The Lake District | Ennerdale Water Circuit

Walk description:

Ennerdale Water is the most westerly lake of the Lake District National Park and feels somewhat remote and off the beaten track when compared to many other bustling bodies of water in the park.

Our walk begins at the Bleach Green car park where we follow a small path to the lakeside. Here we will see a weir in action, as the lake is partly managed by United Utilities to source homes in the region.

For the beginning of our walk we will follow the rugged trail that runs along the southern shore of the lake. This is not a particularly challenging path but there is one small section of scrambling where hands may be required over Anglers Crag at Robin Hood's Seat. Walkers should be steady on these feet. From here we walk in and out of beautiful birch forests with stunning views up the Ennerdale Valley becoming ever more apparent.

At the eastern end of the lake we’ll cross over Woundell Beck and move into the Ling Mell Plantations and then Ennerdale Forest itself. This is perhaps one of the most spectacular parts of the walk, following the River Liza upstream along a tiny single-track path. Theforest is alive with life, mosses and lichen coat every branch and trunk, trees of all kinds swaying in the breeze, the river flowing confidently along. At times the route gives off a very alpine vibe and you are left feeling transported back to prehistory!

After a few miles of this type of walking we reach a big bridge over which we cross the river and pick up a forestry track that runs all the way west back to the shores of Ennerdale. Along the way we will pass the YHA and a field centre all tucked away in the woods.

Once back at Ennerdale we will follow the solid path all the way back to the car, passing over Smithy Beck and under Bowness Knot.

This is a truly wonderful walk to be enjoyed come rain or shine!

Whether you attend alone or with friends/family, you'll soon get to know everyone in the group and enjoy a stress-free day.

Places are always limited on our walks, so do book on as soon as you can!

Walk length: 

11.5 miles

We would class this walk as intermediate due to the length rather than elevation gain. We strongly encourage guests to be comofrtable with walking this distance before booking. We expect this walk to take 6 hours with breaks. 

Date and time: 

Saturday 28th May 2022. Meet at 09:15am, start walking at 09.30am

Start/finish location: 

Bleach Green Car Park - Ennerdale Water, Cleator, CA23 3AS

Getting to car park: 

From Ennerdale Bridge follow signs to Ennerdale Water and Bleach Green.

Cars are left at owners own risk.

Toilet stops: 

There are no toilet stops along this walk. Wild wees required!

Media:

By signing up to a walk with us you are giving us permission to take photos for promotional use across our website and social media pages. If you specifically do not want media taken with you in it, please do feel able to get in touch. We encourage you to take photos during your walk but ask you to be sensitive to other members. Also, we'd love to have a copy of any you are particularly proud of so we share them too!

Accidents and Incidents:

Abbie and our walk leaders are all qualified first aiders and will always carry an appropriate first aid kit. Should you be involved in an accident or become injured during the walk it is important that you notify Abbie or other walk leaders as soon as possible so that appropriate action can be taken. Should you feel unwell or require first aid please let them know. Please use the booking form and the paper disclaimer you will be given on the day as an opportunity to raise anything you feel the walk leader should know about. Abbie is also a qualified and insured Hill and Moorland Leader. 

Due to the nature of walking in an outdoor area there is often a level of risk. You will need to take responsibility for your own actions, health and involvement during the walk and will be expected to exercise judgement based on your fitness levels as to whether you can complete the walk. Any queries please get in touch. You will also be expected to abide by any safety instructions and decisions made by us and have a duty to exercise judgement regarding your own personal safety and that of other members of the group. If you choose to ignore safety instructions we cannot be held responsible for the consequences.

Cars are left at the owner's own risk.

Weather:

Our walks are weather dependant. The weather can play a major role in our enjoyment of a day's walking and in some cases can present a real danger. We always review the weather forecast in detail the day before and will send you an email if we have to change any plans. This is however only likely if we feel heading out will put us at real risk. Please check the forecast for yourself and come prepared for whatever the weather! You should come fully kitted out for a full day's hike in the walking area.

Food and Drink:

We will not be providing any food or drink on this walk except emergency rations. Please ensure you have adequate food and drink for the day. If you have any questions or need any help/advice with what food to bring, please feel able to get in touch.

No Drug and Alcohol Policy:

Spend More Time In The WILD has been set up in order to inspire and motivate followers to head outside for the benefit of mental and physical health. We are committed to providing a safe, healthy and secure space for anyone walking out a journey of freedom from addiction and substance abuse and as such have a strict no drug or alcohol policy on our walks and camping events.

Cancellations:

By Us: In the rare case that we have to cancel an event, you will be notified by email and offered a full refund.

By You: We require 14 days cancellation notice prior to your scheduled arrival, otherwise we will charge you cancellation fee as below.

- 50% of your total amount will be charged if you notify us about your cancellation or any changes by 14 days to 48 hrs before your scheduled arrival.

-100% of your total amount will be charged if you do not notify us about your cancellation or any changes within 48 hrs.

If you have any questions regarding the walk or booking, please get in touch via the 'contact' page. You will be supplied with a contact number for emergency use on the day of the walk in your booking package.