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A mini guide to
Ullswater & Pooley Bridge: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Walk and sail
The 20-mile Ullswater Way has boat and bus stopping points, so you can walk a section and take a cruise back. The National Park Authority has maps on its Ullswater Way page.
Howtown to Glenridding
The Authority notes that Wainwright rated the walk from Howtown back to Glenridding as the most beautiful lake walk in the National Park. Take the boat out to Howtown first.
Stile-free routes
The Authority lists two easy-access routes: Pooley Bridge to Gale Bay (1.1 miles) and Brothers Water (2.3 miles).
Helvellyn needs kit
The Authority says every route up Helvellyn requires proper equipment, and publishes a walkers checklist and a winter Weatherline report.
Kirkstone Pass
The Authority calls Kirkstone the Lake District's highest pass and says the road is steep and should be driven with care; it suggests the 508 bus instead.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is Ullswater & Pooley Bridge?
Ullswater & Pooley Bridge is in Cumbria, England. A long lake with steamers, a waterfall and Helvellyn behind Glenridding. Nearby stops and stations include Bus 508, Ullswater Hopper, Ullswater 'Steamers'.
How long do I need in Ullswater & Pooley Bridge?
1 to 2 days. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include Ullswater, Ullswater 'Steamers', Aira Force. See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: Bus 508 (Stagecoach); Ullswater Hopper (SITU Cumbria); Ullswater 'Steamers' (Ullswater Steamers). The Getting there page links to the official schedules and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 12 places to eat and drink in and around Ullswater & Pooley Bridge, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 10 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is Ullswater & Pooley Bridge accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in Ullswater & Pooley Bridge
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
Glenridding
Village at the southern end of Ullswater with an information center, a steamer pier and routes up Helvellyn.
Aira Force
Waterfall of 69 feet (21 meters) in several drops, with viewing bridges, owned by the National Trust.
Gowbarrow Fell
Low fell north of Ullswater beside Aira Beck, with the Aira Force waterfall on one side.
The Lake District
More areas to explore
Coniston & Hawkshead
Ruskin, Beatrix Potter and a boat on Coniston Water, between two small villages
Open the mini guide →
Wasdale & Eskdale
England's deepest lake and highest mountain, and a little railway through Eskdale
Open the mini guide →
Windermere & Bowness
England's largest lake, with lake cruises, a railway station and a lakeside town
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- Pooley Bridge: Martin Dawes, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Glenridding: Diliff, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Aira Force: Ballantyne108, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Gowbarrow Fell: Roger Templeman, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Coniston & Hawkshead: Martin Jeffries, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Wasdale & Eskdale: John260660, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Windermere & Bowness: Anthony Foster, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Ambleside & Grasmere: Bill Boaden, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Keswick & Derwentwater: Antiquary, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
Keep exploring the Lake District