Walk

Ullswater Lakeshore: Howtown to Patterdale

Cumbria

Dog Friendly Rating:9/10The most beautiful lakeshore walk in England, a gentle point to point along Ullswater made for dog friendly wanderers.

Ride the Ullswater Steamer from Glenridding or Pooley Bridge to the tiny pier at Howtown, then walk back along the eastern shore of the lake to Patterdale. The path rises over Hallin Hag and drops down through the pretty farm of Sandwick before hugging the water under the flanks of Place Fell with unfolding views of the lake and the Helvellyn range beyond. It is one of the most dog friendly big walks in the Lakes, with varied terrain, plenty of water and a boat ride that dogs are welcome on for a small extra fare.

Park at Patterdale or Glenridding and take the Ullswater Steamer one way to Howtown; the boat takes dogs on lead for a nominal charge. The route is almost entirely on open access land, crossing working sheep farms where dogs must be on a short lead, especially in spring lambing and around the oak woodlands where red squirrels and ground-nesting birds are present. The terrain is rolling path with a few rocky sections and short steep rises, nothing technical. Patterdale and Glenridding both offer dog friendly pubs, cafes and public toilets, and the steamer piers have refreshments.

At a Glance

Distance: 11.0 km (6.8 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 4 hr
Walk Type: Lake, Woodland
Route Type: Point to Point
Off Lead Potential: Low
Livestock Risk: High
Facilities: Public toilets and cafes at both Howtown and Glenridding/Patterdale piers; refreshments on the steamer.
Parking: Pay and display at Patterdale or Glenridding, several options; take the steamer to Howtown to start.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ullswater Lakeshore: Howtown to Patterdale dog friendly?
This is one of the most dog friendly big walks in the Lake District, earning a 9/10 rating. Dogs are welcome on the Ullswater Steamer for a small extra fare, the route runs mostly over open access land with plenty of lake water along the way, and both Patterdale and Glenridding have dog friendly pubs and cafes to finish at.
Can dogs be off lead at Ullswater Lakeshore: Howtown to Patterdale?
Much of the route is on open access land where dogs can enjoy a good degree of freedom, but leads are required when crossing working sheep farms — particularly in spring during lambing season. You should also keep dogs on a lead around the oak woodlands, where red squirrels and ground-nesting birds are present.
What should I know before visiting Ullswater Lakeshore: Howtown to Patterdale with my dog?
The classic way to do this walk is to park at Patterdale or Glenridding, take the Ullswater Steamer to Howtown, and walk back along the eastern shore — the boat accepts dogs on lead for a nominal charge. The terrain is rolling path with some rocky sections and short steep rises, but nothing technical, and there are public toilets and refreshments at both ends of the route as well as on the steamer itself.