The western lake district

[leegrears]

Any body ventured to the western lake district

[Paul mabbott]

Well, many years ago we were "hosted" by friends in Workington and had a very good time - black beaches, real ale and trips to the Lake District ... a good area in which to to stay ... rather than the tourist traps of Keswick &c ....

[JeffH]

Depends how far west you mean? Ennerdale Water is the most westerly of the 'lakes' and, for me, is one of the most spectacular. The valley is only accessible to vehicles from the western end of the lake and this results in relatively few visitors compared to some of the more central waters. The walk (or cycle ride) from the car park along the lake edge and the River Liza up to Black Sail Youth Hostel is a great family outing and takes in some spectacular scenery, including views of Pillar, Great Gable and Hay Stacks - Wainwright's favourite hill.

Just writing about it brings back so many wonderful memories and makes me want to be there again

Jeff

PS The RSPB Reserve at St Bees Head is also well worth a visit.

[leegrears]

Now see, this is what were trying to promote, ennerdale water is an extraordinery water. St bees is also a very nice coastline and also one of the cleanest beaches in the uk with lovely goldon sands.

Nice to see people do come further north west than ambleside and keswick

[Rich_]

Originally Posted by leegrears

Any body ventured to the western lake district

I live here

Much less busy than the South Lakes.

[ecocumbria]

I live here too, out in the sticks just a dog walk from the Ennerdale Valley. Walking and cycling is superb but you have to remember that over-grazing by sheep has rendered the Cumbrian uplands a biological desert. Ennerdale is undergoing a management change that will make it a wilderness the likes that England has not seen for hundreds of years. Can't wait, I spend many hours up in the fells enjoying the scenery and work out but I am always angered at the lack of wildlife courtesy of them wooly backed naffing lawn mowers. The local fell farmers will tell you sheep are needed to preserve the character of the Lake District, I say remove agricultural subsidy and get the sheep off of the fells and lets get some natural biomass back.

[ECD]

Glad I saw this thread as was just about to start a new one asking for places to visit in this area

I have friends who moved back home to Egremont at the beginning of this year, and I spent a fantastic few days with them back in February. I will be going back in July and was going to ask if anyone had any suggestions for places to go to whilst there.

One thing I am intending on doing is a boat trip from Whitehaven to watch the sealife out there. I saw a boat advertising 1 hour trips for £15 which may sound expensive, but if there is activity out there will be worth every penny

[eeyore]

I proposed to my then girlfreind at wast water - but that was a long long time ago

i'm a regular at langdale (NT campsite) tho which is handily placed for both the pikes and the pub , and out of season easy to drive off from without paying - or so i've heard

isnt all of the lake district west lakes ? - east lakes is northumbria

[Pete Collins]

Originally Posted by leegrears

Now see, this is what were trying to promote, ennerdale water is an extraordinery water. St bees is also a very nice coastline and also one of the cleanest beaches in the uk with lovely goldon sands.

Nice to see people do come further north west than ambleside and keswick

St Bees Head is also a good spot for birdwatching - lots of Fulmars and you can see Black Guillemots there.

There's a nice 11-12 mile circular walk around Ennerdale Water and further along the valley towards Black Sail.

I presume Eskdale, Ennerdale and Wasdale are all included in the West of the Lake District - one thing I found was that it took a surprisingly long time to drive from one of the valleys to another.

There are obviously some good high-level walks - Pillar, Great Gable, the Scafells.

[ChrisJB]

Go to Ravenglass on the coast, south of St Bees. Not much there, but has a great deal of charm.

Regards, Chris