11k Run Ennerdale: Scenic Loop Around Ennerdale Water

Route Overview & Local Insights

Experience the raw, untamed beauty of the Lake District on this 10.9km loop around Ennerdale Water. This route offers a quintessential Cumbrian trail running experience, blending relatively flat lakeside paths with technical terrain that will keep you on your toes. While the 80m of ascent suggests a gentle outing, runners should be prepared for a variety of surfaces ranging from smooth forest tracks to boggy patches and rugged, rocky trails. The highlight—and most technical challenge—is the traverse of Anglers Crag, which requires a bit of light scrambling and rewards you with a dramatic vantage point overlooking the crystalline waters below. It is a fantastic choice for runners looking to transition from road to technical trail in a spectacular setting.

Ennerdale is often cited as the Lake District’s "Wild Valley," largely due to the Pioneering Wild Ennerdale project which focuses on allowing natural processes to shape the landscape. Unlike its more tourist-heavy neighbors like Windermere or Keswick, Ennerdale has no public road access to its shores, offering a profound sense of solitude and tranquility. As you run, you’ll pass through a landscape that feels ancient, characterized by the absence of commercial development and the presence of diverse flora and fauna. This area is a sanctuary for red squirrels and rare arctic char, making it a place where runners can truly reconnect with nature while navigating one of the most secluded valleys in Northern England.