You may recall back in 2015, when ‘Storm Desmond’ (the forth in that season), wreaked havoc on the UK, including Pooley Bridge and the nearby village of Glenridding. The heavy storms caused river Ulls Water to burst its banks, damaging surrounding hotels, shops and infrastructure, making the road impassable. In the coming months the river bed was structurally lowered, which finally resolved the issues going forward. As an incentive to draw visitors back to the area, the instillation of the Ullswater Way was final no longer a debate, but was set in motion by National Trust. More detailed information here.
This 20 mile circular route can be attempted in one day, and often is by the super fit fell-runner types amongst us. My days of exuberant challenges are behind me (maybe?), and so I along with many others choose to tackle it in two halves, which is still a shift. I did the first half last year with family from Glenridding to Pooley Bridge over Gowbarrow Fell, and this year doing the second half with my usual dog in tow from Patterdale to Pooley bridge via Howtown.
The entirety of the route offers superb unforgettable views, which make for a wonderful family day for those with a decent level of fitness. Image showing Norfolk Island on Ullswater.
Glenridding to Pooley Bridge (June 2023) approximately 10 miles via Gowbarrow Fell ~ return on the Ullswater Ferry
The route begins across the road from the main carpark at Glenridding, initially taking you along the lake bank before crossing over the main road and shortly the start of some elevation. Don’t worry as it is not particularly steep at any point.Once you have located the start of the route, thereinafter it is incredibly easy to navigate, allowing you to relax and simply enjoy the views.Once arriving at Pooley Bridge we nipped into Granny Dowbekins Cafe to gather some much needed takeaway munches to enjoy on the return journey aboard the Ullswater Ferry. The ferry ride takes about an hour and so very relaxing, dropping you back to the Glenridding after your glorious day.
Patterdale to Pooley Bridge (June 2024) approximately 10 miles Bus to Patterdale ~ hike via Howtown
The image above shows the previous 18th century bridge, which was also destroyed by Storm Desmond and rebuilt in 2020. This reopened the floodgates (pardon the pun) to the towns much needed tourist income.The Carpark’s location is illustrated above and just to the side of bridge. The fee to park with no time restraints, is £8. With a queue at the parking meter and only two minutes to catch the bus, I simply paid later on the app while sat in the sun drinking tea. Occasionally I remember to appreciate advancements in technology. I decided to save pennies by getting the bus rather than the ferry. The bus stop is located across from the Crown Inn (illustrated above), number 508 and arrives at twenty past the hour. with the cost being a mere £2. Well behaved dogs are welcome to travel with you and free of charge. To me it made far better sense to use transport to the start of the hike, rather than returning at the end. Because we go to the lakes to feel relaxed, enveloped in tranquillity with no need to rush.From Pooley Bridge you need to catch the bus to Patterdale Hotel. This is the furthest stop on the route, where the bus will turn around. Jump off here and back-track down the road for a short while until you see this sign across the road (image left), directing you to the start through Side Farm (Image right). Go down here, turn left, over the bridge to the Farm Campsite, turn right and you are on the Ullswater Way route for the next 10 miles.The paths are well laid and the views are spectacular.With plenty of vantage points for tea breaks, to while away time watching the paddleboarders and ferries.Hiking on hot days can be very stressful for dogs, resulting in issues such as heat exhaustion. So it is important to keep them in the shade as much as possible, with plenty of rest and hydration. My beautiful collie Lady was grateful of this.This is where the route draws to a close, beginning the short descent down to Park Foot Holiday Park and along the last bit of the lake to Pooley Bridge. I can’t tell you how desperate Lady was to get back to the van for a sleep and how eager I was for a delicious ice-cream.
A beautiful end to another glorious day.
I gazed and gazed with little thought what wealth this show to me had brought
