Ullswater

At 7.5 miles long, Ullswater is the second largest lake in the Lake District. It has a maximum depth of 205ft and is on average around ¾ miles long. It is a ribbon lake. 

Ullswater is often described as either a dog leg or a stretched Z-shape lake. It has three distinct stretches which weave in and out of the surrounding mountains. It is regarded as one of the most tranquil and relatively unspoilt waters in the area. 

English poet William Wordsworth was inspired by the lake and referred to it as the ‘most beautiful lake in Lakeland’. 

Settlements close to Ullswater include Penrith, which is some six miles north of the lake’s northern head. The village of Pooley Bridge is also on the northern side, while Glenridding sits at the southern tip. Other villages alongside the lake include Howtown, Patterdale and Watermillock. Many would argue that the best lakeshore walk is located between Howtown and Glenridding on the south-eastern shore. 

Ullswater Cruises sail their two boats on the lake during the summer. The Lady of the Lake has been working on Ullswater for 150 years and is believed to be one of the oldest working passenger vessels in the world. 

Boat hire and windsurfing is also available and there is a sailing centre which hires out canoes and kayaks based at Glenridding. 

In 1962, there was a campaign to prevent Ullswater becoming a reservoir. It was led by Lord Birkett who is now commemorated with a plaque on Kailpot Crag. 

Donald Campbell also set a water speed record here in July 1955, when he achieved a speed of 202.32 miles per hour in his jet-propelled hydroplane.