Ennerdale Water

About Ennerdale Water

Lying in the Ennerdale valley, after which it is named, Ennerdale is the least visited of the lakes in Cumbria. Not only is it the most westerly, it is also the smallest and the remotest: it is 2.5 miles long and ¾ of a mile wide and there’s no public access road directly to it or running alongside it. For this reason, it is quieter, much less developed and has less of a touristy feel than other parts of the Lake District. The lake and its surroundings are owned by United Utilities, the National Trust and the Forestry Commission, who manage the area in partnership with each other.

The lake has a delightfully mixed terrain: it’s surrounded by some of the highest and best known fells in Cumbria, providing enough of a challenge for even the most seasoned walker or climber, while those who prefer low level walks are well catered for with over 14 miles of forest and lakeside paths. The Forestry Commission, which owns much of the land around the lake itself, has planted large swathes of conifers, particularly at the far end of the lake in the valley of the River Liza. This makes for a sensational contrast of colour, especially in autumn where the evergreen stands out against the reds and golds of the beech, oaks and larches growing alongside the lake.
It’s a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest for its lakeside habitats and a herd of Galloway cattle roam freely at Silver Cove, grazing on the upland terrain and mixed vegetation in the area.

The site is also a much prized secret among anglers. The density of footpaths at shoreline level mean there’s plenty of scope for fishing in splendid isolation with not a soul around. The lake is crystal clear and trout are plentiful, although char are currently protected as the population has dwindled in recent times.