Ennerdale Water
Lake Glacial lake in the Lake District, remote setting
A quiet lake in England’s western Lake District, Ennerdale Water attracts walkers and anglers to simple shore paths, fell routes and low‑visitation camping rather than crowded tourist centres.
Ennerdale Water is a freshwater lake in the western part of England’s Lake District National Park, set in the valley of Ennerdale in Cumbria. It is one of the more remote and less-developed lakes in the national park.
The lake is surrounded by upland fells and mixed woodland and is popular for quiet walking, birdwatching and scenic photography rather than watersports or heavy tourism. Footpaths around and above the lake provide access to nearby ridges and viewpoints.
Ennerdale Water is a natural glacial lake formed during the last Ice Age and has long been used for pastoral grazing and forestry in the surrounding valley. Management of the valley emphasizes conservation and low-impact recreation.
The lake sits in the Ennerdale valley in the western Lake District, with access commonly from the small settlement of Ennerdale Bridge; it lies within Cumbria, England.
- Access: The lakeshore is remote with limited facilities; the nearest settlement is the village of Ennerdale Bridge where parking and access paths begin.
- Experience: The valley is quieter than many Lake District locations, favoured for low-impact walking, photography and birdwatching outside the busier central lakes.
How to Get to Ennerdale Water #
Ennerdale Water is reached from Cockermouth or Whitehaven; local roads lead to Ennerdale Bridge village. The closest railheads are in Workington and Cockermouth (bus/taxi connections). Parking at the valley entrances gives good walking access.
Tips for Visiting Ennerdale Water #
- Walk the northern shoreline for the quietest route; the south shore gets more traffic from anglers and day-trippers.
- Bring a map to follow grazing paths; routes along the western end require careful footing over old slate and peat.
Best Time to Visit Ennerdale Water #
Late spring through early autumn for best walking conditions and access; weather can change quickly year-round.
Weather & Climate near Ennerdale Water #
Ennerdale Water's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 0°C to 18°C. Abundant rainfall (1268 mm/year), wettest in December.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (137 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (139 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (135 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (140 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
