On the Lake in the Mountains

Another day for those who do not want to or can not hike up a mountain. The lakes and mountains can still be enjoyed. Easter Sunday was a family day. Three generations to please, oh don’t forget the dog. What better than a ‘cruise’, well a boat ride.

Ullswater Lake Steamers ‘cruise’ up and down in a round trip of just over two hours. We drove up to Glenridding where parking close to the lake is easy, and there is a small park to exercise the dog in later. Dogs are welcome on the steamers for a small fare of £1.

The ride is a easy way to see many of the fells. As you go up towards How Town and Pooley Bridge, look back towards Patterdale and see St Sunday Crag and the Fairfield range and maybe even Helvellyn. To the left we could just about make out Gowbarrow Fell and on the right Hallin Fell and Arthur’s Pike.

Of course if you do want to walk then you can take the steamer one way and walk either part or the whole way back. The Lake is 7.5 miles in length but to complete the shore route you will walk 13 miles. The alternative is to stop off at How Town and just do half the walk. Alternatively there are several circular routes, from 1 mile to as long as your legs can take you, starting from any of the three steamer stops.

A day out on the lake can be as energetic or as restful as you wish. The choice is all yours.

Hard to believe, but forgot my camera!  Pictures are all taken with my son’s IPhone – thank goodness for technology, see them on the slide show.