Ennerdale Water Circuit (Western Lakes)

Ennerdale Water sits in the far western corner of the Lake District, and its lack of road access to the far end keeps this 11.5 km circuit noticeably quieter than the busier central lakes. The route follows the northern shore on a clear path before crossing to the rougher, less-trodden southern shore and returning along a forest track above the treeline. The 100 m of climbing is gentle and spread across the circuit, and the lake is framed by the western fells on all sides, giving the walk a contained, remote quality. The Wild Ennerdale project has allowed the valley to rewild, and the landscape shows it: the forest is diverse, the undergrowth is thick, and the shoreline feels genuinely untouched.

This is a dog friendly walk for experienced dogs and owners who enjoy genuine solitude. The western fells carry a particular scent of damp forestry and peaty moorland that dogs find thoroughly engaging, and the lake shore has several natural entry points for swimming in clean, cold water. Off-lead potential is high across most of the circuit given the remote character and low visitor numbers, particularly on the wilder southern shore. Leads are needed near the car park end and at the river crossing at the eastern end where livestock may graze. Come prepared with everything you need as there are no facilities on the route. A walk that rewards with wild Lakeland scenery and the kind of peace that the busier valleys can no longer offer.