Away from the woods there is of course all 2.5 miles of Ennerdale Water. Take a seat by the shore of the lake, close your eyes, and listen to the relaxing sounds of the water lapping, the trees rustling, the lambs baaing, and the birds singing.
Bring some paper and a pen or pencil with you and try to sketch the scene down the lake towards the fells. You don’t have to be good, just be mindful, and “in the moment”; immersed in the act of observing and drawing.
Some of the bigger fells at the head of Ennerdale include Pillar (892 m/2,927 ft), Scoat Fell, (841 m/2,759 ft), Steeple (819 m/2,687 ft), High Stile (807 m/2,648 ft), and Green Gable (801 m/2,628 ft).
Haweswater
Haweswater is a reservoir in the Eastern Lake District. The valley that holds the lake, Mardale, once contained a much smaller one plus a few farming villages. In the 1930s the Manchester Corporation dammed the lake and flooded the villages to create a larger reservoir. This was to provide water for the growing city of Manchester.
Today, Haweswater is over 4-miles long and there are no settlements in the valley, except for a single hotel and a small car park. The reservoir is managed by United Utilities, who work with the RSPB to manage the site. A joint venture, Wild Haweswater, between the RSPB and United Utilities has been created. It aims to help people discover their conservation and restoration projects, as well as seasonal wildlife encounters in the area.
Given Haweswater’s proximity to the ever popular Ullswater, the valley tends to be much quieter than the rest of the Lake District.
Ways to relax around Haweswater
Enjoy a short but sharp 200m ascent up the Old Corpse Road. Park at Mardale Head, the only car park, and walk back up the valley for about a mile. You’ll see a path zigzag up the fellside to your right. This is the Old Corpse Road. Taking this trail gives you exceptional views across Haweswater for you to relax and gaze at.
If you want complete solitutde, take an easy walk from the car park, around the Rigg, and up Riggindale. You’lll probably find you have this little side valley all to yourself.