Ennerdale Water, Reservoir in Cumbria, England
Ennerdale Water is a reservoir in Cumbria and the westernmost lake in the Lake District. The water is surrounded by steep fells and dense forest, creating a wild and remote setting.
The name comes from Old Norse roots and was recorded in documents from the 1500s. It became an important water source for the surrounding communities over time.
The annual Ennerdale Show in August presents agricultural displays, competitions, arts, and crafts representing local farming traditions.
There are no public roads along the shore, so visitors must use marked paths from designated parking areas. The best way to explore is on foot, and you should bring proper hiking gear for the terrain.
In the early 1800s, locals reported sightings of a large mysterious creature that attacked sheep flocks in the valley. These strange tales became woven into the region's folklore and are still talked about today.
Location: Cumbria
Elevation above the sea: 113 m
GPS coordinates: 54.52000,-3.37611
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:03
Cumbria holds centuries of history within its borders. Medieval churches stand in villages like Bassenthwaite and Beetham, their stones speaking of centuries past. Ancient stone circles such as Swinside Stone Circle and Long Meg and Her Daughters dot the countryside, reaching back to prehistoric times. Roman remains appear throughout the region, from the bath house at Ravenglass to the fort at Birdoswald, reminding visitors of the empire that once occupied these lands. The region is also known for its country houses and castles that reflect the wealth and taste of past generations. Sizergh Castle near Kendal and Hutton in the Forest near Penrith display fine architecture alongside carefully tended gardens. Historic mills like Eskdale Mill and Gleaston Water Mill reveal how people once worked the land and water. Museums such as Hawkshead Grammar School and Tullie House preserve local knowledge, from schooling to mining to dock life. Nature forms an equal part of Cumbria's appeal. Waterfalls like Aira Force tumble down hillsides, while lakes such as Ennerdale Water lie calm and serene. Limestone crags and rolling valleys create a landscape that shifts with the seasons. For those interested in literature, the region opens doors to William Wordsworth's world through his birthplace in Cockermouth and his home at Dove Cottage in Grasmere.
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High Stile
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Scale Force
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Mellbreak
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Blake Fell
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Scoat Fell
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Steeple
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Crag Fell
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Haycock
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Gavel Fell
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Hen Comb
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Starling Dodd
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Monk's Bridge 320m south east of Farthwaite
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Bowness
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