Exploring Ullswater: Your Free Visitor Guide

Understanding Ullswater: Geography and Basic Facts

Ullswater is the second-largest lake in England's Lake District, stretching approximately 9 miles long and measuring up to 1.5 miles wide. Located in Cumbria in northwestern England, this glacial lake sits at an elevation of 469 feet above sea level. The lake's depth reaches 205 feet at its deepest point, making it a significant natural feature of the landscape.

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The lake takes its name from Ulf, a Viking settler who may have inhabited the area during the 9th or 10th century. Archaeological evidence and historical records suggest human presence around Ullswater dates back thousands of years, though the modern recreational use of the lake developed primarily during the Victorian era when improved transportation made the Lake District more accessible to visitors.

Ullswater's distinctive shape consists of three separate sections connected by narrow channels. The northern section near Pooley Bridge appears wide and open. The middle section features dramatic mountain scenery with steep fells rising directly from the water's edge. The southern section near Patterdale becomes narrower and more enclosed, surrounded by the highest peaks in the Lake District including Helvellyn and Catbells.

The surrounding landscape includes over 150 square miles of protected land designated as part of the Lake District National Park, established in 1951. This protection means the area maintains strict guidelines for development and land use, preserving the natural character that draws visitors annually. The watershed feeding Ullswater covers approximately 23 square miles, with Glenridding Beck being one of the primary tributaries.

Practical Takeaway: Understanding Ullswater's location within the Lake District and its physical characteristics helps you plan which areas to visit based on your interests—whether you prefer the open northern sections suitable for water sports or the dramatic mountain scenery of the southern reaches.

Getting to Ullswater: Transportation Options and Routes

Ullswater is accessible by car from several major routes. From the south, travelers typically use the M6 motorway, exiting at Junction 40 or 41 depending on their destination around the lake. The journey from Manchester Airport takes approximately 90 minutes, while traveling from London requires about 5 to 6 hours depending on traffic conditions and your specific destination on the lake.

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The primary towns serving as gateways to Ullswater include Penrith, located 7 miles north of the lake, and Kendal, positioned 20 miles to the south. Both towns have substantial parking facilities and offer petrol stations, restaurants, and lodging options. From Penrith, you can reach Pooley Bridge at the northern end of the lake in approximately 15 minutes via the A592 road.

Public transportation options connect to the Ullswater area through several routes. The Stagecoach bus service operates routes throughout the Lake District, including buses to Glenridding and Pooley Bridge. National Express coaches connect major UK cities to Penrith, from which local buses serve the lake. Train services reach Penrith station, with connections available throughout the UK rail network. The journey from London Euston to Penrith takes approximately 3 hours on direct services.

Once at Ullswater, the Ullswater Steamers service operates passenger boats connecting three principal landing points: Pooley Bridge at the north, Glenridding at the south, and Howtown on the eastern shore. These boats provide transportation between locations and offer scenic cruising opportunities. The service operates year-round with adjusted schedules seasonally—typically running more frequent services from April through October and reduced services during winter months. Individual boat journeys cost between £3.50 and £12.50 depending on distance traveled.

Parking is available at multiple locations around the lake. Pooley Bridge offers significant car park facilities with both free and paid options. Glenridding has several car parks managed by the National Park authority and private operators, with charges typically ranging from £2 to £6 depending on duration and season. Howtown provides more limited parking suitable primarily for those planning extended visits or using the boat service.

Practical Takeaway: Plan your transportation to Ullswater by considering whether you'll need your own vehicle for the duration of your visit—the boat service and bus routes provide reasonable alternatives if you prefer not to drive, though having a car offers greater flexibility for exploring the surrounding area.

Walking Routes and Hiking Opportunities Around Ullswater

Ullswater offers walking routes suitable for all fitness levels, from gentle lakeside strolls to challenging mountain hikes. The most popular beginner-friendly walk is the Ullswater Shoreline Walk, a relatively flat 8-mile route that follows the eastern shore from Pooley Bridge to Glenridding. This walk typically requires 3 to 4 hours and passes through woodland areas, along open lakeshore sections, and through the village of Howtown. The path remains well-maintained and clearly marked, making it suitable for families with older children.

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For those seeking moderate difficulty walks, the Aira Force Walk departs from the village of Glenridding and covers approximately 2.5 miles, taking about 1.5 to 2 hours. This route leads to Aira Force, a 65-foot waterfall formed where Aira Beck descends toward the lake. The walk involves some hill climbing but nothing extremely strenuous, and the destination provides a rewarding focal point for the outing.

More experienced hikers often attempt the ascent of Helvellyn, one of England's highest peaks at 3,118 feet. Multiple routes lead to the summit, with the Ullswater-side approach starting from Glenridding covering approximately 9 miles and requiring 5 to 6 hours. This walk involves significant elevation gain and exposure to weather, making it suitable only for those with proper footwear and experience. The summit provides extensive views across the Lake District, and on clear days, visibility extends to the Pennines to the east and toward the Irish Sea to the west.

The High Street fell walk represents another challenging but popular option, following a ridge line with views over multiple lakes and valleys. Starting from Glenridding or Patterdale, the High Street Walk covers approximately 7 miles and requires 4 to 5 hours. This route reaches 2,718 feet and follows what was historically a Roman road across the mountains.

Walking safety information suggests that Lake District weather can change rapidly, with fog, rain, and strong winds occurring suddenly even in summer months. Proper clothing including waterproof jackets and sturdy walking boots is recommended year-round. The Ordnance Survey maps at 1:25,000 scale provide detailed route information, and many routes are marked with stone cairns (stacked rocks) at key points. Mobile phone coverage varies around the lake, with reliable service generally available near settlements but potentially unavailable in remote fell areas.

Practical Takeaway: Choose walking routes that match your fitness level and experience—the shoreline walk suits most visitors, moderate walks like Aira Force provide rewarding destinations without requiring technical skills, while fell walks demand proper preparation and equipment.

Water Activities and Recreation on Ullswater

Ullswater supports a variety of water-based recreational activities throughout the year. Swimming in the lake is possible during warmer months, with water temperatures ranging from approximately 10°C (50°F) in winter to 16°C (61°F) in summer. The lake hosts organized swimming events, including the Ullswater Festival of Swim and open water swimming gatherings. Designated swimming areas exist near popular beaches at Howtown and Glenridding, though swimmers should be aware that water temperature remains cool even in peak summer and proper wetsuits are typically recommended.

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Kayaking and canoeing represent popular activities on Ullswater, with rentals available at Glenridding and Pooley Bridge. Daily rental costs typically range from £25 to £50 depending on vessel type and rental duration. The relatively calm waters in the northern section near Pooley Bridge suit beginners, while the more exposed southern sections near Glenridding offer paddling experiences for those with intermediate skills. Several paddling clubs base operations around the lake and offer instruction courses ranging from beginner to advanced levels.

Sailing on Ullswater has a long history, with the Ullswater Yacht Club established in 1850 representing one of England's oldest inland sailing clubs