Wild Ennerdale

England’s newest National Nature Reserve - Wild Ennerdale. What a great site! A partnership of 3 national land holders (Forestry England, National Trust & United Utilities in collaboration with Natural England) coming together to rewild the site through re-establishing natural processes. An absolute gem of a site that is hidden away in the English countryside (part of its charms). The valley is awkward to get to (requires driving down very tight country lanes), parking is limited and there are very limited services (ie, toilets, cafe, etc.). However, if you are after escaping into the 'wild', then this is the place for you. You will not see many people here, thus, you need to be confident in hiking rough terrain (need to be suitably clothed / kitted out) and prepared for a long day away from everything and everyone for maximum enjoyment.

Beautiful lake nearby, perfect campsite, thousands of exiting activities to do

Stunning location for stargazing. Dark skies and dramatic landscape. I think the smudge of brighter light might be Windermere or maybe Kendal?

Always love a walk or roam about, trying some different routes through the forest, can always find a good coffee spot, car park can be busy at times but usually no problems with parking and it's free.

Stunning walk around the lake. 4 different route options - take a picture of the routes on the map in the car park because they’re not marked on the route so we had the picture up against Google maps to know which way to go! Free parking at ‘Ennerdale Lake’ car park. As others have mentioned there is a rough rocky area to climb so it isn’t a fully accessible walk but aside from that it’s a flat gravel like path with lots of access points into the lake too so your dog can cool down!

Wild, untouched and stunning. Be prepared for long single track roads on the way down but so worth the trip

Beautiful Lake District Valley with a really wild feel the further you head up the valley

Lovely peaceful Ennerdale. A lovely walk along the lakeshore but better still a walk further along the valley to the wilder part of the valley. Beautiful but only accessible by foot from Bo'ness Knott car park, a good hike up the valley and if you continue higher up onto more technical walking requiring good supplies, maps and technical equipment

Great for biking in Ennerdale and further. Visited Ennerdale as part of my Coast and Coast MTB route and enjoyed every minute in the valley. Cycled (or hike-a-bike) over Black Sail pass to the next valley but great views and dramatic scenery. Worth a visit.

Stunning scenery! Love this place!