The Western Lake District and Coast
Places to visit in Wasdale, Eskdale and the West
Wasdale Head
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, or jump on the Wasdale Explorer for a stress-free journey.
Nether Wasdale
The tiny village of Nether Wasdale is to the west of the lake and has two pubs, a campsite and the Sawmill Cafe.
Around Eskdale
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.
Ravenglass
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.
- Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway goes through beautiful Eskdale valley to Dalegarth
- There are many walks from the various stations
- From Dalegarth you can walk to Stanley Ghyll waterfall with its new viewing platform
Ennerdale Water
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.
Getting to and around Wasdale and Wastwater
Wasdale Explorer
Travel stress-free to Wasdale and and take in the spectacular views
Take the Wasdale Explorer from Nether Wasdale to avoid the drive down narrow roads, making your Wasdale visit easier. 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, as well as our climate.
Walking routes near Wasdale
Miles without Stiles routes, easy access routes
The Wasdale and Eskdale areas have 5 easy-access routes suitable for those with limited mobility, wheelchairs, trampers, pushchairs, visual impairments, young children and legs that need care. The routes have no stiles and are graded for some, many or all with descriptions on length, terrain, path type and facilities.
- 19. Dalegarth to St Catherine’s Church, Eskdale
- 20. Walls Drive, Ravenglass
- 21. Ravenglass to Saltcoats
- 22. Calder Bridge
- 23. Ennerdale views
There are also walking routes from stations on the Ravenglass to Eskdale Railway and Dalegarth station along the River Esk loop (an easy route, roughly 2.5 hours).
Hiking routes
For a more challenging climb, Wasdale offers scenic hiking routes.
Hiring bikes and paddleboards
Hiring bike and boards
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.
