Pooley Bridge to Gale Bay

This is a linear route (0.9km each way) along the shore of Ullswater, providing superb views along the northern reaches of the lake.

This wide path leaves the car park entrance and heads south past Dunmere. There is one gate to pass through on the way to the boathouse, halfway between the gate and boathouse there is a seat. Keep to the left past the boathouse and up a short but steep (1:4) ramp to follow a raised path above the shoreline.

With care, drop down another short steep ramp (1:5 slope, with a 1:8 cross-slope) and go through another gate. Warning: this may be dangerous for those on wheeled equipment. Cross a footbridge and follow the path to a concrete pad on your right. From here you can watch the Ullswater Steamers make their journey to Howtown and Glenridding. Looking north you can see the steep mound of Dunmallard Hill with the remains of its ancient settlement on top. This must have been an important defensive location at the entrance to Ullswater and may have been part of a line of defensive locations that were designed to repel any invader.

A rough path, unsuitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs, continues for another 150 metres to a gate and a recycled plastic raised boardwalk which gives access to the shingle shoreline on Gale Bay.

Please note that mobility scooters must be class 2 or 3 on the route.