Ultimate Ullswater Adventure

Towards the end of August 2020, Ullswater became the fourth lake on my Great Lake District Perimeter Challenge, after Derwentwater, Coniston and Wastwater.

I camped the previous evening near Pooley Bridge, although not on one of the campsites which have direct access to the lake. At the time of my visit the bridge at Pooley Bridge was closed for traffic, so I had to take a lengthy detour the following morning, driving east, back under the M6 and then up to Penrith to access the western side of Ullswater. I parked up at Glencoyne Car Park. on the A592, towards the southwest of Ullswater, and got on the water from a small beach just across the road from the car park. As always in the Lake District, if you want to find a parking space, arrive early or arrive late (or be prepared to wait). I got there just after 08.00 and was paddling out before 09.00

At 12 km long, Ullswater is the second largest lake in the Lake District and was a joy to SUP on a warm and calm summer’s day.

Paddling clockwise, I made my way towards the Pooley Bridge end, where I stopped for a delicious lunch of cereal bars and protein bars, before making my way back down the eastern shore. I stopped once more before I reached Glenridding and took another break.

Glenridding shore was busy with tourists when I arrived mid-afternoon, but I was content to have another delicious protein bar, and to lie back with the warmth of the sun on my body as I recharged for the final section back to Glencoyne.

By the time I returned to the car park, my body was telling me that I’d had a full day out. I had a huge grin of satisfaction on my face as I packed my equipment away. All in all, it was a very pleasant adventure with only two hazards to look out for: The swell from the Ullswater Steamers as they made their way up and down the lake, and the family who allowed their two large dogs and two small children to jump and climb on my board as it lay parked up on the shore at Glenridding.