Escape the crowds and discover Ennerdale, a valley managed by the "Wild Ennerdale" partnership to allow nature to thrive. This gentle walk along the lakeshore to the lovely Smithy Beck Falls is a perfect introduction to the area's rugged and peaceful character.
The Walk at a Glance
1 - 2 Hours
Return walk
2 Miles / 3.2 km
Out and back
Easy
Gentle lakeside path
Family Friendly
All-terrain pushchairs
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Starting Point: Bleach Green
Park at the Bleach Green car park at the western end of Ennerdale Water. The walk starts from here, heading east along the northern shore of the lake.
2. The Lakeside Path
Follow the clear, undulating path that hugs the shoreline. You'll have fantastic views across the water to the fells of Great Borne and Starling Dodd on the far side.
3. Reaching Smithy Beck Falls
After about a mile, you'll hear and see the charming cascades of Smithy Beck Falls tumbling down the fellside and into the lake. It's a beautiful, secluded spot.
4. Relax and Return
This is the perfect place to stop for a picnic, skim stones, and enjoy a paddle in the lake on a warm day. When you're ready, simply retrace your steps along the same path back to the car park.
Visitor Information & Tips
- Getting There: Drive towards Ennerdale Bridge village. Before the village, turn left, signposted to Ennerdale Lake. Follow this narrow road to the Bleach Green car park (Postcode: CA23 3AS).
- Wild Ennerdale: This valley is part of a pioneering project to allow nature to take its course with minimal human intervention. There is no public road along the lake, preserving its wild, remote feel.
- No Facilities: True to its wild nature, there are no toilets, cafes, or shops in the valley. Use facilities in Ennerdale Bridge or a nearby village before you arrive.
- Wildlife: Keep an eye out for rare wildlife, including red squirrels, and listen for the cuckoo in spring.
More to Explore Nearby
Ennerdale Bridge
Visit the small village at the head of the valley, which has a couple of welcoming pubs and is the starting point of the famous Coast to Coast long-distance walk.
Pillar and Great Gable
For experienced mountain walkers, Ennerdale is the gateway to some of the Lake District's most rugged and rewarding high fells, including the iconic Pillar Rock.
St Bees Head
A short drive away is the stunning coastline at St Bees Head, an RSPB nature reserve with dramatic red sandstone cliffs and nesting seabirds.