Glenridding
and Patterdale are the main centres for exploring the Ullswater
area, and a Motor Yacht Steamer service runs from here to Pooley
Bridge in the North, with a halt midway at Howtown. The service
operated by the Ullswater Navigation & Transit Company Ltd,
has run steamers since 1855, carrying people, mail and provisions.
Its operational
season runs from the end of March to early November from 10.00am
to around 6.30pm (depending on season or month), but please
check before setting out - times may have changed.
Its boats,
the MY Raven (built in Glasgow in 1889), and the Motor Yacht
Lady of the Lake (launched in 1877) were fitted with diesel
engines in the 1930s, and offer comfort and luxury, including
central heating, hot beverages and drinks.
Full lake
one-way cruise costs about £4.50 per adult with concessions
for under-16s, with return cruises at about £8.00 and family
tickets for up to 5 persons at around £16.50 (prices may also
have changed - please check before setting out).
Ullswater
is a natural centre for outdoor activities, and offers walks
to suit every ability from Helvellyn, St Sunday Crag, Hallin
Fell and High Street. Other activities include fishing, pony
trekking, sailing, boating and rock climbing.
Glenridding,
Howtown and Pooley Bridge offer extensive tourist facilities,
including major hotels at all three villages, pubs, camping
and caravanning parks, golf centres and driving ranges, a trout
farm and Outdoor Centre.
Ullswater
was a favourite haunt of the Lakeland poet, William Wordsworth,
whose famous poem "The Daffodils" is generally recognised as
having been written about the wild daffodils growing on Ullswater's
shore.
