There are over 30 miles of public rights of way, forest roads and tracks to explore and the higher ridges provide some of the northern Lake District’s best views, including Wasdale and Buttermere.

Bleach Green and Bowness Knott car parks both offer good start points for walking in the valley, with many routes providing access to some of the most famous mountain peaks such as Pillar (892 metres), Steeple (819 metres) and Great Gable (899 metres).

Around 20 miles of forest roads make Ennerdale ideal for family cycling and the gravel road between Bowness Knott car park and Blacksail (14 miles there and back) takes in the whole valley. The road also has only a few easy short climbs.

Horse riders are also always welcome in Ennerdale Valley and have the same rights as cyclists to use the many forest roads and bridleways.

Finally, Ennerdale offers one magnificent venue – Pillar Rock. This imposing, atmospheric crag forms the central feature of the rugged north face of Pillar Mountain and offers superb climbs at all grades on impeccable rock. Its summit (only accessible by climbing) was the focal point for the earliest pioneers of rock climbing in the Lakes.

Low Gillerthwaite Field Centre can provide more information on rock climbing, as well as canoeing, orienteering and scrambling, in the valley.