Ullswater Lake

Address: Ullswater, Lake District, Cumbria, UK

Website: https://www.ullswater.org

Ullswater is a glacial ribbon lake in the Lake District in northwestern England, known as one of the district’s larger lakes and lying within the Lake District National Park. The lake is roughly 11 km (about 7 miles) in length and is flanked by steep fells on both sides.

The shoreline and surrounding fells offer a mix of activities - long-distance walking, shorter scenic trails, and boat cruises that connect lakeside settlements. Popular short visits include the wooded ravine and waterfall on the eastern shore, plus lakeside walks that provide uninterrupted views over the water and towards the fells.

Formed by glacial action during the last Ice Age, the lake and its immediate surroundings have long been used for farming, transport between settlements, and recreation. The area has literary associations with William Wordsworth, who wrote about the local daffodils.

The lake sits in the northeastern part of England’s Lake District, between the villages at its northern and southern ends and within easy reach of other Lake District centres. It occupies a steep-sided valley carved into the local fells and is accessible by road and by regular passenger boats linking the lakeside villages.

• Best viewpoints: Best seen from the A592 road and from lakeside paths; spring brings widespread daffodils on surrounding slopes that are locally famous.
• Ullswater Way: A circular long-distance path follows the shoreline for roughly 20 miles and links many of the main villages and viewpoints.

What to See#

• Glenridding and Pooley Bridge: Small settlements and landing points on the lake, including the village that sits at the southern end and the village near the northern end, serve as bases for walks and boat trips.
• Aira Force: Aira Force waterfall on the lake’s eastern side, managed by the National Trust, lies a short walk from the shore and is a popular short-visit attraction.
• Ullswater steamer piers: Boat piers used by the lake’s passenger launches that connect villages and provide scenic cruises along the water.

Ullswater is in the eastern Lake District. Access by car is via the A66 or local roads to villages such as Glenridding and Pooley Bridge. There are also train links to Penrith with connecting buses to the lake villages.

• Take the Ullswater 'steamer' boat from Pooley Bridge or Glenridding for a classic lake experience and to avoid roads that squeeze in summer.
• Walk sections of the Ullswater Way rather than trying the whole 20-plus mile circuit in one day-each stretch has its own character.
• Visit early in the morning for mirrored water and a better chance at solitude on the popular shore paths.