Ennerdale Water

Ennerdale Water is the most westerly of the larger lakes, close to the coast and away from the main tourist routes. It is about 4 kilometres long and has no public road along its shores, which makes it one of the quietest and wildest lakes in the Lake District. The water supplies west Cumbria, and its upper valley is managed under the Wild Ennerdale partnership, which aims to let nature take its course.

The lake is ringed by a path of about seven miles. The northern shore is easy going on a broad track, while the southern shore is rougher, with a scramble under the rocky nose of Anglers' Crag. At the head of the lake the valley runs on for miles past forest and river towards Black Sail Hut, one of the most remote youth hostels in England, under Pillar and Great Gable.

Pillar, with its famous Pillar Rock, and the high fells of the Mosedale and Ennerdale horseshoes give long, serious days. For an easier outing, the walk round the lake or to the viewpoint on Bowness Knott is enough. The village of Ennerdale Bridge, a mile from the foot of the lake, has pubs and is on the Coast to Coast walk. Spring and autumn are the best times to come, when the valley is at its quietest and the colours are strongest.

There are few facilities, and the car parks at Bowness Knott and the foot of the lake are small. Mobile signal is patchy. That is exactly the appeal.