Exploring Ennerdale Bridge with dogs

We all love a holiday with our four legged friends, and the Lake District is an ideal place for a getaway with your dogs. Wild walkies galore, dog-friendly pubs and over 20 miles of woodland trails, Ennerdale valley is ideal for a wild, doggy holiday…

Please note when adventuring with your dog to be aware of livestock and keep your dogs on leads when passing.

  • Dog friendly walks

Dogs love walking as much as we do and Ennerdale offers some spectacular, wild walks that both owners and dogs will enjoy. From lakeside strolls to woodland and hill hikes, the Ennerdale valley offers a mixture of walks from lowland, easy hikes for old or little dogs and more strenuous, uphill walks for young, energetic puppies.

  • Ennerdale Water circular

The route around Ennerdale Water is perfect for dogs due to the lack of traffic and well-maintained footpaths. The route is a beautiful, secluded hike and can begin from either end of the lake from both Bowness Knott and Bleach Green. The route is a mixture of flat footpaths and some steep, scrambly sections, especially at Robin Hoods Chair below Angler’s Crag. The route also crosses over the River Liza and provides stunning views of the surrounding fells including Crag Fell and Pillar. Although it is not recommend to let your dog swim in Ennerdale Water, they can drink from it and enjoy a safer swim later on in the walk in the River Liza and the River Ehen.

  • Ennerdale Woodland Trail

Dogs love woodland walks with plenty of sticks to chew on and chase! Ennerdale is home to one of the largest woodlands in Cumbria, with trails stretching for over 20 miles. You can explore as little or as much of the woodland as your dogs legs can handle! Routes into the forest are accessible from Bowness Knott car park and boast stunning mountain and lake views, riverside strolls along the River Liza and finishes at England most remote youth hostel! There are endless opportunities for your dog to have a dip in the river and the explore the forest floors!

  • Great Gable

If your dog is lively and used to being up in the mountains, why not hike the iconic Great Gable with your four-legged companion for company? The dominating mountain can be seen standing at the head of the valley and is accessible from Ennerdale via Kirk Fell visiting the summit of Great Gable before descending via Haystacks, returning to the valley through Scarth Gap. This route passes a number of tarns for your dog to have a swim, a drink and a cool-off on a warm day.

  • Dog friendly accommodation

No one likes leaving their dog at home when they go away, so finding dog friendly accommodation is always a relief. Luckily, there are few options in and around Ennerdale…

  • Fox and Hounds Inn

This traditional pub is ideal for canine guests providing a spacious, secluded beer garden for exploring alongside two warm, cosy log fires for sleeping! Dogs are welcome in all areas of the pub and can stay for the night in the venues dog friendly rooms for a small, extra charge.

  • The Shepherds Arms

The Shepherds Arms is a traditional, Cumbrian pub that prides itself on its ales and local produce. The cosy pub has 8 guest rooms; although dogs are restricted in the bar area after 6pm, they are welcome to stay overnight with the pub offering two dog friendly rooms which are available by prearrangement only.

  • Cleator Moor Cottage

For larger families with a number of dogs, the spacious self-catering Cleator Moor Cottage is perfect, providing three bedrooms sleeping up to 6 people and 2 dogs. The cottage has a private, enclosed outdoor patio and garden with French doors so you can let your dog roam around freely without worrying about letting them in and out. There are also a number of surrounding fields to explore on a hike, however be aware of grazing cattle and keep your dog on a lead at all times. The cottage provides easy access to hikes around Ennerdale and the woodland and river trails, which are perfect for four-legged tourists!

  • Dog friendly pubs

After a long walk, a well-deserved pint and a doggy treat is always a must. Here in Ennerdale Bridge, there are only two pubs; luckily they both welcome muddy boots and paw prints!

  • Fox and Hounds Inn

This traditional pub is ideal for canine guests providing a spacious, secluded beer garden for exploring alongside two warm, cosy log fires for sleeping! Dogs are welcome in all areas of the pub so owners can enjoy a homely Cumbrian meal with a pint of Ennerdale ale whilst dogs sit beside the fire with a water bowl and biscuit.

  • The Shepherds Arms

Nestled in the remote Ennerdale valley, The Shepherds Arms is an award-winning pub who welcome dogs in the bar area up but only up until 6pm. The nearby Fox and Hounds Inn is best suited for an evening drink with your dog, however you can enjoy a spot of lunch with your canine companion at the Shepherds Arms during lunch time and early evening. Dogs can explore the pleasant beer garden to the rear of the pub at any time, which has a pretty stream running through it.