Best Walks with Kids Around Ullswater in The Lake District: Fun and Scenic Routes for Families

Ullswater, located in the heart of the Lake District, is one of the most beautiful areas in the UK. With its stunning landscapes, picturesque villages, and tranquil lakes, it’s no wonder that Ullswater is a popular destination for families. One of the best ways to explore this area is on foot, and plenty of walks are suitable for families with kids of all ages.

From short, easy strolls to more challenging hikes, there is something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely walk with young children or a more adventurous hike with older kids, Ullswater has it all. Many walks offer spectacular views of the lake and surrounding mountains, making them perfect for family photo opportunities.

This article will explore some of the best walks with kids around Ullswater in the Lake District. We’ll provide details on each walk’s length, difficulty level, and highlights, so you can choose the one best suited for your family. So, grab your walking shoes, pack a picnic, and get ready to explore the stunning scenery of Ullswater with your family.

Why Ullswater is Great for Walks with Kids

Ullswater is a fantastic destination for families looking for outdoor adventures with their kids. Its stunning scenery, picturesque villages, and varied terrain offer plenty of opportunities for memorable walks suitable for children of all ages.

One of the best things about Ullswater is that it’s surrounded by Lakeland Fells, which provide a dramatic backdrop for any walk. But don’t worry; you don’t have to be an experienced mountaineer to enjoy the scenery. Plenty of easy walks are suitable for families with young children, as well as more challenging hikes for older kids and adults.

Another reason Ullswater is great for walks with kids is that plenty of amenities are available in the surrounding villages. You’ll find plenty of cafes, restaurants, and pubs where you can stop for a break and refuel before continuing your walk. And if you need to stock up on supplies, there are several shops and supermarkets in the area where you can buy snacks, drinks, and other essentials.

Finally, Ullswater has several attractions to keep kids entertained during your walk. For example, you can ride on the Ullswater Steamers, which offer stunning views of the surrounding scenery. Or you can visit Aira Force, a beautiful waterfall surrounded by woodland that offers plenty of opportunities for exploring and playing.

Top 5 Walks to Do with Kids in Ullswater

Ullswater is a great place to visit with kids, and plenty of walks and hikes are suitable for families with children. Here are the top 5 walks to do with kids in Ullswater:

Pooley Bridge to Aira Force is a great walk for families with younger children. The path is well-maintained and relatively flat, making it easy for kids to walk. Along the way, you’ll pass through beautiful woodlands and see the stunning Aira Force waterfall.

Gowbarrow Fell is another great walk for families with younger children. The walk is short and easy, but the views from the top are breathtaking. Kids will love running around on the open fell and exploring the rocky outcrops.

Glencoyne Bay is a gentle walk that takes you along the shore of Ullswater. This walk is perfect for families with young children who want to enjoy the stunning scenery without doing anything too strenuous. Along the way, you’ll see beautiful views of the lake and the surrounding fells.

The Ullswater Way is a long walk that takes you around the whole of Ullswater. This walk is perfect for families who want to spend a whole day exploring the area. The path is well-maintained and relatively flat, making it easy for kids to walk. Along the way, you’ll see stunning views of the lake and the surrounding fells.

Howtown to Glenridding is a more challenging walk that takes you along the eastern shore of Ullswater. This walk is best for families with older children who are up for a challenge. Along the way, you’ll see stunning views of the lake and the surrounding falls, pass through beautiful woodlands, and open fell.

1. Aira Force Waterfall Walk

Aira Force is one of the most famous waterfalls in the Lake District and a great place to take kids for a walk. The waterfall is close to Glenridding and easily accessible from the car park, which has plenty of parking spaces, toilets and a cafe.

The walk to Aira Force waterfall is relatively easy and takes you through beautiful woodland with lush green ferns and evergreen specimen conifers. You will hear the thunderous roar of the waterfall as you approach it, and then you will see its impressive 65ft drop.

If you have young children, you may want to take the shorter loop that takes you to the base of the waterfall and back down to the car park. This loop is just under a mile long and takes about an hour to complete. It’s an excellent walk for combining with a boat trip on Ullswater, as steamers stop at the Aira Force pier in the summer.

For a longer walk, you can try the Aira Force and Gowbarrow trail, which takes you through the woodland and up to the summit of Gowbarrow Fell. This circular walk is about 4 miles long and takes about 2 hours. Along the way, you will enjoy expansive views over Ullswater from the summit of Gowbarrow.

2. Glenridding Dodd Walk

The Glenridding Dodd Walk is a fantastic option for families exploring the Lake District. This walk takes you to a vantage point overlooking neighbouring falls and nearby Ullswater. The ascent is steep, but the stunning views make an effort worthwhile. The walk is approximately 3.5 miles long and takes 2-3 hours.

The route starts in the village of Glenridding and follows a well-defined path up the fell. The path is steep in places, but it is not too difficult for children to manage. The views from the top are breathtaking, and on a clear day, you can see for miles around.

There are several picnic spots along the way, so you can stop for a break and enjoy the scenery. The walk is dog-friendly, so you can bring your furry friend along for the adventure.

If you want to extend the walk, you can continue along the Ullswater Way footpath for around 30km. This makes an ideal way to explore the area and enjoy the stunning scenery.

3. Pooley Bridge to Howtown Walk

One of the most popular walks around Ullswater is the Pooley Bridge to Howtown walk. This walk is perfect for families with kids as it offers breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. The walk is about 6 miles long and takes approximately 2-3 hours.

The walk starts at Pooley Bridge and follows the lakeside path before heading up the hillside for stunning views. The path is well-maintained and easy to follow, making it suitable for children of all ages. You’ll pass through beautiful woodland and open fields along the way, with plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the scenery.

As you approach Howtown, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. This is a great spot to take a break and enjoy a picnic lunch or a refreshing swim in the lake. You can walk back to Pooley Bridge or take the Ullswater Steamer back to your starting point.

• Distance: 6 miles
• Duration: 2-3 hours
• Difficulty: Easy
• Highlights: Stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains, beautiful woodland and open fields, opportunities for picnics and swimming in the lake

The Pooley Bridge to Howtown walk is a must-do for families visiting Ullswater. With its easy terrain and breathtaking views, it’s the perfect way to spend a day exploring the beauty of the Lake District.

4. Hallin Fell Walk

Hallin Fell is a popular and well-known Lake District fell with a stunning 360 panoramic view over Ullswater and the surrounding area. It is a fantastic starter fell for children and an excellent route for beginners, as it is fairly simple to follow and has good terrain. The walk is short and sweet, with a total distance of 1.9 km and a time of approximately 1 hour.

The St. Peter’s Church car park in Martindale is the Hallin Fell walk’s best starting point. From there, follow the path up the fell, which is well-marked and easy to follow. The path is steep in places but not too challenging for children. As you walk up, you will be rewarded with stunning views of Ullswater and the surrounding area.

Once you reach the summit of Hallin Fell, take some time to enjoy the panoramic views. On a clear day, you can see to the Scottish borders. There is also a trig point at the summit, which makes for a great photo opportunity.

After enjoying the views, you can retrace your steps back to the car park or continue to Lowther Barn Cafe, a great spot for a cup of tea or a bite to eat. The route to the cafe follows the Ullswater Way, which is a gentle and scenic walk.

5. Gowbarrow Fell Walk

Gowbarrow Fell is an excellent option for families looking for a moderate walk with stunning views of Ullswater. The trail is approximately 5 miles long and takes 2-3 hours to complete. The ascent is around 1,200 feet. The trail is challenging in parts, but it is manageable for children over 6.

The trail starts at Aira Force car park and follows the Aira Beck stream. The trail then ascends to the summit of Gowbarrow Fell, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Ullswater and the surrounding fells. The trail then descends back to the car park through Gowbarrow Park.

It is important to note that the trail can be muddy and slippery in parts, so it is recommended to wear appropriate footwear. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead as the area is grazed with livestock.

Here are some key details about the Gowbarrow Fell Walk:

Overall, the Gowbarrow Fell Walk is a fantastic option for families looking for a moderate walk with stunning views of Ullswater. Just be sure to wear appropriate footwear and keep your dog on a lead.

Tips for Walking with Kids in Ullswater

Walking with kids can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging. Here are some tips to help make your family walks around Ullswater more enjoyable:

• Choose the right walk: Make sure the walk is suitable for your children’s age and ability. Look for shorter walks with interesting features like waterfalls, lakes, and castles.
• Prepare for the weather: The weather in the Lake District can be unpredictable, so make sure you bring appropriate clothing and footwear for your family.
• Bring snacks and water: Pack some and plenty of water to energise your children during the walk.
• Take breaks: Regular breaks to rest, take in the scenery and let your children explore the surroundings.
• Encourage exploration: Encourage your children to explore their surroundings and engage with nature. Look out for wildlife, flowers, and interesting rocks.
• Make it fun: Keep your children engaged by playing games or telling stories. You can also create a scavenger hunt or a nature bingo to make the walk more exciting.
• Respect the environment: Teach your children to respect the environment by not littering and staying on the designated paths.

By following these tips, you can make your family walks around Ullswater a fun and memorable experience for everyone.

Conclusion

The Lake District is a fantastic place to visit with kids, and Ullswater offers some of the best walks and hikes in the area. Whether you’re looking for a short, easy stroll or a longer, more challenging hike, there’s something for everyone.

One of the best things about Ullswater is the variety of walks available. From the stunning Aira Force waterfall to the breathtaking views from the top of Helvellyn, there’s no shortage of natural beauty to explore. And with plenty of family-friendly activities like boating, kayaking, and camping, you can easily spend a whole week in the area without getting bored.

Overall, we highly recommend Ullswater for families exploring the Lake District. With its stunning scenery, a diverse range of walks, and family-friendly activities, it’s the perfect destination for a fun and memorable holiday.