The Ullswater Way is a 24‑mile circular route wrapping around one of the most beautiful lakes in England. With gentle 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 24‑mile circular route wrapping around one of the most beautiful lakes in England. With gentle terrain, villages dotted along the shoreline, cafés, viewpoints, waterfalls, and the iconic Ullswater Steamers to help you shorten or split the route, it’s one of the most accessible long-distance walks in the Lakes.

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 – Major hub: cafés, toilets, 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: 8–10 hours (steady pace)
• Split into sections: 2–4 hours per segment
• 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 and perfect steamer connections
• 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
• Villages and cafés spaced perfectly along the route
• Waterfalls, woodland, shoreline, and open fell views
• Easy to shorten using steamers or buses
• A full adventure without technical terrain

Save this for your next Lake District trip — the Ullswater Way is a journey you’ll remember long after your boots come off.

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