Ullswater is the second largest lake in the National Park and arguably the most dramatic, a long, dog-legged sheet of water with the high fells of Helvellyn rising at its head. Ullswater 'Steamers' has run passenger boats here since the 1850s, and today a fleet of traditional-style vessels calls at three piers: Glenridding at the southern end, Howtown on the quiet eastern shore, and Pooley Bridge at the northern end. A round-the-lake trip with stops is the classic outing and takes a couple of hours, but the real joy is combining one leg by boat with a walk on the shore path between Howtown and Glenridding, a gentle, rewarding few miles with constant views. On 7 November 2026 the operator is on its reduced winter timetable, with fewer departures, and does not sail on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Sailings to Aira Force are suspended until further notice. A November offer gives two round-the-lake tickets for the price of one, but only at ticket offices, not online. The button here leads to a bookable Ullswater boat trip run by the operator.
The routes
Boats run in both directions between Glenridding, Howtown and Pooley Bridge, so you can sail the full circuit or take one leg and walk. Most visitors start at Glenridding, where the main pier, car park and cafés are, and sail to Howtown for the shore walk back, or continue to Pooley Bridge for the village shops and a late lunch. The scenery changes at every bend, from the open head of the lake under Helvellyn to the gentler, wooded northern shores.
Walking and sailing
The path between Howtown and Glenridding is well made, undulating and about four and a half miles, passing Hallin Fell and Silver Point with continual views. In winter the days are short, so check the last boat back and set off early; a torch in the pocket costs nothing. For something easier, the shorter Pooley Bridge to Howtown boat hop followed by lunch at the waterside is a pleasant half-day. Muddy paths are normal after rain, so wear proper boots.
Practicalities in winter
The timetable changes through the year and is colour-coded on the operator's published sheets, so confirm which version is running before you set out, and phone the ticket office if you are unsure. Under-fives travel free, a family ticket is a saving, and dogs pay a small charge. The boats are mostly covered but the best views are on deck, so bring windproofs. Car parks at Glenridding fill up quickly at weekends; the local Ullswater bus service is an alternative.
What to expect
The experience
A scheduled boat trip around Ullswater with calls at Glenridding, Howtown and Pooley Bridge, with the option to hop off and walk the shore path.
Best time
Morning departures give the longest daylight for combining a boat with the Howtown to Glenridding walk.
How long
A full round-the-lake trip with stops takes around two to three hours; single legs are about 30 to 40 minutes.
Tips
Confirm the winter timetable and the last boat back before you set off, wear waterproof boots for the shore path and carry a torch in short-day months.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Walkers and photographers who want mountain views without a summit.
- Families
- Under-fives travel free and a family ticket saves money; the full circuit suits children old enough to enjoy two hours of boat.
- Couples
- Sail to Howtown, walk the shore path to Glenridding with the fells reflected in the water, and finish with tea.
- Pair with
- A Helvellyn walk, Aira Force by road, or Keswick and Derwentwater the next day.
- Time needed
- Half a day with a walk, two hours for the boat alone.
Good questions
Do the Ullswater boats run in winter?+
Yes, on a reduced winter timetable, but they do not sail on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Check which timetable is running on the day before you travel.
How much does a trip cost?+
A round-the-lake adult ticket is in the mid-twenties of pounds, with cheaper child, family and single-leg fares. A November offer gives two round-the-lake tickets for the price of one at ticket offices only.
Is Aira Force served by the boats?+
Not at the moment. Sailings to Aira Force are suspended until further notice, so reach the waterfall by road or on foot from Glenridding.
Can I walk one way and sail the other?+
Yes, the Howtown to Glenridding shore path is the favourite way to do it. Allow around two hours for the walk and check the last boat time.
Are dogs allowed on board?+
Dogs are welcome on a small additional charge, and under-fives travel free. Keep dogs on a lead on the piers.
