Pooley Bridge to Howtown Walk

3.7 miles (6 km)

This walk follows a section of the Ullswater Way from Pooley Bridge to the pier at Howtown. The route includes lakeside sections with some small climbs above the lake. From the high points there's splendid views over the lake to the surrounding fells.
Starting from the parking area in Pooley Bridge the path heads south along the lake to Gale Bay and Thwaitehill Bay. The route then climbs away from the lake towards Auterstone Wood before descending to Sharow Bay. Here you will find Sharrow Bay Country House where you can enjoy afternoon tea and visit the lovely formal gardens.
The walk then climbs again towards Swarthbeck and Bonscal before descending to Howtown and finishing at the pier. Here you can get the steamer back to Pooley Bridge.
To extend the walk follow the Howtown to Glenridding Walk which is considered the finest lakeside trail in the Lake District.
The climb to Hallin Fell also starts from Howtown. The fell commands great views to Martindale Common, High Street, Helvellyn,�Blencathra and�Ullswater.

Pooley Bridge to Howtown Ordnance Survey Map - view and print off detailed OS map

Pooley Bridge to Howtown Open Street Map - view and print off detailed map

Pooley Bridge to Howtown OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Pooley Bridge to Howtown Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

We recommend stopping in Howtown at the Howtown Hotel for some refreshments on your walk. There are some delightful tea rooms situated adjacent to the Hotel, offering a separate facility for walkers and visitors to enjoy a range of delicious home-made scones, cakes, light lunches and coffees throughout the day. There's also a pretty garden area to sit out in on warmer days. You can find the hotel next to the pier with a postcode of CA10 2ND for your sat navs.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

Just to the south east of Pooley Bridge you can enjoy a climb to Askham Fell and enjoy great views down to the lake and across to the surrounding fells. Askham Hall with its stunning gardens and interesting history is also nearby.
The Pooley Bridge to Aira Force Walk will take you to the popular National Trust waterfall via Swinburn's Park and Gowbarrow Park.
The climb to Bonscale Pike and Arthur's Pike starts at Howtown. They are both fine Ullswater viewpoints with the photogenic Bonscale Tower a highlight on the walk.