Forest bathing at Ennerdale

Ennerdale is a long valley on the north-western edge of the Lake District, rising sharply from the West Cumbrian plain. Forestry England, the National Trust and United Utilities have run it together as Wild Ennerdale, one of the longest-running wild land projects in the UK, letting natural processes do more of the work. The old conifer plantations are being thinned and some areas replanted with native trees, and there is no public road beyond the car park at Bowness Knott.

For an easy start, Bleach Green has level access to the lake and a short surfaced trail along the shore. From Bowness Knott, gravel forest roads lead up the valley into the trees beside the River Liza, and it is quiet within a few minutes. Further up, the slopes get steeper. Some areas close during forestry work, and a storm-damaged bridge has been shut, so check the notices at the car park first.