Ullswater is widely regarded as one of the loveliest of all the lakes. Much of its appeal derives from its serpentine shape, from the magnificent mountains surrounding it and from the beautiful shoreline woodlands of native oak, birch and hazel. Amongst the trees, near the shoreline, it was the golden daffodils of this lake that inspired William Wordsworth to write his famous "Daffodils" poem.

Starting at the attractive village of Pooley Bridge at the foot of Ullswater, the Ullswater Round encircles this enchanting lake, breaking the journey with an overnight in Patterdale, a charming village at the head of the lake. Highlights of the walk include the red squirrels of Hallinhag Wood; Aira Force, the prettiest and most romantic waterfall in the Lake District; the views of the mountains surrounding the head of Ullswater from the cairn above Yew Crag, one of the most famous viewpoints in the National Park; the locally made embroidered tapestries in St Patrick's Church in Patterdale; the black fell ponies roaming over Moor Divock; the views from the Miners' Path as it winds thrillingly around the head of Glencoyne; the Cockpit, a beautifully preserved stone circle dating from the Bronze Age; and the shoreline path itself, which twists and turns around dozens of delightful wooded bays.

Ullswater Round© CWH