Ennerdale Water Walk: A Scenic Loop Around The Lake

Ennerdale Water feels very different to some of the more famous lakes in the Lake District. Situated in the western reaches of the national park, it’s much more remote and untamed than places like Buttermere or Windermere, with fewer visitors and far less infrastructure. It’s a beautiful place for a walk.

This 7.2 mile circular walk loops all the way around Ennerdale Water, following a rugged path along the southern edge of the lake before returning via an easier gravel track on the northern shore. Along the way, you’ll pass through woodland, walk right beside the water for long stretches, and enjoy continuous views of the surrounding fells. There’s even a little scramble or two to keep things interesting.

In my opinion, this is the best lakeside walk in the Lake District. Partly because it’s beautiful, but mainly because of how peaceful it feels. Last time I walked it (in May), I only saw two other people on the entire southern shoreline.

In this guide, I’ll explain everything you need to know about the Ennerdale Water walk, including maps, where to park, and what to expect along the trail.

PS: Keith the border collie stars in many of these photos!

Ennerdale Water walk: Quick logistics

Start/finish: Bleach Green Car Park

How to get there: Drive to Bleach Green Car Park on the northwestern shore of Ennerdale Water. From the A5086, follow signs towards Ennerdale Bridge and continue into the valley until you reach the lake.

Distance: 11.6 km (7.2 miles)

Elevation gain: 249 metres

Time needed: Around 4 hours

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Dog friendly: Yes, although livestock may be present in the fields near the southern end of the lake; very senior dogs could potentially struggle on the short scramble.

Ennerdale Water Loop map

It’s really up to you whether you walk the loop clockwise or anticlockwise. If walking clockwise, you’ll save the more beautiful southern shore for the end. If you go anticlockwise, you’ll walk along the easier northern shore at the end, which is kinder on legs that are starting to get a bit tired.

My route description below will go through the route anticlockwise, though.

How to get there

The walk starts from Bleach Green Car Park, located on the northwestern side of Ennerdale Water. It’s free to park there, but keep in mind there are no toilets or facilities. The car park is fairly small, so arriving earlier in the day is a good idea during weekends and school holidays. You can view the exact location on Google Maps here.

Unlike places such as Windermere or Buttermere, Ennerdale is quite remote and public transport options are extremely limited. There are no direct buses to the lake itself, so realistically, you’ll need to drive here.

Ennerdale Water circular walk: The route

Bleach Green Car Park to the Southern shoreline

From Bleach Green car park, follow the trail heading towards the lake itself. It’s completely flat and follows a well-maintained gravel path.

Once you get to the path splitting left or right to go around the lake, head right to start walking along the southern shore.

The path soon narrows into a proper lakeside trail, weaving through patches of woodland while staying close to the shoreline almost the entire way. The southern side of the lake is easily my favourite part of this walk.

The Southern shore

The southern shoreline of Ennerdale Water is simply gorgeous.

For long stretches, the path hugs the very edge of the lake, with uninterrupted views across the water towards the surrounding fells. The scenery feels quite wild and untouched, particularly compared to some of the more manicured lakeside walks elsewhere in the Lake District (I’m talking about you, Buttermere).

The “wild” feeling of this shoreline isn’t due to neglect; it’s part of the Wild Ennerdale Project, a large-scale rewilding initiative that aims to let nature shape the valley more naturally.

One of the highlights is the section around Angler’s Crag, where the path becomes rockier and rougher underfoot. There are a few little scrambly sections here, but nothing difficult or exposed. It requires a bit of using your hands for maybe 10-15 metres.

Here’s what the little scrambles around Angler’s Crag look like:

Eastern end of the lake

At the eastern tip of Ennerdale Water, the route briefly leaves the immediate lakeshore.

You’ll pass through a few fields and quieter tracks before reconnecting with the northern side of the lake. This section is less dramatic than the southern shoreline, but it gives the walk a bit of variation.

Navigation here is still straightforward, and the paths are generally easy to follow.

Return along the northern shore

The northern side of Ennerdale Water is much easier walking.

Instead of a narrow and rocky shoreline trail, you follow a quiet gravel track back towards Bleach Green car park. Technically, it’s actually a road, but very few cars use it, so it still feels peaceful.

Although this side of the lake isn’t quite as beautiful as the southern shore, it’s still a really pleasant walk. Parts of the track pass through woodland, but the lake remains visible through the trees for most of the route.

Back to the car park via the western shore

As you approach the western end of Ennerdale Water, the trail leaves the gravel road and returns to a footpath right against the shoreline.

You’ll pass beneath the slopes of Great Borne and Starling Dodd, with lovely views back across the water towards the fells you’ve been looking at all day from the opposite side.

Eventually, you’ll arrive back at the split in the path where you first chose which direction to walk around the lake. From here, it’s just a short, easy walk back to Bleach Green Car Park to complete the loop.

More Lake District inspiration

• Check out my roundup of the very best walks in the Lake District.
• Trying to decide where to stay? Here’s my guide on choosing where to base yourself in the Lakes.
• My guide for the Buttermere circular walk.
• My guide for the Derwentwater circular walk, another gorgeous lakeside loop.
• Discover the best time to visit the Lake District.

⛰️ Want even more? Visit my Lake District Hub to browse all my walking guides and planning tips.

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