Last updated: 10 November 2026
The Ullswater Way links lakeside villages, woodland, open fell and quieter bays in a circuit around Ullswater. You can make it a demanding full-day walk or choose one section and build a more relaxed outing around a boat trip or bus journey.
The promoted circuit is approximately 20 miles (32km). Alternative paths, diversions and journeys to your starting point change the distance, so map your chosen route rather than relying on the headline mileage.
Compare the four sections · Plan boats and buses · Find nearby stays
Choose a section before planning your transport
The full circuit is a long walk, with uneven ground and repeated climbs. Low-level does not mean flat. Choose a section that suits the whole group, then check how you will reach the start and return afterwards.
Aira Force boat update: checked on 30 October 2026, Ullswater ‘Steamers’ says its Aira Force sailings are not operating until further notice and are planned to return in 2027. Check the operator’s current timetable before arranging a walk that depends on a boat.
Plan the four Ullswater Way stages
Compare the published route guides, approximate times and downloadable GPX tracks. These are our mapped track distances, not always the promoted stage distances. Every stage is a linear walk, so arrange return transport before setting out.
Pooley Bridge to Aira Force
11.52 km mapped GPX · 3.5–5 hours plus stops
Moderate; fields, woodland and fellside tracks
Aira Force to Glenridding
4.22 km mapped GPX · 1.5–2.5 hours plus stops
Easy to moderate; lakeshore and a roadside section
Glenridding to Howtown
10.38 km mapped GPX · 3.5–5 hours plus stops
Moderate to challenging; remote, rocky shoreline
Howtown to Pooley Bridge
7.24 km mapped GPX · 2.5–3.5 hours plus stops
Moderate; lower-route variation through countryside
GPX note: These tracks have not all been checked on the ground. Confirm official waymarks, path conditions, any diversions and your transport plan. The Howtown to Pooley Bridge file follows a specific lower-route variation, not every possible alternative.
The four main sections of the Ullswater Way
These approximate stage distances follow the Ullswater Association’s route breakdown. They are rounded and include route choices, so do not add them together to calculate an exact circuit length. Use a current map for the paths you intend to follow.
On mobile, scroll the table sideways to see all columns.
| Section | Approximate distance | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Pooley Bridge to Aira Force | 6½ miles / 10.7km | Fields and woodland, with route choices near Gowbarrow |
| Aira Force to Glenridding | 3 miles / 4.6km | Glencoyne paths and shoreline views; a roadside stretch near Stybarrow Crag |
| Glenridding to Howtown | 6½ miles / 10.5km | Undulating eastern-shore walking, including rocky sections |
| Howtown to Pooley Bridge | 5 miles / 8km | Farmland and open fell, with lower and higher alternatives |
Read the Ullswater Association’s route overview and the National Park’s Ullswater Way information alongside your map.
The overview map is shown beneath the introduction above. Use a current detailed map and check local diversions before walking.
Pick the section that suits your day
Pooley Bridge to Aira Force
Start by deciding whether to follow the lower route or include higher ground around Gowbarrow. The choice affects ascent and distance. If you want time to explore Aira Force, allow for that separately from the stage walk.
Plan an onward bus or another confirmed return arrangement. Do not assume a sailing from Aira Force will be available.
Aira Force to Glenridding
This is the shortest of the four headline stages and takes in Glencoyne. It is still important to assess the complete route: a relatively level section does not make every part accessible.
The National Park identifies approximately 200 metres beside the A592 at Stybarrow Crag. Take particular care there, especially with children or dogs.
Glenridding to Howtown
This eastern-shore section is a good option to investigate for a walk-and-cruise day. The route is undulating and rocky in places, so allow more time than you would for a flat lakeside promenade.
One planning approach is to take a confirmed boat first and walk back towards your base. If you walk to a return sailing instead, leave a generous margin and have a realistic alternative if you miss it.
Howtown to Pooley Bridge
Choose your exact line before setting out: lower paths and higher fell alternatives offer different days. Do not follow a higher option simply because a sign or map shows it without checking the extra effort involved.
The National Park notes a stone step stile on the lower route. Avoiding it via Askham Fell introduces a different route; it does not establish that the higher path will suit a wheelchair or pushchair.
Combining the walk with boats and buses
Ullswater ‘Steamers’ connects Glenridding, Howtown and Pooley Bridge on its current published programme. Not every sailing serves every stop. Check the date, direction and last useful departure before committing to a route.
The operator describes the Howtown–Glenridding walk as approximately seven miles, while the Association’s stage summary gives 6½ miles. Starting points and route choices affect these figures; plan using the exact walk and pier access you choose.
For travel into the valley, investigate rail to Penrith followed by a bus connection. The Friends of the Ullswater Way planning page links to local bus information. Services vary by season, so check the timetable for your actual travel date.
Do not assume there is visitor parking at Howtown pier: the Steamers operator states that there is no parking there. If travelling by car, plan a suitable starting point and keep clear of gateways and narrow passing places.
Our Ullswater Steamers guide explains the attraction, with an affiliate link to browse cruise options. Check what any ticket includes; it may not match the transport needed for your chosen walk.
We may earn a commission from bookings through affiliate links, at no extra cost to you.
Can you walk the whole Ullswater Way in one day?
Yes, experienced and well-prepared walkers can tackle the circuit in a day, but it is a substantial undertaking. The National Park grades it “Harder” and lists a 14-hour duration. Your pace, route, breaks and conditions will determine your own timing.
Splitting the circuit over several days gives you more time for village stops and photographs. For an autumn or winter visit, shorter stages are often easier to fit around daylight and limited public transport.
The route opened in 2016, following partnership work by local organisations and communities after the 2015 floods. The original launch announcement explains its background.
Maps, equipment and access
- Carry navigation you can use. Download mapping before leaving and take a suitable backup; mobile reception cannot be relied on throughout the valley.
- Prepare for changing weather. Bring appropriate footwear, waterproofs, warm layers, food, water and a torch. Leave your route and expected return time with someone.
- Check the full route for your group. Gates, stiles, rough ground and roadside sections matter when walking with children, dogs or anyone with mobility needs.
- Follow the countryside signs. Keep dogs under close control around livestock, close gates and take litter home.
For a shorter accessible outing, investigate a specific route rather than assuming the whole circuit is suitable. Confirm current surfaces and access with the official route information.
Check our travel and weather alerts and the National Park’s walking safety advice. In a walking emergency, call 999 or 112 and ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue.
Where to stay for the Ullswater Way
Pooley Bridge is worth comparing for stages around the northern end of the lake. Glenridding and Patterdale put you near the southern end. Choose a base around the walks and transport you actually intend to use.
Penrith is another option if you prefer a town base, but check the cost and timing of daily journeys into the valley. Ask accommodation providers about breakfast times, packed lunches and drying space if those facilities matter to your plans.
These are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Transport and walking arrangements are separate from accommodation bookings.
Explore our Ullswater guide and Lake District places to stay for more options.
Kath Beattie studied Journalism at The University of Central Lancashire and now writes for several Travel publications. She recently moved to The Lake District and enjoys walking her 3 dogs every day across the fells.
