When it comes to a long walk, going around in circles isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
What could be better than starting, and finishing, at the same point? It's practical and you can guarantee you didn't miss any of the sights.
The Lake District has 16 big bodies of water dotted around which means that it also has an abundance of majestic circular loops for walkers to try. And if they follow the shore, then you can bet they'll be flat.
The Telegraph has now highlighted an area in the Lake District that has one of the "greatest circular walks" in the whole UK.
In search of red squirrels on the Ullswater way today. Didn't see one but the colours were squirrel red and orange so it didn't seem to matter pic.twitter.com/AAzYZOZH1Y
— Nicola Davies (@nicolakidsbooks) November 1, 2023
Ullswater Way, Lake District
Best for a challenge – with glorious get-outs
Route details
Start/end: Pooley Bridge or Glenridding
Distance: 20 miles / 32km (or less)
Difficulty: Easy to Challenging
The Telegraph said: "Up for a challenge? The Ullswater Way is a long but scenically spectacular loop right around the Lake District’s second-largest body of water.
"En route, you’ll pass tumbling Aira Force, Glencoyne’s woods (of Wordsworth daffodil fame), a stretch Wainwright called “the most beautiful and rewarding walk in Lakeland”, the stone circle at Cockpit, and marvellous views in between.
"It’s seldom too tough – the biggest difficulty is the distance. And if you start to flag, opt out by cruising back to your start point via the dreamy Ullswater Steamer – the Way easily breaks down into four shorter sections."
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Highlight
Resting on Memorial Seat, on Gowbarrow Fell, for views across Ullswater and the Helvellyn range.
Where to eat
Granny Dowbekin’s (grannydowbekins.co.uk) has been serving at Pooley Bridge since 1904. Or try Howtown Tearoom or Glenridding’s Fellbites.
Where to stay
The Quiet Site (01768 486337; thequietsite.co.uk), right on the route, has pitches and glamping; cabins (sleeping 2) from £100pn.
Insider tips
Ullswater Steamers dock at Pooley Bridge, Glenridding, Howtown and Aira Force. Buy the Ullswater Way Guide (£6) or OS Explorer Map OL5. See ullswater.org/the-ullswater-way. Plan a trip to the Lake District with our guide.
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