Ullswater
Ullswater is the second largest lake in the Lake District at 7.5 miles long. It is on average 3/4 mile wide and has a maximum depth of 205 feet at Howtown. The lake has three distinct bends giving it a dog’s leg appearance.
The closest town is Penrith, some 6 miles north east of the northern tip of the lake. An attractive market town, and gateway to the Eden Valley, Penrith has junctions on both the M6 and A66, making Ullswater one of the Lake District’s most accessible lakes.
The village of Pooley Bridge is at the northern end of the lake, Glenridding at the southern end, with Howtown about halfway down. Other villages along the lake are Patterdale and Watermillock.
Ullswater is clear but deep, and in the deepest part lives a curious fish called the skelly, a species of char.
Looking South West down the lake. Aerial photo by Simon Ledingham.
On Ullswater Lake
Ullswater Cruises operate two diesel craft ‘Raven’ and ‘Lady of the Lake’ during the summmertime.
Possibly the best lakeshore walk is found on the south eastern shore, between Howtown and Glenridding – two of the three stopping points for the boats, with striking views across Ullswater’s most attractive section.
Boat hire is available on the lake shores as well as sailing and windsurfing courses. The Glenridding Sailing Centre (external link) is located on the Spit at Glenridding and hires out kayaks, Canadian Canoes, sailing dinghies and traditional boats as well as offering tuition.
Ullswater 3rd reach, and Glenridding.
A visit to Glencoyne Park by William and Dorothy Wordsworth on 15 April 1802, gave him the inspiration to write his most famous poem, ‘Daffodils’.
See more photo of Ullswater
Accommodation Links :
- Beauthorn Cottage and the Coach House sleep 4 each and have a lakeside location with a private beach, mooring and a boat house.
- 4* Macdonald Leeming House Hotel – one of the finest 4-star Lake District hotels offering luxury and comfort in beautiful surroundings.
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Grid Ref : NY 440205
