Opening hours
Ennerdale's car parks and trails are 24 hours, 365 days a year.
Timber harvesting is taking place in the Ennerdale Valley. We are thinning the forest removing around 20% of the trees to make space for natural regeneration so the forest develops a more diverse structure and mix of tree species.
We are felling all the trees in some areas so we can replant with native species, open up the River Liza and help reduce the risk of the Phytophthora larch disease spreading.
Please check the visitor information at the car parks and on our webpage for further information about which areas are of the forest are closed to public access: http://www.wildennerdale.co.uk/managing/forest/
How to find us
Bowness Knott (Lat:54.5261624 Lng:-3.3776521 or CA23 3AU) is an ideal starting point to explore the valley on foot, bike or horse. There are a few seats only 100 metres from the car park which gives a superb view up the valley, ideal for those who do not want to walk far. Please avoid using the unclassified lane past Croft Foot to and from Mireside as these are not suitable for cars.
Bleach Green (Lat:54.5247926 Lng:-3.4144735 or CA23 3AS) is an ideal starting point to complete the "round the lake" walk. You can also cycle north and east from Bleach Green along the lakeshore bridleway to Bowness Knott and then cycle up the valley. There are a few seats along the lake shore which give fantastic views of the lake and valley.
Ennerdale Valley is served by two free car parks, both at the western end of the valley.
From north: A5086 from Cockermouth. At Crossgates turn left onto minor roads following signs to Ennerdale Bridge. At Croasdale, turn left for Bowness Knott car park or right for Bleach Green car park.
From south: A5086 from Egremont. At Cleator Moor turn right onto minor roads following signs to Ennerdale Bridge. At Ennerdale Bridge turn right for both car parks.
There are no public transport connections to Ennerdale, however rail and bus connections are available within 10 miles.
Rail : Whitehaven (7.5 miles from Ennerdale) which is served by trains from Carlisle & Lancaster. Penrith (40 miles from Ennerdale) which has bus connections to Ennerdale via Cockermouth.
Bus: From Penrith (Rail connection) X4 or X5 Stagecoach Cockermouth (12 miles).
54.526013023303, -3.3777809143066
Parking and prices
Parking at Bowness Knott and Bleach Green is free.
Parking is accessible to minibuses but nor suitable for coaches.
No vehicle access allowed beyond Bowness Knott Car Park.
Additional information
There are no designated accessible parking spaces at this forest, have you seen our Easy Access trails page?
Facilities and access
Bleach Green car park offers level access to the lake and is linked into our all ability Ennerdale Views trail, see trail information in car park.
Access up the valley from Bownes Knott Car Park takes the form of gravel forest roads and trails which include slopes that may challenge some people depending on how far up the valley you choose to explore.
Contact details
