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Ullswater's scenery changes remarkably from north to south. It begins amidst the gentle farmland close to Penrith and ends backed by the dramatic hills and crags of Glenridding in the heart of the National Park. The spectacular surrounding fells provide some of the Lake District's best-known walks, including the stunning route to the summit of Helvellyn, England's third highest mountain, which overlooks Ullswater from the south-west. The lake itself is a clear, calm scene; the water's surface perforated only by the occasional spiky rock cluster jetting up from its bed. Sailing is popular here, with yachts, rowing boats and motorboats available for hire. Cruises are also popular, with trips taking place aboard the converted mail and worker transport ships that sailed here from the 1850s and served the Greenside lead mine at Glenridding until 1962. Three boats now offer one- or two-hour tours from their respective piers: Pooley Bridge at the north end, Howton in the centre (east shore), and Glenridding in the south. Services operate 363 days a year, with the timetable and destinations altering depending on the season. Ullswater's second favourite "on lake" pastime is fishing. Brown Trout can be caught here between March and September, and Perch from June to March. Fishing boats are available for hire.
There's plenty to see and do on dry land as well. Aria Force, situated midway along the western bank, has been a recognised beauty spot since Victorian times. As with much of the area, it was immortalised by Wordsworth, featuring in three of his poems, with the most famous reference cited in "The Somnambulist". The spinney at which Aria Beck meets Ullswater has been dubbed "Wordsworth's Wood" on account of it being the site of his famous daffodils, which still bloom here every spring. Another landmark to catch the writer's eye was Lowther Castle - a country house four miles east of Pooley Bridge. It fell into desuetude in the 20th century, deemed too extravagant, but it remains an imposing edifice, ornate on the exterior but hollow inside.
However, the same fate was not met by the historic house of Dalemain, which can be reached via a two mile walk north from Ullswater. A combination of fine Tudor and early Georgian architecture, Dalemain was mostly constructed in the 16th century, although its pele tower dates from the Norman age. If you're in the mood for a more active adventure, pop into the Howton Activity Centre, where you can try your hand at mountain biking, canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing and gully scrambling.
Despite its idyllic atmosphere, Ullswater is still easily reachable off the A66 and the M6, which converge at Penrith, 5 miles north-east of the lake.
Government information site about The Lake District
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