakes on Easter Sunday so ended up in Ennerdale.
Great small walk. The first half was beautiful, some small scrambles but mostly a rocky path, in and out of forest bits!

Amazing views all around. The way back was a story of two halves. The first half was speedy, but slightly uninspiring road walking. The second half was the new coast to coast path which offered great views of …
February 8, 2025,Hike
Nice few hours. Its not as easy as it looks with a bit of scrambling, but lovely to be by the lake.
guide_signup

Want to know more?

Sign up for a free komoot account to join the conversation.

Sign up for free

This route was planned by komoot.

Save

Edit route

Download GPX

Move start point

Print

Share

Embed on a website

Report an Issue

Report restricted access

Nearby routes

Moderate

4.8

4,935

Buttermere loop

02:03h

7.81km

60m

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy