This is a lovely, family-friendly walk with beautiful views at Ennerdale Water, the most westerly lake in the Lake District. Children enjoy following the trail as it winds through the woods, especially when they reach the loud waterfall. The walk took us three hours, including many stops with our toddler, but it can be completed in about an hour for those without little ones.
To start, head to Bowness Knott car park. Follow the road along the lakeside for about half a mile until you find the trial marker just inside the woods. Continue along the trail through the woods to the beautiful, cascading waterfall, then follow the stream back to the lake. Here you can turn right and follow the road to complete the loop.
Please note that the woodland trail is not pram-friendly, but you can push a pram along the lakeside road, which is gated and only has occasional traffic. There are plenty of benches for a picnic, allowing you to enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding fells.
It’s well worth a walk down to the ‘hidden beach’ located across the road from the car park. It is lovely and secluded, making it a great spot for children to paddle and throw rocks into the lake.
Practical Stuff
- Difficulty: Easy (2 miles, slight gradient)
- Pram friendly: No, but fine for toddlers
- Parking: Bowness Knott car park (card payment only, free for Forestry England members)
- Facilities: No cafe, visitor centre or toilets
- Location: West Cumbria