ennerdale & cleator moor...
The wild and beautiful valley of Ennerdale descends from the upland massif of Great Gable and Brandreth following the River Liza past Pillar, Steeple and Red Pike until the river empties into Ennerdale Water.
This is one of the less frequented parts of Lakeland. A remote emptiness whose silence is broken only by the harsh cry of ravens and the calls of buzzards circling overhead.
About the area
History & heritage
Although Ennerdale may present a scene of tranquillity today, this was not always the case.
ennerdale history
ennerdale heritage
Activities
Ennerdale has some exiciting activities for you to immerse yourself in, from rock climbing to kart racing.
Natural environment
Higher up the valley, it's only accessible on foot, cycle or horseback and remains one of the quietest parts of Lakeland.
What's on
During your visit to Ennerdale and Cleator Moor why not see what local events are available.
Oddities
Lamplugh Pudding
Lamplugh Pudding, a closely guarded secret recipe of oats, raisins, biscuits, hot ale and spices, was traditionally made to keep hill farmers warm on cold days when lambing or tending their sheep on the fells.
Corpse Stone
A corpse stone can be found by the side of the road at Lamplugh. This was used to rest the coffins of the deceased which were being taken to church for burial.
Paintings of Cleator Moor
LS Lowry painted scenes of Cleator Moor that are now to be found in major galleries and private collections all over the world.
Local Mining
Montreal Pit at Cleator Moor was the only mine in the country to yield both coal and iron ore from one source.
Pillar Rock
Pillar Rock, a huge vertically detached crag at 700 ft/892 m, is where the pioneers of Lakeland climbing first cut their teeth back in the 1820s. The first ascent was made by a local shepherd, John Atkinson, on 9 July 1826; a feat regarded as a landmark in British rock climbing.German POWs
A German prisoner-of-war camp was built on the site of High Leys Nature Reserve during World War I. The prisoners worked in the local quarries or on farms.
The Hired Man
Lamplugh was the setting for Crossbridge in Melvin Bragg's book, The Hired Man.
Where to stay
Using this search
This quick search allows you to search for accommodation within 3 miles of Ennerdale. For more detailed searches click on the advanced option.Eric Robson's Ennerdale
Chair of gardener's question time on BBC radio 4, acclaimed writer and broadcaster Eric Robson gives his own unique introduction to Ennerdale.
