Glenridding lies at the foot of Ullswater and is a starting point for walks and climbs to Helvellyn. The lake is 14.5 kilometres long, the second largest in the Lake District, and stretches between Pooley Bridge in the north and Glenridding in the south. This means your choice of location is closely tied to two specific travel interests: the landscape around Ullswater and routes towards Helvellyn. For your stay, you can decide whether walking, the water, or a combination of the two should shape your plans.

Experience Ullswater from the water

The Ullswater Steamers depart from Glenridding and operate year-round. If you want to include a trip in your plans, check the current timetable. This lets you factor the boat trip into your day rather than leaving it as a possible extra.

The Glenridding Sailing Centre also offers a way to enjoy the lake actively: sailing boats, canoes and kayaks are available to hire there. Availability may vary by season. If a particular type of boat is important for your visit, check in advance whether it is available to hire during the relevant season.

Walk the Ullswater Way in full or in sections

The Ullswater Way covers 32 kilometres around the entire lake. This distance describes the complete circular route; however, you can also walk it in sections. The main planning decision is clear: you can focus on completing the entire circuit or choose individual sections. A boat or bus journey can be combined with the route, adding another way to include the lake in your trip.

The Ullswater Way is a circuit around the lake, while walks and climbs from Glenridding head towards Helvellyn. This gives you two distinct walking options: a route by the water or a mountain destination. The bus service to Ullswater Valley, operated by Stagecoach, stops in Glenridding and runs every day of the week. If you plan to travel by bus, check the current timetable in advance.

The history of mining also adds another dimension

Greenside Lead Mine offers a different perspective: it was one of the most successful lead-mining businesses in northern England. Alongside the lake and walks, this adds a historical theme to explore. It provides a distinct focus if you do not want to base your stay solely around activities on the water or in the mountains.

Choose Glenridding as your place to stay

Glenridding is a particularly suitable destination for your holiday rental search if you want to include walks to Helvellyn and Ullswater in your trip. The village is a starting point for walks and climbs; the Ullswater Steamers also depart from here. These features give your search a practical direction without requiring you to choose a particular type of accommodation or set itinerary.

Before booking, consider what you want to focus on during your stay: the full Ullswater Way, individual sections of the route, walks to Helvellyn, or a combination with a trip on the lake. The sections of the Ullswater Way and the option of combining the route with a boat or bus offer different approaches to planning. As for the boat service, it operates year-round; however, you should still check the timetable for your specific travel dates. The season may also affect boat hire.

Discover more destinations: Pooley Bridge, Kirkoswald, Stainburn, Dent, Levens, Silecroft, Temple Sowerby, Holmrook.

See the main travel guide: Cumbria.