Ennerdale is a truly unique valley with a wonderful feeling of wilderness and well worth a visit. The Wild Ennerdale Partnership is one of the longest-running restoration projects in the UK. The landscape is being allowed to evolve naturally by reducing human intervention.
Acres of heathland have been created and bogs have been restored. The River Liza flows from Great Gable into Ennerdale. As part of the project, the river is allowed to reshape the valley bottom and create a new route. In doing so, new gravel beds and woody debris piles are created, proving highly beneficial for future wildlife and wildflower habitats.
At present, over 40% of Ennerdale has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Areas of Conservation.
In the Wild Wool Workshop local textile designer Susan Denhan-Smith, spins and weaves, knits, crochets, and felts the local Herdwick wool from the oldest flocks in the country using traditional methods. She holds regular craft classes and takes talks and crafting out into the community. Weekend and residential courses are available where you can take Herdwick Wool from the Fleece to the floor, making your own rug, whilst surrounded by the stunning views and flocks of Ennerdale. Susan also takes commissions to create rugs and accessories and can often be seen working in the studio/workshop. Some of her creations are available for sale at the workshop.
Visitors are welcome most weekday afternoons when Susan is in the workshop and the "demonstrating" sign is outside. Or phone ahead to arrange a visit tel: 01946 861270.
The Wild Wool Barn, also provides luxury bunkhouse accommodation for groups of up to 6 and a small campsite offers a rare opportunity to camp in isolation overlooking the stunning views of Ennerdale. For further information check out www.wildwoolworkshop.co.uk
During your stay we can organise a guided walk and or mountain skills and navigation training with a local mountain guide. As well as the well-trodden paths around the Lakes, there are many less known but equally beautiful walks let the guide take you to some of the best-kept walking secrets in the Lake District.
As detailed the river Ehen flows through the farm we have fishing rights on the river.
Cycling is popular in the Lakes and nowhere more so than the stunning area around Ennerdale. Ennerdale offers more than 14 miles of forest roads which provide an almost traffic free environment for biking and horse riding. Exploring the valley by bike allows you to see the whole of the valley in one day.
We are situated just a short distance from the Coast to Coast cycle route.
The Whitehaven to Ennerdale Cyclepath is a 10 mile surfaced cycling route from Whitehaven on the west coast, passing through Cleator Moor, then to Sheriff’s Gate, between Rowrah and Kirkland. From here it is only a short distance along quiet roads to Ennerdale Lake and Ennerdale Forest.
A sculpture trail adds interest to the network, featuring work by a range of local and visiting artists, plus contributions by local school children.