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ULLSWATER STEAMERS
Cruising and Walking England's Beautiful Lake

Ullswater Lake Scenery photoOften called England’s most beautiful lake, Ullswater in the north Lakes District is the 3rd largest of the water bodies of Cumbria. The beauty comes from the surrounding green sloping fells that rim the deep water, carved by glaciers in the last ice age. Where most of the Lakeland’s other waters are mostly long and strait, Ullswater takes rather the form of a long Par 5 golf link with a double dog-leg. The waters here have naturally attracted boats of all kinds. When the water was glassy smooth in the good summer weather of July 1955 it attracted Sir Donald Campbell to set a world water speed record in his jet hydroplane the "Bluebird K7". Campbell was killed 12 years later on the rather choppier waters of Coniston Water Lake (see Campbell Lakeland Motor Museum).

Ullswater Steamers Raven photoFor those with a more leisurely boat trip in mind, the waters of Ullswater Lake have been plied by steam motor launches since 1859 when the Ullswater Navigation Company first started steamer service, delivering mail and carrying goods and passengers around the lake. In the same year as Campbell set his speed record, the Ullswater steam ship company was bought by Lord Wakefield to continue the tradition. Today the Ullswater Steamers continue the legacy of cruising tourists, hikers and nature lovers the length of the lake. Unlike some other lake boat cruises, which mostly make circle journeys, or ferry services, the Ullswater Steamers are quite popular for combining cruises with hiking and nature walks. A popular trip is from the western end of the lake at Glenridding to Howton, half the lake’s length, then walk back (7 miles) or a circular walk around Hallin Fell (3 miles), then get back on the boat. Or walk to the eastern end of the lake at Pooley Bridge, passing the ancient stone circle (a similar monument to Stonehenge), then cruise the return trip. The spectacular scenery along the lake is crowned by Helvellyn, at 3,116 feet, one of the most climbed mountain peaks in the lakes. Peregrine Falcons, Ospreys and Golden Eagles can be seen around the lake, along with Kingfishers and Herons. Otters, Red Deer and wild Fell Ponies can be spotted in the fells.

One doesn’t have to get off the steamer though, to enjoy the scenery from the floating comfort of the shallow draft historic ships. A round trip of the lake takes about 2 hours. One hour if you only go from either end to Howtown Pier and back. There is a restaurant the Fellbites at the Glenridding Pier. The other two piers have snack bars for a stop while waiting for the next boat.

Ullswater Lady of the Lake photoThe Ullswater Steamers are comprised of four operating vessels, two from the 19th Century. The largest is “The Raven”, built in 1889 and the oldest is the “Lady of the Lake” launched in 1877. The “Lady Dorothy” and “Lady Wakefield” are smaller and newer. Though called “steamers” none of the cruise boats of the Ullswater Steamers operate on steam, but more reliable marine diesel, though a good deal quieter than the former steam days. The Raven was for a time a Royal Yacht and hosted a visit to the lakes by Kaiser-Wilhelm II, a cousin to the English Royal family. This was before that nasty family squabble known as the Great War.

Ullswater Streamers Pooley Bridge Pier House photoSpecial events are held through the seasons. In May the Ullswater Walking Festival was started in 2006 and continues annually, with a variety of guided walks and evening events with music. For families the Steamers offer a Pirate Weekend in October and Santa Claus cruises in December with mulled wine and mince pies. In summer months, Evening Food Buffet Cruises are offered along with Commentary Cruises exploring the nature, folklore, history and geography of the Ullswater lake valley. The Steamers are also available for charters and weddings.

Glenridding is reached by car via the A66 from Keswick or the A592 through the Lake District from Windermere. The Pooley Bridge eastern end of Ullswater is a few miles from Penrith and the M6 Motorway exit 40 (see Dalemain Manor and Gardens). Parking at the Pooley Bridge Pier is a short hike to the boat house. © Bargain Travel Europe

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Ullswater Steamers

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See Also:

BEATRIX POTTER'S LAKE DISTRICT

GUEST HOUSES KESWICK CUMBRIA

BEECH HILL HOTEL

CASTLE HOWARD PALACE AND GARDENS