Ennerdale Water

Ennerdale Water lies in the far west of the Lake District National Park in Cumbria. It is a long, narrow glacial lake, the most westerly in the park, surrounded by steep fells such as Great Gable and Pillar. The valley floor holds only a small hamlet called Ennerdale Bridge, with two pubs and a handful of houses. To the west the land slopes down toward the port of Whitehaven on the Irish Sea. The lake is fed by the River Liza and drains into the River Ehen, which reaches the sea near Whitehaven. The lake’s remoteness and careful management have kept it free from heavy tourist development. It is owned by United Utilities, which once took water for Whitehaven but now draws supplies from elsewhere. Ennerdale Water has been protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of rare species like the Arctic char. The valley is crossed by Wainwright’s coast-to-coast walk, yet remains quieter than other lakes in the park. Film-makers have used its shores, most notably for the closing shots of 28 Days Later. Locals once spoke of the Girt Dog of Ennerdale, a large predator that killed sheep in 1810 before being hunted down. Visitors find a peaceful stretch of water set against high fells. The shoreline is mostly wild, with no public road along the valley. Paths lead up the surrounding fells, offering wide views over the lake and across to the sea. The hamlet of Ennerdale Bridge provides simple refreshment and a place to rest. Each August the Ennerdale Show brings people together for farming displays and local crafts. The lake’s clear waters and unspoilt surroundings make it a quiet place to walk, look and remember.