Ennerdale
Lake District
Off Route Score
9.4 / 10
Where the road gives way to the trail.
The Experience
One of the quieter valleys of the Lake District. Leave the busy roads behind and explore a landscape where walking and cycling take over.
Best for walking, forest, solitude, wildlife. Take your time, read the conditions and let the place set the pace.
Quick Info
Best for
Walking, Forest, Solitude
Best time
Spring to Autumn
Allow
Half day to full day
Difficulty
Moderate
Walking
Excellent
Location Map
Getting There
Navigation takes you to Bowness Knott car park, Ennerdale, a recognised arrival point for the area. Roads here can be narrow and slow, so take your time and enjoy the journey.
Gallery
Practical Information
Parking
Use designated car parks and lay-bys only. Never block passing places, gates or access tracks. Check current local information for any charges.
Walks
Routes range from short strolls to full days out. Choose a route that suits your experience and the conditions on the day.
Facilities
Facilities can be limited or seasonal in remote areas. Bring food, water and layers, and check what is open before travelling.
Mobile signal
Do not rely on mobile signal. Download offline maps and tell someone your plans before heading out.
UNROUTED Verdict
"Sometimes going off route means leaving the road altogether."
Before you go off route
Weather changes. Roads close. Trails deteriorate and phone signal can disappear.
Check current local information before setting off, respect private land, local communities and wildlife, park responsibly and leave the place exactly as you found it.
Off Route. On Purpose.
Keep Going Off Route
All 10 places04Wasdale
Lake District
9.5 /10
A wilder side of the Lake District. Wastwater sits beneath some of England's most imposing mountains and the journey into the valley feels like part of the adventure.
- Mountains
- Hiking
- Photography
- Big Landscapes
07The Cheviots
Northumberland
9.2 /10
Rolling moorland, huge horizons and very little development make the Cheviots feel surprisingly remote. This is border country built for walking.
- Hiking
- Solitude
- Big Views
- Wildlife
02Kielder Water & Forest Park
Northumberland
9.3 /10
Vast forest, open water and some of Britain's darkest skies. Kielder is the kind of place where the landscape becomes more impressive after the sun disappears.
- Forest
- Cycling
- Stargazing
- Wildlife