ULLSWATER / LAKE DISTRICT / 10-MILE LINEAR WALK
Pooley Bridge to Glenridding Walk
A rewarding one-way walk beside Ullswater, linking Pooley Bridge with Gowbarrow, Aira Force and Glenridding before a scenic return by steamer or bus.
The route at a glance
Why this walking route is worth doing.
The Pooley Bridge to Glenridding walk follows the western side of Ullswater through open farmland, quiet lanes, woodland, elevated paths and the Aira Force gorge before finishing beneath the fells at Glenridding.
This is a linear route rather than a circular stroll. The walking is moderate, but the full distance and return transport mean the boat or 508 bus timetable should be checked before you leave Pooley Bridge.
Mapped and ready
See the route before you set off.
The genuine route overview and live map sit together, so you can understand the whole journey before opening the detailed directions.
Route overview
Plan the return journey before setting off and carry the route offline.
Leave Pooley Bridge and follow the Ullswater Way through Waterfoot, Bennethead and Watermillock, with open farmland and lake views defining the early miles.
Climb through Swinburn Park to the terrace around Gowbarrow, then allow time for the woodland paths and waterfalls at Aira Force.
Continue through Glencoyne Deer Park and along the narrower lakeshore path to Glenridding pier and village for the planned steamer or bus return.
Follow the route
1. Pooley Bridge to Waterfoot
Leave the village, cross the modern bridge and follow the Ullswater Way through fields and shoreline country towards Waterfoot and Maiden Castle.
2. Bennethead and Watermillock
Continue through farmland and quiet lanes towards Bennethead and Watermillock, with the lake opening behind you and short road sections requiring care.
3. Swinburn Park and Gowbarrow
Climb through woodland to the terrace path around Gowbarrow. Use the shoulder route shown on the map unless deliberately taking the steeper summit variation.
4. Aira Force and High Force
Allow time for the waterfall paths and bridges. Surfaces can be wet, steep and busy, so keep back from drops and recheck the route before leaving the gorge.
5. Glencoyne Deer Park
Follow the signed path south through old woodland and open fellside towards Glencoyne, where the route draws closer to the lake.
6. Glencoyne to Glenridding
Cross carefully at Glencoyne, then follow narrow and uneven lakeshore paths. The official route includes a short section beside the A592, where extra care is essential.
7. Glenridding Pier
Reach the steamer pier beneath the high fells. If returning by boat, your planned sailing matters more than squeezing in another unplanned stop.
8. Glenridding village
Continue the short final stretch to the village for cafés, pubs, the information centre and the 508 bus connection.
Live hotel map
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Follow the beautiful Pooley Bridge to Glenridding walk beside Ullswater, visiting Gowbarrow, Aira Force and Glencoyne with practical return, stay and route planning for a memorable Lake District break.
Ullswater · Lake District
Pooley Bridge to Glenridding Walk Via Gowbarrow & Aira Force
A proper one-way journey beside Ullswater, linking open farmland, elevated lake views, ancient woodland, famous waterfalls and a steamer or bus ride back.
One lake, one waterfall, one brilliant journey
The Ullswater walk that feels like a complete Lake District adventure.
The Pooley Bridge to Glenridding walk follows the western side of Ullswater through fields, quiet lanes, woodland and elevated paths before reaching Aira Force and the mountain scenery around Glenridding.
It is a linear route, not a circular stroll. The distance is manageable for fit walkers, but the return boat or bus must be checked before setting off. Build in extra time for Aira Force, changing weather and the narrow lakeshore section south of Glencoyne.
Interactive route
Pooley Bridge to Glenridding along the western shore.
Follow current Ullswater Way signs and carry an offline map. The official stages total 9.5 miles, while the plotted route and waterfall detours can bring the day closer to 10 miles or more.
Stay beside Ullswater and turn one long walk into a relaxed Lake District break.
Compare places around Pooley Bridge now, or use the full live accommodation map later in this guide to choose either end of the route.
Why it is worth the logistics
Two very different Ullswater villages are joined by a continuous day on foot.
Elevated paths open broad views down the length of Ullswater towards the high fells.
The famous 65-foot waterfall and woodland gorge create a natural halfway pause.
Ancient woodland and narrowing mountain scenery give the route a dramatic finish.
Stage by stage
Follow Ullswater from open farmland to mountain scenery.
These stages explain the shape of the day rather than replacing a map. Waymarks, weather and path conditions can change, so check every junction and carry the route offline.
Pooley Bridge to Waterfoot
Leave the village, cross the modern bridge and follow the Ullswater Way through fields and shoreline country towards Waterfoot and Maiden Castle.
Bennethead and Watermillock
Continue through farmland and quiet lanes towards Bennethead and Watermillock, with the lake opening behind you and short road sections requiring care.
Swinburn Park and Gowbarrow
Climb through woodland to the terrace path around Gowbarrow. Use the shoulder route shown on the map unless deliberately taking the steeper summit variation.
Aira Force and High Force
Allow time for the waterfall paths and bridges. Surfaces can be wet, steep and busy, so keep back from drops and recheck the route before leaving the gorge.
Glencoyne Deer Park
Follow the signed path south through old woodland and open fellside towards Glencoyne, where William and Dorothy Wordsworth saw the daffodils in 1802.
Glencoyne to Glenridding
Cross carefully at Glencoyne, then follow narrow and uneven lakeshore paths. The official route includes about 100 metres beside the A592, where extra care is essential.
Glenridding Pier
Reach the steamer pier beneath the high fells. If returning by boat, your planned sailing matters more than squeezing in another unplanned stop.
Glenridding village
Continue the short final stretch to the village for cafes, pubs, the information centre and the 508 bus connection.
Eight UK waterfall walks worth getting your boots muddy for.
Continue through the Days Out Now collection to Ingleton, Malham, Aira Force, Cwmorthin and more complete routes ready to explore.
Plan the finish before the start
The return journey is part of the route, not an afterthought.
Boats operate between Glenridding and Pooley Bridge, but sailings vary by season and date. Check the current timetable before relying on one.
The 508 links Glenridding, Aira Force and Pooley Bridge throughout the year. Confirm the current timetable and final useful departure before starting.
The official stages total 9.5 miles / 15.3 km. Waterfall exploring and route variations can bring the walked day closer to 10 miles or more.
This is not suitable for ordinary wheelchairs or pushchairs. Expect fields, uneven woodland, climbs, narrow lakeshore paths and short road sections.
Keep dogs close and use a lead around livestock, wildlife, roads and busy waterfall paths. Check the operator’s current dog rules for the return journey.
Mobile signal can be limited around Ullswater. Get the route through the Supporters Club and carry an OS map.
Stay beside the route
Turn the Ullswater Way into a proper Lake District break.
Compare current accommodation in Pooley Bridge, Glenridding or around wider Ullswater. Choose the end that makes the return transport and next day’s plans easiest.
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Add another experience
Things to do around the Lake District.
If you are staying longer, compare current experiences around the Lakes. Add only what improves the break; this full-day Ullswater walk already earns its place as the main event.
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Quick answers
Pooley Bridge to Glenridding Walk FAQs.
How far is the Pooley Bridge to Glenridding walk?
The two official Ullswater Way stages total 9.5 miles or 15.3 km. Following the plotted route, exploring Aira Force and taking small detours can bring the walked day closer to 10 miles or more.
How long does the walk take?
Allow around 5 to 6 hours for most walkers, including time at Aira Force and sensible breaks. Faster walkers may complete it sooner, but the return timetable should never be planned around an optimistic pace.
How difficult is the Pooley Bridge to Glenridding walk?
The route is moderate. There is no technical scrambling, but the distance, undulating ground, woodland paths, narrow lakeshore sections and changing Lake District weather require suitable fitness and preparation.
Is the route circular?
No. This is a linear walk starting in Pooley Bridge and finishing in Glenridding. Arrange the return by Ullswater Steamer, the 508 bus or a separate vehicle before starting.
Can I return from Glenridding by boat or bus?
Ullswater Steamers operate between Glenridding and Pooley Bridge, and the 508 bus links the villages. Timetables vary, so check the exact date and final useful departure before walking.
Where does the walk start?
This guide begins in Pooley Bridge near the main visitor parking, using postcode CA10 2NN. The approximate start coordinates are latitude 54.611720 and longitude -2.821350.
Can dogs do the Pooley Bridge to Glenridding walk?
Fit dogs can use the route but should be kept close and on a lead around livestock, wildlife, roads and busy waterfall paths. Check the return operator’s current dog rules before setting off.
Is the walk suitable for beginners?
It can suit a well-prepared beginner who is already comfortable walking for five or six hours. It is not a short introductory stroll, and poor weather can make the day considerably harder.
Is the route suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs?
No. The complete route includes fields, climbs, uneven woodland, narrow lakeshore paths and short roadside sections. Shorter accessible walks are available elsewhere around Pooley Bridge and Glenridding.
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Before you go
Practical information.
Return transport: This is a linear walk. Check the exact Ullswater Steamer or 508 bus timetable for your date before setting off, including the final useful departure.
Distance: The official linked stages total about 9.5 miles, while Aira Force exploration and small detours can bring the day closer to 10 miles or more.
Terrain: Expect fields, quiet lanes, climbs, uneven woodland, narrow lakeshore paths and short roadside sections. The complete route is not suitable for ordinary wheelchairs or pushchairs.
Navigation: Follow current Ullswater Way signs, carry an offline map and do not rely on a phone signal as your only navigation.
Weather: Lake District conditions can change quickly. Carry suitable layers, waterproofs, food, water and proper walking footwear.
Dogs: Keep dogs close and use a lead around livestock, wildlife, roads and busy waterfall paths. Check the return operator’s current dog rules.
Build the whole day
Plan it without opening six tabs.
The route, hotel map, nearby ideas and free planning tools are all here when you need them.
See the shape of the journey
Return to the genuine route overview and interactive map before you set off.
Open the route map →Choose a base that makes sense
Compare live places to stay on the map instead of guessing from a list of names.
Explore the hotel map →Add something memorable
Find a carefully placed attraction, experience or extra stop that works with the route.
See things to do →Take the useful bits with you
Open the free Travel Club for route downloads, planning help and member savings.
Open the free Travel Club →Keep exploring
Things to do near Lake District.
Compare current Lake District experiences if you are staying longer, while keeping this full-day Ullswater walk as the main event.
Useful answers
Pooley Bridge to Glenridding Walk FAQs.
How far is the Pooley Bridge to Glenridding walk?
The two official Ullswater Way stages total about 9.5 miles or 15.3 km. Exploring Aira Force and taking small detours can bring the walked day closer to 10 miles or more.
How long does the walk take?
Allow around 5–6 hours for most walkers, including time at Aira Force and sensible breaks. Plan the return timetable around a realistic pace rather than an optimistic finish time.
Is the route circular?
No. This is a linear walk starting in Pooley Bridge and finishing in Glenridding. Arrange the return by Ullswater Steamer, the 508 bus or a separate vehicle before starting.
Is the walk suitable for beginners?
It can suit a well-prepared beginner who is comfortable walking for five or six hours. It is not a short introductory stroll, and poor weather can make the day considerably harder.
Where next?
More walks in Lake District.
Keep the planning going with another mapped Days Out Now guide from the same area.
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