The Ullswater Way: Lake District Challenge Walk
A full-day guided walking challenge around Ullswater, perfect for solo walkers, friends, and charity teams looking to take on 20 miles of beautiful Lake District scenery.
Experience Type: One Day Experience
Distance: Approx. 20 miles (32.2km), with 859m (2,818ft) of ascent
Duration: Most groups complete this walk in 10-12 hours
Accommodation: Not Included
Level: Tough (Walking) - learn how we grade our walks
Age: 18+
Dogs: No dogs, except trained assistance dogs
In a Nutshell:
Challenge yourself to the full 20-mile Ullswater Way in the Lake District, completing the circuit in a single day.
Enjoy diverse Lakeland scenery – from lakeside paths and woodlands to open fells.
Walk alongside fellow challengers, guided by a Large Outdoors leader handling the navigation.
Perfect for solo walkers, friends, and charity teams looking for a rewarding challenge in one of England's most scenic areas.
Book our Open Challenge today..
Alternatively book your own exclusive date via our Hire a Guide service. Details can be found here…
How do we grade our walks?
Conquer the Ullswater Way – A Full-Circuit Challenge in the Heart of Lakeland
The Ullswater Way One-Day Challenge is a 20-mile loop that circles Ullswater, the Lake District’s second-largest lake. Created to help revitalise local communities following severe flooding, this route offers a scenic yet achievable challenge for anyone keen to immerse themselves in Lakeland’s iconic landscapes, from craggy outcrops to peaceful lakeside paths.
Walking with a group brings the added enjoyment of camaraderie, making this a rewarding experience whether you’re raising funds for a cause, spending a day with friends, or simply taking on a personal challenge. Starting early, you’ll be accompanied by an experienced Large Outdoors guide who will manage the navigation, leaving you to focus on the spectacular views and varied terrain.
While completing all 20 miles in a day is a challenge, the Ullswater Way’s relatively gentle elevation and well-maintained paths make it accessible for fit walkers, offering a manageable alternative to tougher routes like the Yorkshire Three Peaks or our Edale Skyline Challenge. Expect a mix of surfaces, from grassy paths and woodland trails to some stony sections, with 859m (2,818ft) of ascent overall. It’s the perfect combination of distance and variety for a challenging, yet satisfying, day out in the Lake District.
Most groups will complete the Ullswater Way in 10-12 hours, with plenty of moments to pause and soak up the surroundings. Will you rise to the challenge with Large Outdoors?
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7:00 am – Meet in Glenridding
Begin your day at our meeting point in Glenridding, where your Large Outdoors guide will walk you through the route and answer any questions. From here, we’ll head off along the lakeside paths, setting our sights on the full loop around Ullswater.Glenridding to Howtown
Our first stretch follows the lakeside road and then heads through the open valley to Side Farm, turning north along Ullswater’s edge. This area, described by Wainwright as “the most beautiful and rewarding walk in the Lakeland,” unfolds with ancient woodlands, open fell views, and captivating lake panoramas.Howtown to Pooley Bridge
Moving from Howtown, we pass through serene farmland and cross the Martindale fells, a peaceful corner of Lakeland, before arriving in Pooley Bridge. Here, we pick up trails leading into woods and fields, climbing to Maiden Castle, a scenic knoll offering panoramic views across the Ullswater Valley.Pooley Bridge to Aira Force
Continuing along, we reach Aira Force, a stunning 65-foot waterfall. A highlight of the day, this dramatic natural feature offers a moment to pause and appreciate the power of nature before we carry on.Aira Force to Glenridding
Our final leg takes us past Glencoyne Deer Park, where Wordsworth famously saw the daffodils that inspired his poem. Following meandering lakeside paths, we return to Glenridding, with views across to the opposite shore, reflecting on our full circle of the lake.Finish – Glenridding Pubs
After completing the Ullswater Way, join your fellow walkers for a well-earned drink or meal in one of Glenridding’s cosy pubs. Raise a glass to a fantastic day’s challenge, unforgettable views, and 20 miles well-walked!
Essential Information
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Meeting Time: 7am
Meeting Location:
Ullswater Information Centre
Beckside Car Park
Glenridding
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Parking: There meeting location is within Beckside Car Park. £8 per vehicle charge applies - pay by cash or RingGo app.
Public Transport: Unfortunately, the meeting location and time for this Large Outdoors experience is not accessible by public transport. Ullswater Information Centre is located 13 miles from the nearest Train Station at Penrith, with services to/from London, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
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Included:
A Large Outdoors guide to lead you on The Ullswater One-Day Challenge.
The chance to make new friends and meet like-minded people - Large Outdoors is all about making outdoor adventures sociable.
Pre-event support from the Large Outdoors team - give us a shout if there’s any advice or information you need and check out our Blog for useful articles too.
Not included:
Travel to and from the meeting location.
Any food, drinks or goods you choose to purchase at any shops, restaurant, pubs or cafés visited.
Travel/activity insurance - we recommend having insurance to cover, at a minimum: cancellation and curtailment; medical and emergency expenses (including repatriation); personal accident; injury and death.
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Please see our General (Walking) Kit List.
The compulsory items are selected for your safety, which is of paramount importance to us at Large Outdoors. Each participant should be carrying the items listed.
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• What level of fitness is needed?
This trip is rated as Tough (Walking). You’ll be walking around 20 miles (32.2km) on the day, so ensure your training walks are an appropriate length and don’t forget to include some hills! Click here to see Large Outdoors’ Experience Levels.• Is there a time limit?
We generally allow up to 12 hours to complete the walk, which is adequate for the majority of participants. Our guides do their very best to accommodate the speed of the group they are leading, whilst providing the encouragement needed to complete the challenge. Most groups complete this walk in 10-12 hours.• Can I buy food/drink on the walk?
There are usually options for water refills or food along the route at Pooley Bridge and Aira Force. However, these businesses are independently operated, so we can’t guarantee availability. Therefore, you should bring sufficient water (at least 2-3 litres per person) and plenty of food for the day.• Is there a toilet?
There are usually public toilets available near the meeting location and along the route at Pooley Bridge and Aira Force. However, these are independently operated, so we can’t guarantee availability.• Can I attend on my own?
Absolutely. The majority of our participants are solo travellers and adventurers. Plenty of fun, laughter and numerous long-term friendships (and a few marriages!) have begun on Large Outdoors experiences since 2008, so there’s no need to feel worried about your first experience, or indeed trying a new type of outdoor activity, with us.• What transport is provided during this trip?
We do not provide any transport for this experience.• Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are not allowed on this experience, except for trained assistance dogs. If you wish to bring your trained assistance dog, please let us know in advance of booking so we can discuss the itinerary and any activity/equipment, and of course additional safety requirements or considerations that may be necessary.
This map is provided for guidance regarding the general location. For detailed meeting information, please refer to the 'Meeting Time & Location' section.