MARK The Ullswater Way
The Ullswater Way is a 32 km circuit around one of the most beautiful lakes in the Lake District — a long, varied, low-level journey through woodland, shoreline, villages, fellside, and quiet valleys. It's not a mountain walk, but it delivers constant scenery and a full day of movement. Most walkers complete it in sections, turning it into a multi-day exploration of the Ullswater shoreline.
The full route breakdown — sections, terrain, what it really feels like, and the practical detail you need to plan the day.
At a Glance
- Grade: Easy to moderate
- Terrain: Lakeshore paths, woodland trails, gentle fellside, village lanes
The Route
🏔️ Route Character
The Ullswater Way is all about variety — quiet woodland, open shoreline, rolling fellside, and small Lakeland villages. It's a route that constantly shifts character without ever becoming technical or demanding. The lake is always close, and the views change with every bend: Helvellyn's skyline, Place Fell's steep flanks, and the long sweep of Ullswater itself.
The circuit can be walked in one long day, but most walkers break it into sections using the Ullswater Steamers to link points around the lake. This makes it one of the most flexible long walks in the Lakes — choose your distance, choose your direction, and build the day you want.
It's a perfect route for rest days between big fells, family outings, or anyone wanting a long scenic walk without the steepness of the high mountains.
🧰 Route Breakdown
- 1. Pooley Bridge → Maiden Castle → Howtown — Gentle farmland and fellside walking. Big views toward the northern end of Ullswater.
- 2. Howtown → Hallin Fell Traverse — The most dramatic section — rolling fellside beneath Hallin Fell with huge lake views. A highlight of the circuit.
- 3. Hallin Fell → Patterdale — Woodland, shoreline, and quiet trails. Constant views toward Helvellyn and the Eastern Fells.
- 4. Patterdale → Glenridding → Aira Force — Village paths, lakeshore sections, and the famous waterfalls at Aira Force. Scenic and varied.
- 5. Aira Force → Pooley Bridge — Longer woodland and shoreline paths. Gentle terrain and a calm finish to the circuit.
Practical
⚠️ Difficulty & Hazards
- Length: The full circuit is long — stamina matters.
- Terrain: Mostly easy, but some sections are uneven or muddy after rain.
- Navigation: Simple, well-signed, but a GPX helps with section planning.
- Crowds: Popular around Aira Force and Glenridding.
- Weather: Low-level, but exposed shoreline can feel cold in wind.
🌠️ Who This Route Suits
- Walkers wanting a long, scenic, low-level day
- Families and mixed-ability groups (sectioned)
- Anyone wanting a break from steep mountain terrain
- People who enjoy varied landscapes and shoreline walking
Not ideal for
- Walkers seeking technical or high-mountain terrain
- Poor-visibility days — views are the main draw
- Anyone wanting a short, sharp outing
📱 Parking & Logistics
- Parking: Multiple options: Pooley Bridge, Glenridding, Aira Force, Patterdale.
- Facilities: Cafés, pubs, toilets, and shops in Pooley Bridge, Glenridding, and Patterdale.
- Transport: Ullswater Steamers allow section-walking. Regular buses to Pooley Bridge and Glenridding.
🧰 GPX & Map Notes
On OS Explorer OL5. The route is well-signed, but a GPX helps with section planning and shoreline variations.
⭐ MX Summary: The Ullswater Way is the Lake District's best low-level long walk — scenic, varied, and flexible. Woodland, shoreline, fellside, and villages combine into a full circuit that feels fresh from start to finish. If you want a long day without the steepness of the high fells, this is the line.