Wainwrights of Ennerdale

To the south of Ennerdale Water lie 4 Wainwright fells which are probably the least visited in the Lake District. Grike, Crag Fell and Lank Rigg make a natural circuit but Caw Fell to the east is a bit of an outlier. The main attraction of this walk are the views over Ennerdale which are quite superb.

The Walk

Unless you live on the West coast of Cumbria the Wainwrights of Ennerdale are largely ignored (and probably the better for it). There is nothing special about them which makes them worthy of a long trek aside from the fact they are Wainwrights. The slopes of all four fells are generally grassy, not too steep except the crags overlooking Ennerdale Water, and devoid of any real interest. The mountains in Wasdale may be similarly difficult to get to but they tend to be better known and certainly more dramatic.

However I enjoy Ennerdale. I enjoy the lack of crowds and the feeling of remoteness. The lake itself makes for wonderful viewing which is why I particularly enjoy accessing these fells from the lakeside. Looking up the valley of Ennerdale is a delight, Steeple in particular standing out well. However I also enjoy Anglers Crag above the lakeside path near the car park. It makes a fine end to the day.

Caw Fell is out on a limb and can be easily accessed from Haycock to its east. However you may include it on this circuit. I have not included it in the basic walk details, having climbed it from nearby Haycock.. Mind you I think Iron Crag, which you need to climb over before you arrive at Caw Fell, is a more worthy Wainwright. Nearby Whoap which is also climbed this time enroute to Lank Rigg is also a decent fell.

Recommend

Like most of the walks in the western lakes I enjoy them best in the late afternoon/evening. Looking towards the east when the sun is beginning to drop is when the views are at their best. There is no better example than this walk. It suits me too as I am not really a morning person, better later in the day!

Navigation Tips on the Ennerdale Wainwrights

Planning the Wainwrights of Ennerdale walk makes it much more enjoyable. These are some of the decisions I made whilst having my (paper) map spread out.

• I was partly ticking in which case include all 4 Wainwrights
• The simplest route is not mine but from the road to the west above Cleator Moor. This would be the easiest way to tick all four.
• I however wanted a section along Ennerdale Water and Angler’s Crag, one of my favourite places in all the Lake District.
• Start with the steepest climb, finish alongside the lake.
• Lank Rigg must be climbed, Caw Fell could be left for another day.
• Accept that there are some non Wainwright fells which must be included (Whoap, Iron Crag) so plenty of ups and downs.
• Minimise the reversal of the route.
• Look for potential problems; crossing walls etc:
• Check the weather, this is a walk which for many reasons should be done on a good visibility day.
• Route planned and clear in my mind. Now the fun!