Ullswater by Boat

The Ullswater Steamers have been running on Ullswater since 1859. The current fleet includes two Victorian steam-powered vessels. They connect three piers: Glenridding at the south end, Howtown on the eastern shore, and Pooley Bridge at the north end. Taking the steamer is the best single day out on Ullswater, and the Howtown to Glenridding walk makes it genuinely memorable.

The routes

Glenridding to Howtown

The most useful journey for walkers. The steamer takes approximately 35 minutes and deposits you at Howtown pier on the wild eastern shore. From here, the lakeshore path back to Glenridding is 6 miles of excellent walking. The path is signed and clear throughout, mostly flat, with the lake to the left and the eastern fells rising steeply to the right.

Glenridding to Pooley Bridge

The full lake crossing, around an hour, via Howtown. Good for seeing the whole lake and the landscape variety from north to south. Pooley Bridge at the north end is a small village with a decent pub. Return from Pooley Bridge by road or by steamer on the return service.

The walk: Howtown to Glenridding

6 miles, 3 to 4 hours, mostly flat with some gentle ups and downs around the headlands. The path is well-established and clear throughout. There is nothing between Howtown pier and Patterdale in terms of food or facilities, so carry lunch and water for the walk. The path passes through Sandwick, where there is a small stream crossing, and along the higher flanks above Hallin Fell before descending to Patterdale and then Glenridding.

Dogs on the steamers

Dogs are welcome on the Ullswater Steamers at no extra charge. They must be kept on a lead on the boat. The decks are manageable for dogs of any size. The walk back from Howtown is excellent with dogs, though there are some livestock fields on the lower path sections near Sandwick.

Practical information

• →Glenridding car park (CA11 0PD): pay and display, fills early on summer weekends
• →The steamer service is seasonal, with a full timetable from Easter to October and reduced winter services
• →Book online at ullswater-steamers.co.uk, or buy at the pier kiosk: arrive 15 minutes before departure
• →The Glenridding Hotel bar is the best post-walk option at the southern pier
• →The Pooley Bridge Inn at the northern pier is good if you are doing the full lake crossing

Damian Roche

Founder, Churchtown Media. Builder of TheLakesGuide.co.uk, TheLakesWildlife.co.uk, and HikeTheLakes.com. Southport-based. Regular Lakes visitor for decades.