Boats on Ullswater copyright Charlie Hedley

Miles Without Stiles 1: Pooley Bridge to Gale Bay

Please also note that this route has been downgraded from 'for many' to 'for some', due to two slopes over 1:5 gradient (see description below).


Miles Without Stiles

Along the shore of Ullswater. Two steep sections may prove difficult for solo wheelchair and mobility scooter users. OS Explorer Map OL7

Route for some. 1.8km distance.

Route

This is a linear route (0.9km each way) along the shore of Ullswater, providing superb views along the northern reaches of the lake.

This wide path leaves the car park entrance and heads south past Dunmere. There is one gate to pass through on the way to the boathouse, halfway between the gate and boathouse there is a seat. Keep to the left past the boathouse and up a short but steep (1:4) ramp to follow a raised path above the shoreline.

With care, drop down another short steep ramp (1:5 slope, with a 1:8 cross-slope) and go through another gate. Warning: this may be dangerous for those on wheeled equipment. Cross a footbridge and follow the path to a concrete pad on your right. From here you can watch the Ullswater Steamers make their journey to Howtown and Glenridding. Looking north you can see the steep mound of Dunmallard Hill with the remains of its ancient settlement on top. This must have been an important defensive location at the entrance to Ullswater and may have been part of a line of defensive locations that were designed to repel any invader.

A rough path, unsuitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs, continues for another 150 metres to a gate and a recycled plastic raised boardwalk which gives access to the shingle shoreline on Gale Bay.

Details

Start point:

Postcode: CA10 2NN
Grid reference: NY 471243
W3W: ///roost.nation.farmed

Turning point:

Grid reference: NY 466237
W3W: ///grad.roadshow.basically

Facilities:

Public toilets, pubs and cafés in Pooley Bridge

Getting there:

Bus: Stagecoach 508 from Penrith - Pooley Bridge - Patterdale runs throughout the year. In summer the bus continues over Kirkstone Pass to Windermere. Car: from Penrith take the A592 to Pooley Bridge