Wastwater, England's deepest lake, lies in Wasdale to the west of the National Park. The view from the south-western end of the lake near the youth hostel was voted Britain’s Favourite View in 2007 by television viewers. The view takes in the lake with the mountains of Yewbarrow, Great Gable and Lingmell behind. It forms the basis for the National Park's logo. Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain, lies at the top of Lingmell.
After its successful trial last year the Wasdale Shuttle is back for summer 2024, running a regular service from Nether Wasdale. It will also connect with trains at Ravenglass station. Wasdale gets very busy with parked cars in the summer holidays, so taking the shuttle bus makes it easier for you and reduces the pressure on the small valley roads.
This village lies at the very north eastern end of the lake and has a pub, a few houses and the tiny church of St Olaf. The road there is narrow and single-track so drive carefully.
The tiny village of Nether Wasdale is to the west of the lake and has two pubs, a campsite and the Sawmill Cafe.
The beautiful Eskdale valley includes villages like Santon Bridge and Boot. There's also the Ravenglass and Eskdale steam railway. There are several pubs and a few local shops.
On the west coast of Cumbria, Ravenglass is the only coastal town in the National Park. There is a shingle beach and fishermen’s cottages looking out over the estuary as well as two pubs.
The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway runs from Ravenglass through the beautiful Eskdale valley to Dalegarth. There are many walks from the various stations, and from Dalegarth you can walk from here to the stunning Stanley Ghyll waterfall with its new viewing platform.
Ennerdale Water is the only lake which does not have a road running along its full length. Ennerdale Bridge is the gateway to the valley and has two pubs and a community cafe, the Gather.
Walking routes from the stations on the Ravenglass to Eskdale Railway
Dalegarth station along the River Esk loop - easy, 2.5 hours
Hire a mountain bike with Marra Bikes and Boards, in the village of Gosforth (Gosforth is a stop on the Wasdale Shuttlebus). From there you can cycle to Wastwater in just over half an hour, or enjoy some off-road trails in Blengdale Forest. Or the 3 mile Viking Way off-road trail will take you to Seascale beach. You can also hire paddleboards, to take out on the water at Wastwater or the beach.
Things to know before you go and how to be a #LakeDistrictKind visitor to enjoy and look after this beautiful landscape.
