The Ullswater Way One-Day Challenge
Twenty miles, tremendous lake-side walking and totally fabulous Lake District views make up this guided challenge walk.
Experience Type: One Day Experience
Distance: Approx. 20 miles (32.2km), with 859m (2,818ft) of ascent
Duration: Most groups complete this walk in 10-12 hours
Accommodation: Not Included
Level: Tough (Walking) - learn how we grade our walks
Age: 18+
Dogs: No dogs, except trained assistance dogs
In a Nutshell:
Revel in the fact that you’ve circumnavigated the whole of the Lake District’s 2nd biggest lake in one day.
Really appreciate the contrasting scenery en-route – craggy outcrops, parkland, waterfalls, woodland, moors, boathouses, oh and more water!
Soak up the superb vistas and enjoy the company of fellow challengers, while a Large Outdoors guide takes care of the navigation.
Collections: The Lake District : Challenges : Long Distance Walks
How do we grade our walks?
The 20-mile Ullswater Way was created from existing trails to try and attract visitors back to the Lake District in the aftermath of terrible flooding that virtually wiped out the livelihoods and communities of people living in Pooley Bridge and Glenridding.
So, from a disaster, a fantastic walkers’ route has emerged and for that - as well as the fact that it meanders through exceptional, jaw dropping scenery - we think it deserves a gold star and more. While it is certainly a challenge to do all 20 miles in one day, the route’s relatively low level and terrain means that it’s not quite as tough as say the Yorkshire Three Peaks, our Edale Skyline Challenge or Castle to Abbey Coastal Challenge. The walking surfaces vary with some grassy paths, gravel tracks and some steeper stone paths. With 859m (2,818ft) of ascent, there’s still plenty of up and down to give those legs and lungs a good workout.
So, a challenge it is indeed, and one that will take most groups 10-12 hours to complete. Will you take on The Ullswater Way One-Day Challenge with Large Outdoors?
Suggested Itinerary
We meet at 7am in Glenridding, where your Large Outdoors guide will talk you through the day ahead. We can walk the Ullswater Way in either direction but the description below gives a broad outline of the route.
From Glenridding to Howtown the path follows alongside the road before cutting across the open valley to Side Farm and then turning north to skirt the lake. Wainwright referred to this stretch of path as “the most beautiful and rewarding walk in the Lakeland” and quite frankly, it’s easy to see why! Ancient tracts of woodland give way to quiet open fells and expansive lake-side views - simply stunning!
From Howtown, we continue through farmland and across the Martindale fells in one of the quietest Lakeland spots before reaching the hubbub of Pooley Bridge. Then we pick up the path into woods and across fields to Maiden Castle, which is now just a grassy knoll but provides a fantastic vantage point to look right along the Ullswater Valley.
We then reach the spectacular Aira Force, a 65-foot waterfall before we drop down to the Glencoyne Deer Park, the place where William Wordsworth saw a huge swathe of daffodils on the lake shore that inspired him to write his famous poem. Then we shall follow the paths meandering along the lake’s side, looking across to the distant shores we passed earlier, until we’re back in Glenridding.
Once back, there are a handful of pubs in the village to perhaps join your fellow participants and go for a celebratory drink or meal to celebrate the day’s achievement of completing the Ullswater Way!
Good to Know
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Meeting Time: 7am
Meeting Location:
Ullswater Information Centre
Beckside Car Park
Glenridding
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Parking: There meeting location is within Beckside Car Park. £8 per vehicle charge applies - pay by cash or RingGo app.
Public Transport: Unfortunately, the meeting location and time for this Large Outdoors experience is not accessible by public transport. Ullswater Information Centre is located 13 miles from the nearest Train Station at Penrith, with services to/from London, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
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Included:
A Large Outdoors guide to lead you on The Ullswater One-Day Challenge.
The chance to make new friends and meet like-minded people - Large Outdoors is all about making outdoor adventures sociable.
Pre-event support from the Large Outdoors team - give us a shout if there’s any advice or information you need and check out our Blog for useful articles too.
Not included:
Travel to and from the meeting location.
Any food, drinks or goods you choose to purchase at any shops, restaurant, pubs or cafés visited.
Travel/activity insurance - we recommend having insurance to cover, at a minimum: cancellation and curtailment; medical and emergency expenses (including repatriation); personal accident; injury and death.
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Please see our General (Walking) Kit List.
The compulsory items are selected for your safety, which is of paramount importance to us at Large Outdoors. Each participant should be carrying the items listed.
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• What level of fitness is needed?
This trip is rated as Tough (Walking). You’ll be walking around 20 miles (32.2km) on the day, so ensure your training walks are an appropriate length and don’t forget to include some hills! Click here to see Large Outdoors’ Experience Levels.• Is there a time limit?
We generally allow up to 12 hours to complete the walk, which is adequate for the majority of participants. Our guides do their very best to accommodate the speed of the group they are leading, whilst providing the encouragement needed to complete the challenge. Most groups complete this walk in 10-12 hours.• Can I buy food/drink on the walk?
There are usually options for water refills or food along the route at Pooley Bridge and Aira Force. However, these businesses are independently operated, so we can’t guarantee availability. Therefore, you should bring sufficient water (at least 2-3 litres per person) and plenty of food for the day.• Is there a toilet?
There are usually public toilets available near the meeting location and along the route at Pooley Bridge and Aira Force. However, these are independently operated, so we can’t guarantee availability.• Can I attend on my own?
Absolutely. The majority of our participants are solo travellers and adventurers. Plenty of fun, laughter and numerous long-term friendships (and a few marriages!) have begun on Large Outdoors experiences since 2008, so there’s no need to feel worried about your first experience, or indeed trying a new type of outdoor activity, with us.• What transport is provided during this trip?
We do not provide any transport for this experience.• Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are not allowed on this experience, except for trained assistance dogs. If you wish to bring your trained assistance dog, please let us know in advance of booking so we can discuss the itinerary and any activity/equipment, and of course additional safety requirements or considerations that may be necessary.
