Enjoying The National Park

3. Around Ullswater

Canoeing in the Lake District National Park

Mountainous magnificence

Ullswater

This curving lake is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery to its south, softening to the gentle hills of the north. The lake is the second largest in the National Park at seven miles long, but it is less than a mile across.

Steamers run to and from Glenridding to Pooley Bridge, stopping at Howtown half way along. There are dramatic views from both sides of the lake, either by vehicle on the western shore or by foot from Howtown to Patterdale.

Ullswater - copyright Val Corbett

Pooley Bridge

A picturesque village at the northeast end of Ullswater. The river Eamont meanders through its collection of houses and pubs.

Glenridding

This small village at the foot of Ullswater is a popular start point for walkers going up Helvellyn, England's third highest mountain. You can also catch steamers from here or hire rowing boats in the summer.

Patterdale

This village is just shy of the shores of Ullswater and includes pubs and a few shops. It’s a welcome refuelling stop for hikers coming down off the fells. The area is named after the legend that Saint Patrick once came here.

Brotherswater

This is the small lake south of Ullswater at the foot of Kirkstone Pass. There is a footpath around it, although it doesn’t hug the shoreline completely.

Kirkstone Pass

The pass is named after a large boulder and runs between Windermere and Ullswater. The Kirkstone Pass inn at the top is England’s third highest pub.

Useful links

Next stop

4. Around Grasmere

Whistlestop map

Whistlestop Map