Wonderful Walks for little legs around Ullswater
Teeny Tiny legs
Waterfalls and Wish Birds
Take a stroll up to the magnificent Aira Force waterfalls. There are loads of things to keep little ones entertained. Watch out for the wishing trees, woodland play areas and of course the infamous Nozomi bird! You can also grab a snack from the National Trust café and stroll down to a great beach by the lake. Click here to find out more.
Deer and Ducks at Dunmallard
Park in Pooley Bridge and feed the ducks and swans by the new bridge. Why not get a takeaway coffee or ice cream at Granny Dowbekins (depending on the weather) and ask for some bread for the ducks! You can then head up onto Dunmallard hill with great surprise views of the lake. Keep a look out for white bottomed Roe deer in the woods. Click here for more trails around this area.
Herdwick Sheep and Stone Skimming
Park up by the church at the top of the zig-zags just after Howtown and gently make your way down to the ‘stone skimming’ beaches on the shores of Ullswater. Walk along the lakeshore path for about 1km to discover secluded bays and spectacular views. Click here to find out about the cheeky sheep who live here
Ullswater Lakeshore
Park in Pooley Bridge and take a lovely wander down to the lake. You will discover loads of great little pebble beaches and bridges perfect for ‘Pooh-sticks’. If it’s sunny why not take a picnic to the benches on the lovely grassy plateau overlooking the lake.
Ever so big boys and girls
Maiden Castle Hill Fort
Park in Pooley bridge and follow the Hetti Carvetii Tale Trail up to one of the best views of Ullswater. The paths take you through woodlands and grasslands in a circular route with lots of open space to run around like a crazy Celt. Click here to find out more.
Lanty’s Hidden Tarn
Walk up to a hidden lake above Glenridding and marvel at the fabulous views of Helvellyn. There are loads of great picnic spots amongst the Pine trees of the Keldas and little ones will get a real sense of the magnificent mountainous environment only 1km from the village. Click here to find out more about the Glenridding Griffin and his lair!
Sandwick Waterfall Walk
At Sandwick just past Howtown you will find a great little walk which takes you past the famous Scalehow waterfalls with fantastic views over Ullswater. There is also a great new café en route too. The walk up to High Knott is quite steep but is really rewarding and feels like a big mountain for little legs.
Fairytale Castles and Secret Islands
Just a short drive from Ullswater you will find the Lowther estate; a truly magical place with a fairytale castle, vast parklands and riverside walks. There is a great trail starting from the Askham Hall café which takes you around the estate (about1-2 hours). Find out more about Pip the bat and his feathery friends here.
These walks are intended as a guide only. Please ensure you a well equipped for the mountains and carry the appropriate Ordnance Survey map.