Things to Do around Ullswater
Ullswater, a region in the Lake District National Park, is centered around England's second-largest lake, a glacial ribbon lake surrounded by fells. The landscape features a dramatic contrast of serene waters and rugged mountains, including the iconic Helvellyn and Place Fell. This diverse terrain, encompassing woodlands, valleys, and open fells, provides varied environments for outdoor pursuits. The area supports several sports like hiking, mountain biking, road cycling, touring cycling, and more.
Things to Do in Ullswater
Ullswater offers more than…
174
Routes
4.5
(1623)
Average rating
15954
People visited
4.8
(460)
3,051
hikers
6.96km
02:16
300m
300m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly walkable paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.8
(101)
807
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly walkable paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.7
(70)
549
hikers
2.81km
00:50
80m
80m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
4.9
(54)
439
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly walkable paths. Sure-footedness required.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Already have an account?
4.1
(14)
171
riders
14.0km
01:59
720m
720m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
3.7
(3)
24
riders
29.1km
03:49
1,470m
1,480m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
4.7
(31)
225
riders
33.4km
02:26
460m
460m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.3
(13)
160
riders
20.5km
02:38
940m
940m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Already have an account?
100
riders
90.1km
04:24
1,190m
1,190m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(1)
179
riders
70.9km
03:05
640m
640m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(1)
165
riders
48.3km
02:09
450m
450m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.3
(3)
78
riders
56.0km
02:55
640m
640m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Already have an account?
46
riders
73.7km
05:28
1,270m
1,270m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
4.0
(2)
95
riders
19.3km
01:51
430m
430m
Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
4.3
(6)
92
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
5.0
(1)
85
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Already have an account?
59
runners
19.0km
02:05
160m
160m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly runnable paths. Some sure-footedness required.
134
runners
9.09km
01:02
160m
160m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
5.0
(1)
127
runners
22.1km
02:41
480m
480m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
5.0
(2)
116
runners
11.5km
01:48
580m
580m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Already have an account?
5.0
(7)
48
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
3.8
(4)
20
riders
43.6km
03:07
790m
790m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
5.0
(6)
50
riders
40.1km
02:58
570m
570m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
18
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Already have an account?
14
hikers
Moderate mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Mostly walkable paths. Sure-footedness required.
14
hikers
11.7km
05:08
840m
840m
Hard mountaineering route. Very good fitness required. Mostly walkable paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.5
(2)
14
hikers
Hard mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
5.0
(1)
15
hikers
11.5km
04:53
810m
810m
Hard mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Already have an account?
Top attractions in the region
Explore the region
Most popular attractions in Ullswater
Collections
Nearby adventure guides
Natural areas to explore nearby
Frequently asked questions
What outdoor activities are available in Ullswater?
Ullswater offers a variety of outdoor activities including Hiking, Mountain biking, Road cycling, Touring cycling, Jogging, Gravel biking, and Mountaineering. The region features more than 70 routes across these sports. These routes have an average rating of 4.61 out of 5 stars from over 394,000 visitors.
What are the most popular hiking trails in Ullswater?
The Ullswater Way is a popular 20-mile (32 km) circular route around the lake, which can be walked in sections. Other popular options include ascending Helvellyn via routes like Striding Edge, and the 4-mile Gowbarrow Fell loop for views above the tree line. More information is available in the Hiking around Ullswater guide.
Are there family-friendly hiking routes in Ullswater?
Yes, Ullswater provides family-friendly hiking options with gentler terrain and scenic paths. These routes are suitable for various ages and abilities. Specific guidance can be found in the Family-friendly hikes around Ullswater guide.
Are dogs allowed on hiking trails in Ullswater?
Many trails in Ullswater are suitable for dogs, though specific rules may apply in certain areas or on private land. It is advisable to keep dogs under control, especially near livestock. A dedicated guide for Dog-friendly hikes around Ullswater is available.
What are the best mountain biking trails in Ullswater?
Ullswater offers mountain biking opportunities with access points at Pooley Bridge, Askham, and Helton. Routes range from family-friendly trails in areas like the Lowther Estate to technical singletracks near Glenridding. The MTB Trails around Ullswater guide provides detailed information.
Are there road cycling routes in Ullswater?
Yes, Ullswater features various road cycling routes for different abilities. These routes often combine lakeside paths, quiet country roads, and ascents into the surrounding fells, offering panoramic views. The Road Cycling Routes around Ullswater guide details specific options.
What are the main natural features and highlights in Ullswater?
Ullswater is a glacial ribbon lake surrounded by fells like Helvellyn and Place Fell. Aira Force is a prominent 70-foot (21-meter) waterfall within ancient woodlands. The region also features diverse woodlands and valleys, home to wildlife such as red deer and red squirrels.
Are there easy hiking options for beginners in Ullswater?
Ullswater offers several easy hiking options suitable for beginners or those seeking less strenuous walks. These routes typically feature gentler gradients and well-maintained paths. The Easy hikes around Ullswater guide provides specific recommendations.
How can I find komoot guides for Ullswater?
Komoot offers several guides for Ullswater, covering various sports and interests. These include guides for Hiking, MTB Trails, Road Cycling, and Family-friendly hikes. These guides provide curated routes and local insights.
What is the official website for the Lake District National Park, which includes Ullswater?
The official website for the Lake District National Park, which encompasses the Ullswater region, is https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk. This site provides comprehensive information about the park, its regulations, and visitor resources.
Can I combine walking or cycling with boat trips on Ullswater?
Yes, the Ullswater 'Steamers' allow for unique combinations of walking, cycling, and boat trips. This enables exploration of different parts of the lake and surrounding areas without needing to drive. Some mountain biking routes even incorporate sections where riders can use the steamer service.
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
