Kate Atkin
09 March 2021
Holidays are all about relaxing and enjoying a change of scenery. For some people, the narrow lanes and steep passes of Lakeland mean that driving around is anything but relaxing. Many of our Lake District cottages have parking spaces, so why not take advantage of the excellent bus service to go off exploring? On several lakes there is also a boat service, operating round-the-lake trips with various stopping points. We have several Lake District cottages in Ullswater and Patterdale, which are handy for the steamer service on Ullswater.
Ullswater Steamers are great for a number of interesting linear walks, the beauty of which is that you do not need to retrace your steps or complete a circular walk back to your starting point. Here are three great walks from our Ullswater cottages in the Lake District, suitable for any ability.
Low level
Take the steamer from Glenridding to Howtown and walk clockwise along the shore of the lake. This is a very simple low-level walk underneath the diminutive Hallin Fell and the wonderful viewpoint of Silver Crag on Place Fell. There are no refreshments on the route, but you can call into the Howtown Hotel before you set off. They serve an excellent afternoon tea with homemade treats. The walk is about 8 miles in length but there are no big climbs. If 8 miles seems like too much, then you can walk around the base of the fell for a shorter, gentler route back to where you started.
Medium level
Disembark at Howtown and make your way around the front of Hallin Fell (or over the top) and aim for Beda Fell. This is a lovely climb and great for older children, the climb is not too steep and maintains interest with rocky resting places on the route upwards. You can continue to the Angle Tarn Pikes, which are ripe for exploring or drop down to Boredale Hause, where the chapel ruins are perfect for a picnic. From Boredale Hause it is a simple walk downhill along a clear path to Patterdale, 1 mile from Glenridding. At the end of the path downhill, you pass through a farm that serves simple hot and cold drinks, snacks and ice cream.
High level
Take the steamer from Pooley Bridge to Howtown. Walk up the valley of Fusedale, slowly climbing along the beck towards Wether Hill. Although the climb at the head of the valley is steep, it is not far to climb onto Wether Hill. On reaching the grassy top of Wether Hill, you will find yourself on an ancient Roman road, which stretches from Ambleside to Penrith. To continue climbing to the south, it leads to Rampsgill Head and High Street, the mountain which takes its name from the road. This walk returns to Pooley Bridge, walking north along the ridge to Loadpot Hill. There are interesting ruins on the summit and as you descend further, there are several ancient stone circles. The largest of these is called The Cockpit. Eventually, the path following the course of the road turns to the left and joins a minor road back to Pooley Bridge.
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please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.