Bowness Knott Car Park
Forestry England car park for Ennerdale Water and the Wild Ennerdale valley, with around 30 spaces, paid parking and direct access to lake, forest and fell routes.
Finding the entrance
From Ennerdale Bridge or Croasdale follow signs into the Ennerdale valley. The road becomes narrow, winding and single track in places. After entering the woodland and crossing the cattle grid, turn left into Bowness Knott Car Park under the trees. Do not continue beyond the car park unless specifically authorised.
About this car park
Bowness Knott Car Park is the principal paid parking area for the northern side of Ennerdale Water and the upper Wild Ennerdale valley. Operated by Forestry England, it sits beneath Bowness Knott at the end of the public road into the valley and is one of the best starting points for walking, cycling and exploring this quieter western corner of the Lake District.
The car park has space for approximately 30 cars. The total is based on the National Trust's detailed Ennerdale access statement, which describes around 30 unmarked spaces under the trees. Forestry England currently publishes an official figure of zero designated accessible parking spaces but does not publish a total general-space count, so visitors should treat 30 as an approximate practical capacity rather than a guaranteed marked-bay total.
Bowness Knott parking charges
Forestry England's current Bowness Knott tariff is £3 for up to 2 hours, £6 for up to 4 hours and £10 for all-day parking. Card payments are accepted and Forestry England describes the parking machine as card-only. Payment can also be made using RingGo, including within 48 hours of visiting. The operator does not currently publish a Bowness Knott RingGo location code on its Ennerdale page, so check the signs or the RingGo app on arrival rather than relying on an old third-party code.
Blue Badge holders must also pay the normal parking charge. Forestry England national members and Ennerdale Forest members receive free parking when they follow the current membership rules and display the required membership car disc. Forestry England currently lists Ennerdale local membership at £30 for one year.
Opening and vehicle restrictions
Forestry England states that Ennerdale's car parks and trails are open year round, although forestry work, storms, tree disease and temporary safety closures can occasionally affect access. No overnight stays are permitted.
Bowness Knott marks the end of normal public vehicle access into the valley. Unauthorised vehicles must not continue east beyond the car park. Forestry England says the car park can be accessed by minibuses but is not suitable for coaches.
Getting to Bowness Knott
The car park is reached by narrow minor roads from the Ennerdale Bridge and Croasdale direction. Forestry England gives the official location as 54.5261624, -3.3776521, postcode CA23 3AU and OS grid reference NY109153.
The final approach is rural and can be slow. The Lake District National Park Authority warns that the final approximately 4 km is narrow and bendy with few passing places, making traffic difficult at busy times. Forestry England also asks drivers to avoid the unclassified lane past Croft Foot to and from Mireside because it is unsuitable for cars.
Accessibility and facilities
There are currently no designated accessible parking spaces at Bowness Knott. Forestry England warns that routes from the car park use gravel forest roads and trails with slopes that may challenge some visitors. For visitors prioritising level lakeside access, Forestry England recommends Bleach Green Car Park, which connects to the surfaced Ennerdale Views all-ability trail.
Bowness Knott has a visitor information panel, seating close to the car park, a picnic area and access to woodland and open countryside. There are no public toilets at the car park. The nearest everyday visitor facilities are in Ennerdale Bridge, including the Gather café/community hub and toilets.
Mobile reception in Ennerdale is generally poor and can be non-existent. If you intend to use RingGo, install and set up the app before travelling where possible.
Walks from Bowness Knott
Bowness Knott is an excellent start for several of Ennerdale's main routes. Forestry England's Smithy Beck trail begins here and is an easy two-mile route through woodland, beside the lake and past historic sites and a waterfall. The official Round the Lake walk can also be started from Bowness Knott. It is approximately 6.5 miles / 10.5 km and graded moderate, with a rough, rocky and frequently wet south-shore section.
The broad forest road continues deep into Wild Ennerdale for longer walking, cycling and horse-riding routes. Bowness Knott is also a useful access point for the northern lakeshore, Great Borne, Crag Fell and longer expeditions into the western fells. A few seats around 100 metres from the car park provide excellent views up the valley for visitors who do not want a long walk.
Ennerdale is intentionally less developed than many central Lake District valleys. Carry what you need, check current Forestry England access notices before setting out, and do not rely on mobile reception or on-site refreshments.
What parking costs
Payment: Card at parking machine; RingGo app/online payment via RingGo.
Forestry England national members and Ennerdale Forest members park free when displaying the required membership car disc. Ennerdale local membership is currently £30 per year.
Facilities
- ✓ Picnic area
- Unmarked forest parking area under trees surface
Visitor information panel, nearby seating, picnic area and direct trail access. No public toilets or café at the car park; everyday facilities are available in Ennerdale Bridge.
Photos
Walks and places nearby
Smithy Beck Trail: an easy Forestry England trail of around 2 miles, beginning at Bowness Knott and passing woodland, lakeshore scenery, historic sites and a waterfall.
Round Ennerdale Water: a moderate circuit of around 6.5 miles / 10.5 km. The south-shore path is rocky, wet and contains numerous trip hazards.
Wild Ennerdale valley: the forest road continues east for walking, cycling and horse riding, with access towards the upper valley and high western fells.
Short viewpoint: Forestry England notes that seats only around 100 metres from the car park give superb views up the valley.
Fell access: Bowness Knott is also used for routes towards Great Borne, Crag Fell and more demanding western fell walks.
Alternative car parks
Bleach Green Car Park is the other main western Ennerdale access point and is better for level access to the lake and the surfaced Ennerdale Views trail. There is no public vehicle access farther into the valley beyond Bowness Knott.
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