ULLSWATER STEAMERS
Cruising and Walking England's Beautiful Lake
Often
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).
For
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.
The
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.
Special 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
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See Also:
BEATRIX POTTER'S LAKE DISTRICT
