Scenic Strolls with a Proper Pint Finish
Walking around Ullswater is wonderful, but pairing it with a cosy pub pint and hearty meal? Even better. These five routes offer just that: scenic, lake-edge and fellside walks that reward you at the end. Ideal for day-trippers, families, and anyone who loves a view and a pub.
Why Ullswater Is Perfect for Pub Walks
- A mix of low-demand walking with panoramic Lake District scenery
- Several welcoming pubs dotted around the lake
- Routes range from gentle lakeside strolls to modest fell climbs
Featured Pub Walks Near Ullswater
1. Aira Force & Gowbarrow Fell Circuit
- Distance & Time: ~6 km / 2 hrs
- Pub Finish: Brackenrigg Inn – lakeside position, local ales, and traditional meals
- Route Highlights: Waterfall paths, woodland, summit view of Ullswater
- Route Details: Start near Aira Force car park, loop via Gowbarrow Fell and descend back via forest paths
2. Howtown to Glenridding (via Ullswater Way)
- Distance & Time: ~10.5 km / 3–4 hrs one-way (return by steamer or foot)
- Pub Finish: The Traveller’s Rest (Glenridding) or Howtown Hotel tearoom
- Route Highlights: Lakeshore path through wooded bays, beach spots, wildlife and views of Hallin Fell
- Route Details: One-way walking by steamer to Howtown, walking to Glenridding, then finish at a pub or catch the steamer back
3. Pooley Bridge – Aira Force Segment via Ullswater Way
- Distance & Time: ~10.7 km / 3–4 hrs ()
- Pub Finish: Crown Inn or Pooley Bridge Inn at the north lake end
- Route Highlights: Romantic lakeside walking to falls and woodland scenery, with village pubs at the finish
- Route Details: Circular or linear via Aira Force—follow well-marked Ullswater Way
4. Glenridding to Aira Force, Then to Brackenrigg Inn
- Distance & Time: ~6 km / 2 hrs
- Pub Finish: Brackenrigg Inn – right along the route, overlooking Ullswater
- Route Highlights: Waterfall, open fellside views, lakeside finish
- Route Details: Start at Glenridding, climb to Aira Force, then descend to pub and return via back lanes
5. Ullswater Shoreline (Glenridding → Pooley or Howtown options)
- Distance & Time: ~10.5 km to Howtown / ~8 km to Pooley Bridge
- Pub Finish: Howtown Hotel or Pooley Bridge Inn
- Route Highlights: Level lakeside path, wooded bays, gentle undulations and shoreline views
- Route Details: Combine a steamer link or choose a loop; perfect for casual walking and pub finish
Tips for a Great Pub Walk
- Check pub hours, especially off-season
- Dress for the weather, lakeside conditions can change fast
- Reserve tables early on weekends for lakeside venues
- Consider dog and family needs—rural pubs may have grassy beer gardens
- Pack lightweight gear, possibly a change of socks or shoes
Best Seasons to Go
- Spring/Summer: Blooms, longer evenings
- Autumn: Golden foliage, quieter pubs and trails
- Winter: Short walkers yet cosy pub stops—perfect after a crisp lakeside walk
Final Thoughts
You don’t need summit-level ambition to enjoy Lake District walking—just a lakeside trail and a welcoming pub. These Ullswater routes give you that combination in spades. Whether it’s waterfall romp, shoreline wander, or fells and pints—just follow your feet, and leave the boots muddy at the pub door.
Photo by Jonny Gios on Unsplash
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