Visitor information
Opening hours
Ennerdale's car parks and trails are open year round.
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.
Sat Nav Postcode:
CA23 3ASBy Car
Ennerdale Valley is served by two 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.
By Public Transport
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).
OS Grid Ref
54.526013023303, -3.3777809143066
Parking and prices
Parking charges apply at Bowness Knott (card payments only). You can now pay using your smart phone and the RingGo parking payment app (available to download on Google Play and Apple Store) within 48 hours of visiting.
Charges apply to blue badge holders.
Parking is accessible to minibuses but not suitable for coaches.
No vehicle access allowed beyond Bowness Knott Car Park.
No overnight stays are permitted.
Visit often? Members park for free. Buy Ennerdale Forest membership now for £30 to simply park and go while supporting your favourite forest. Or choose to buy a Forestry England national membership for £8 a month (£96 a year) and enjoy visiting forests all over the country, including nearby Dodd Wood, Whinlatter Forest and Grizedale Forest. Membership covers the whole household.
Members: This site requires you to display your membership car disc when parking here. Only one disc is allowed per membership. If you can't find your disc please contact membership@forestryengland.uk. Free parking for Forestry England national members and Ennerdale Forest members only.
Parking Charges
| Bowness Knott | |
|---|---|
| Up to 2 hours | £3.00 |
| Up to 4 hours | £6.00 |
| All day | £10.00 |
Additional information
There are no designated accessible parking spaces at this forest. View our easy access trails page to find other forests with accessible parking.
Facilities and access
Access up the valley from Bowness 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.
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.
- Dogs allowed
- Picnic area
Contact details
Things to do
Activities at Ennerdale
