Ennerdale Water, a Lake of Solitude
Canoeing and Kayaking in the Lake District National Park
Ennerdale is the most westerly of the Lakes in the Lake District National Park. It is far less frequently visited than the honey pots of Windermere and Derwentwater. There is no public road running along either side of Ennerdale Water giving canoeing and kayaking in Ennerdale a peaceful and secluded feel. No power boats are permitted on Ennerdale Water. Ennerdale Water is bounded to the south by Crag fell and to the north by Great Bourne. The valley gradually narrows and steepens to reach the High Stile on the north and the craggy sides of Pillar on the south. The valley is headed by the mass of Great gable and Kirk Fell.
Launching for Canoeing and Kayaking on Ennerdale Water
Ennerdale Water is run as a reservoir by United Utilities.
There is no charge to canoe or kayak on Ennerdale Water by a permit must be sought first. The permit should be requested by writing to United Utilities, The Old Sawmill, Thirlmere, keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4TQ. The approach should be made to United Utilities well in advance of the proposed trip.
Because of the absence of public roads alongside Ennerdale Water launch should be made from Bowness Knott on the northern shore of the lake. There is a 300m porterage from the car park to the lake shore.
Canoe and Kayak Hire in the Ennerdale Water Area
There are no commercial canoe and kayak hire outlets in the immediate vicinity of Ennerdale.
The nearest places to hire canoes or kayaks are either the Nichol End Marina or Derwentwater Marina which are both situated in the village of Portinscale near Keswick on the shores of Derwentwater. A car with a suitable roof rack would be needed to transport the craft from Derwentwater to Ennerdale.
Facilities for the Visitor Canoeing or Kayaking on Ennerdale Water
There are no accommodation or eating establishments in the immediate vicinity of Ennerdale water. The nearest towns with hotels and restaurants are Whitehaven and Cockermouth.
The Youth Hostels Association run two properties up the private forest track that runs along the Ennerdale valley, the recently refurbished Ennerdale hostel and one of the most remote accommodation options in England the Black Sail Hostel which is only accessible by foot.
High Bridge Farm offers camping.
Other Canoeing and Kayaking Areas in the Lake District National Park
The Lake District National Park offers some of the finest flatwater canoeing and kayaking in England. Other lakes where users may canoe and kayak include
- Derwentwater
- Windermere
- Buttermere
- Crummock Water
- Thirlmere
- Ullswater
- Coniston Water
- Wastwater
- Bassenthwaite.
Ennerdale Water. Canoe in Scenic Solitude
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