WALKING ROUTE / LAKE DISTRICT
The Ullswater Way
Walk the Ullswater Way in manageable stages, with lake views, villages and a return journey planned before you set out.
The route at a glance
Why this walking route is worth doing.
Photo: mattbuck (category). Ullswater MMB 02.jpg · CC BY-SA 3.0.
The Ullswater Way links lakeside villages, woodland, higher viewpoints and waterfall country on a signed 20-mile circuit. You can walk it in stages rather than committing to the whole round in one day.
Decide how far you want to walk, then organise the return connection. Extensions and side visits add distance beyond the standard route.
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
The official round is 20 miles / 32 km. Use the signed route and current stage information; additional loops and waterfall visits can extend the day.
Follow the route
The Ullswater Way is a 20-mile standard circular route wrapping around one of the most beautiful lakes in England. With varied terrain, villages dotted along the shoreline, cafés, viewpoints, waterfalls, and the iconic Ullswater Steamers, you will love every moment!
The Ullswater Way is one of the Lake District’s great journeys — a 20-mile standard circular route wrapping around one of the most beautiful lakes in England. With varied terrain, villages dotted along the shoreline, cafés, viewpoints, waterfalls, and the iconic Ullswater Steamers to help you shorten or split the route, it’s a route best planned in manageable stages.
Whether you tackle the full loop in a day or break it into smaller adventures, this is a walk that delivers constant scenery, variety, and that unmistakable Ullswater calm.
Where to stay in the Lake District
Find places to stay on the interactive map and check the journey to the walk’s start.
📍 Route List
A). Pooley Bridge – Start point: village centre, parking, cafés
B). Howtown Ullswater Landing – Steamer stop + perfect midpoint
C). Sandwick Bay – Quiet shoreline on the eastern path
D). Patterdale – Valley village beneath the fells
E). Glenridding Village – Village facilities and steamer pier
F). Aira Force NT Car Park – Famous waterfall + woodland
G). Outward Bound Centre – Lakeside path with big views
H). Watermillock Church (All Saints) – Quiet inland section
I). Pooley Bridge – Loop complete
🌟 Route Breakdown
A). Pooley Bridge
Start in this lively lakeside village — cafés, pubs, bakeries, and a beautiful modern bridge set the tone for the day. Vibe: Friendly, bustling, easy to navigate Why it’s ideal: Parking, food, and the perfect “start and finish” feel
B). Howtown Ullswater Landing
Reachable by foot or steamer, this peaceful spot is a favourite for walkers breaking the route into sections. Vibe: Quiet, remote, timeless Highlight: Watching the steamers glide across the lake
C). Sandwick Bay
A calm shoreline stretch on the eastern side — fewer crowds, more birdsong, and some of the best lakeside walking on the loop. Vibe: Gentle, scenic, soothing Highlight: Perfect picnic stop
D). Patterdale
A classic Lakeland village tucked beneath Place Fell and the Helvellyn range. Vibe: Mountain energy meets village charm Highlight: A great refuel point if you’re doing the full loop
E). Glenridding Village
The main hub on the southern end of Ullswater — cafés, toilets, shops, and the steamer pier. Vibe: Lively, practical, welcoming Highlight: Grab a coffee before the woodland climb toward Aira Force
F). Aira Force (National Trust)
One of the most famous waterfalls in the Lakes. The woodland paths, bridges, and viewpoints make this a standout moment on the route. Vibe: Cool, shaded, dramatic Highlight: The 65‑foot waterfall roaring through the gorge
G). Outward Bound Centre
A lovely lakeside section with open views across Ullswater. Vibe: Open, airy, refreshing Highlight: Big skies and wide water views
H). Watermillock Church (All Saints)
A quiet inland stretch through fields, lanes, and peaceful woodland. Vibe: Calm, rural, reflective Highlight: A gentle change of scenery before the final push
I). Pooley Bridge (Finish Point)
Loop complete — cafés, pubs, and ice‑cream shops waiting for you. Vibe: Rewarding, celebratory, relaxed Highlight: Sitting by the river with tired legs and a full heart
🕒 How Long Does It Take?
- Full loop in one day: a long, demanding day; splitting the round is more practical for many walkers
- Split into sections: choose a stage and use its specific distance and time
- Steamer-assisted days: Perfect for families or relaxed walkers
This is one of the most flexible long walks in the Lakes — you can make it as big or as gentle as you like.
🎒 What to Bring
- Plenty of water (long stretches without facilities)
- Snacks or a packed lunch
- Waterproofs (it is Ullswater…)
- Layers — breezy along the shoreline
- OS Maps app or offline map
- Cash/card for cafés and steamers
- Comfortable walking shoes
🌤️ Best Time to Walk the Ullswater Way
- Spring: Wildflowers + cooler temperatures
- Summer: Long days; check dated steamer timetables
- Autumn: Golden colours around Aira Force
- Winter: Only for experienced walkers — short days and slippery paths
Where to Stay in the Lake District
⭐ Why This Walk Is So Special
- Constant lakeside scenery
- Village facilities, with long stretches between them
- Waterfalls, woodland, shoreline, and open fell views
- Easy to shorten using steamers or buses
- A long route with uneven ground and higher sections
Save this for your next Lake District trip — the Ullswater Way is a journey you’ll remember long after your boots come off.
See the full post about this trip
More Walks Ideas
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The Ullswater Way is a 20-mile standard circular route wrapping around one of the most beautiful lakes in England. With varied terrain, villages dotted along the shoreline, cafés, viewpoints, waterfalls, and the iconic Ullswater Steamers, you will love every moment!
🚶♂️ The Ullswater Way | 24 Miles of Lakeside Magic
The Ullswater Way is one of the Lake District’s great journeys — a 20-mile standard circular route wrapping around one of the most beautiful lakes in England. With varied terrain, villages dotted along the shoreline, cafés, viewpoints, waterfalls, and the iconic Ullswater Steamers to help you shorten or split the route, it’s a route best planned in manageable stages.
Whether you tackle the full loop in a day or break it into smaller adventures, this is a walk that delivers constant scenery, variety, and that unmistakable Ullswater calm.
Where to stay in the Lake District
📍 Route List
A). Pooley Bridge – Start point: village centre, parking, cafés
B). Howtown Ullswater Landing – Steamer stop + perfect midpoint
C). Sandwick Bay – Quiet shoreline on the eastern path
D). Patterdale – Valley village beneath the fells
E). Glenridding Village – Village facilities and steamer pier
F). Aira Force NT Car Park – Famous waterfall + woodland
G). Outward Bound Centre – Lakeside path with big views
H). Watermillock Church (All Saints) – Quiet inland section
I). Pooley Bridge – Loop complete
🌟 Route Breakdown
A). Pooley Bridge
Start in this lively lakeside village — cafés, pubs, bakeries, and a beautiful modern bridge set the tone for the day. Vibe: Friendly, bustling, easy to navigate Why it’s ideal: Parking, food, and the perfect “start and finish” feel
B). Howtown Ullswater Landing
Reachable by foot or steamer, this peaceful spot is a favourite for walkers breaking the route into sections. Vibe: Quiet, remote, timeless Highlight: Watching the steamers glide across the lake
C). Sandwick Bay
A calm shoreline stretch on the eastern side — fewer crowds, more birdsong, and some of the best lakeside walking on the loop. Vibe: Gentle, scenic, soothing Highlight: Perfect picnic stop
D). Patterdale
A classic Lakeland village tucked beneath Place Fell and the Helvellyn range. Vibe: Mountain energy meets village charm Highlight: A great refuel point if you’re doing the full loop
E). Glenridding Village
The main hub on the southern end of Ullswater — cafés, toilets, shops, and the steamer pier. Vibe: Lively, practical, welcoming Highlight: Grab a coffee before the woodland climb toward Aira Force
F). Aira Force (National Trust)
One of the most famous waterfalls in the Lakes. The woodland paths, bridges, and viewpoints make this a standout moment on the route. Vibe: Cool, shaded, dramatic Highlight: The 65‑foot waterfall roaring through the gorge
G). Outward Bound Centre
A lovely lakeside section with open views across Ullswater. Vibe: Open, airy, refreshing Highlight: Big skies and wide water views
H). Watermillock Church (All Saints)
A quiet inland stretch through fields, lanes, and peaceful woodland. Vibe: Calm, rural, reflective Highlight: A gentle change of scenery before the final push
I). Pooley Bridge (Finish Point)
Loop complete — cafés, pubs, and ice‑cream shops waiting for you. Vibe: Rewarding, celebratory, relaxed Highlight: Sitting by the river with tired legs and a full heart
🕒 How Long Does It Take?
- Full loop in one day: a long, demanding day; splitting the round is more practical for many walkers
- Split into sections: choose a stage and use its specific distance and time
- Steamer-assisted days: Perfect for families or relaxed walkers
This is one of the most flexible long walks in the Lakes — you can make it as big or as gentle as you like.
🎒 What to Bring
- Plenty of water (long stretches without facilities)
- Snacks or a packed lunch
- Waterproofs (it is Ullswater…)
- Layers — breezy along the shoreline
- OS Maps app or offline map
- Cash/card for cafés and steamers
- Comfortable walking shoes
🌤️ Best Time to Walk the Ullswater Way
- Spring: Wildflowers + cooler temperatures
- Summer: Long days; check dated steamer timetables
- Autumn: Golden colours around Aira Force
- Winter: Only for experienced walkers — short days and slippery paths
Where to Stay in the Lake District
⭐ Why This Walk Is So Special
- Constant lakeside scenery
- Village facilities, with long stretches between them
- Waterfalls, woodland, shoreline, and open fell views
- Easy to shorten using steamers or buses
- A long route with uneven ground and higher sections
Save this for your next Lake District trip — the Ullswater Way is a journey you’ll remember long after your boots come off.
See the full post about this trip
More Walks Ideas
Before you go
Practical information.
Choose a stage before choosing your return
The official Ullswater Way is 20 miles / 32 km. Optional loops and extensions increase that distance: the older 24-mile description on this page should not be used as the length of the standard signed route.
For a day walk, choose your start and finish, then check the dated boat or bus connection before leaving. Do not assume every lakeside section is flat or accessible. The higher paths, woodland and waterfall approaches make this a varied walking route rather than a level promenade.
Planning update: 5 October 2026. Official information: Lake District National Park: official Ullswater Way.
Terrain
Lakeshore and woodland paths, fields and higher sections with climbs.
Accessibility
The entire Ullswater Way is not a step-free circuit. Choose a specifically assessed accessible section if needed.
Toilets and refreshments
Facilities are concentrated in villages and managed visitor sites; carry provisions between them.
Dogs
Keep dogs under close control and on a lead around livestock, wildlife and exposed edges. Carry water and follow local access notices.
Safety
Allow time for hills, weather and transport. The last boat is not a flexible finish time.
Seasonal considerations
Boat and bus timetables vary by date. Winter daylight makes shorter stages more practical.
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 →Take the useful bits with you
Open the free Travel Club for route downloads, planning help and member savings.
Open the free Travel Club →Useful answers
The Ullswater Way FAQs.
Where does this route start?
Choose a signed Ullswater Way stage; Pooley Bridge and Glenridding are useful bases
How much time should I allow?
Split the full round across days, or choose a single stage
What is the ground like?
Lakeshore and woodland paths, fields and higher sections with climbs.
What should I check before travelling?
Allow time for hills, weather and transport. The last boat is not a flexible finish time.
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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