Three days hiking and camping, with one very special night in the most remote hostel in England, Black Sail.
Breathing heavily, loose rock crunching underfoot, we took our last few steps to top out on Green Gable and get our first views down into the remote and wild Ennerdale valley.
Lukas, (visiting from EXPED HQ in Switzerland) had never been to the Lake District before and we were keen to give him an experience to remember. Our plan was three days hiking and camping, taking in the best the Lakes has to offer, with one very special night in the most remote hostel in England, Black Sail.
Our previous night camping had been spent comfortably but somewhat challenging in 40mph winds and driving rain. So spotting the hut form the high point of Green Gable was more than inviting and our pace quickened! The valley below stretched out in front of us as we started to descend, tree lined and wild with no roads or buildings except for the small hostel.
Unlike large areas of the Lake District, Ennerdale valley feels wild and remote, more like Scotland than Cumbria, and is home to a rewilding project that is bringing back a real sense of wilderness to this small corner of the National Park. Pine martens and rare freshwater mussels are already thriving here as well as an abundance of other wildlife. It really is a special landscape and a reminder of what is possible with some positive action and care.
The walk to get to the valley is steep, rocky and impressive, passing some of the most dramatic mountains the UK has to offer, making it well worth every step. A truly unique valley and an overnight stay in this isolated refuge is truly memorable. If this one isn’t on your bucket list of places to hike to in the UK make some room, as it is a must.
