Ullswater lies in the midst of some of the loveliest scenery in the Lake District. It is almost nine miles long and is sometimes compared to the lakes of Switzerland. The Pooley Bridge lies at the northern end of the lake, where meadows mix with woods at the water’s edge. In the middle section of the lake, the scenery is bolder and some of the fells rise sheer from the water. At the Patterdale end of Ullswater, the mountain panorama is stunning. There are a few small settlements by the lakeside and many lovely walks along the shores. Perhaps the best of these walks is the six mile ramble from Howtown to Patterdale. The views from this path are some of the best in Lakeland.
At the far end of the lake is Helvellyn. St Sunday Crag, Glencoyne and Stybarrow Crag can all be seen from this end of the lake. Place Fell swoops down almost to the edge of the water and the Kirkstone Pass can be seen at the head of the valley. A boat trip around Ullswater is one of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of the scenery. Much of the land around the lake belongs to the National Trust. Some say that Wordsworth’s “Daffodils” was written at Gowbarrow, overlooking this lake. It is certainly a scene to inspire poetry. Artists have been inspired too and Turner painted around this lake.
Ullswater lies in the north east of the Lake District. It has not been developed commercially to the same extent as Windermere and still maintains much of its natural tranquillity. It is popular with those enjoying various water sports and it is possible to hire rowing boats and canoes at Glenridding or Patterdale by the lake side.
