Saturday 23rd May – Ennerdale Water loop starting from Bleach Green

Date: 23rd May 2026

Leader: Ben J

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Meet time: 09:30

Start time: 10:00

Estimated finish time: 2-3 pm

Distance: About 7.1 miles (11.5 kilometres)

Ascent: About 650 feet (200 metres)

Ramblers walk grading: C+ (Moderate – mostly low-level, with some rough and rocky ground)

Start point: Bleach Green Car Park, Ennerdale. Postcode: CA23 3AS (approximate – see notes below). Bleach Green Car Park, Ennerdale Water – Visit Lake District

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Car parking: Bleach Green Car Park at the eastern end of Ennerdale Water. It’s a small Forestry England car park, so arrive early and park considerately. Car share where you can.

It is the responsibility of each walker to make sure they understand where to park. If you are not sure where the car parking/meeting point is, you must contact the walk leader at the latest the day before the walk. You should not rely on mobile phones or postcodes. There is often no mobile reception near walk meeting points and postcodes are for the nearest place nearby but should only serve as a guideline. Please allow plenty of time to find a parking space so that walks can start promptly.

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Description: Previously lead by Kate last year; her description is as follows:

This is a stunning circular walk around Ennerdale Water, one of the most peaceful and unspoiled lakes in the Lake District. The route starts and ends at Bleach Green, following the full loop of the lake.

We begin with the more rugged southern shoreline, where the path is rocky and narrow in places, with some sections involving light scrambling and uneven ground. 

Despite the rougher terrain, this side offers amazing views across the lake and into the wild valley of Ennerdale, framed by dramatic fells such as Crag Fell, Steeple, and Pillar. 

At the head of the lake, we cross the River Liza and pick up a wide forest track on the northern shore, which offers a much gentler and easier walk back to the start. This side of the lake is peaceful and great for enjoying the surrounding woodland and the stillness of the water. 

Food: I suggest bringing a packed lunch, unless you want to hold out for the optional visit to The Gather Café after the walk finishes.

Lunch stop, should the weather be good could be at the Eastern end where the bridge crosses Char Dub water, alternatively there are spots along the shoreline.

Dogs: Most welcome and it’s a great walk for dogs with (usually) no livestock. Just be sure the scramble is suitable for their paws. The leader may need to limit the number of dogs that come along, so drop the a note if you are bringing yours. You are solely responsible for your dog during the walk.

Please check the weather and bring appropriate clothing (waterproofs and spare warm clothing), footwear and enough food and water. The leader reserves the right to turn away any walker not suitably equipped. The leader may cancel the walk or modify the route dependent on conditions.

New members: please note the walk leader may ask for more information about your walking experience. This is to ensure you have the fitness required to complete the walk that is planned safely.