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Friends of the Ullswater Way celebrates the iconic landscape and the rich heritage of the Ullswater valley. We highlight its history and traditions, the people who live and work here and those who have been inspired by its beauty.
Plan a walk along the Wordsworth Way. Explore the Heritage Knowledge Bank. Be inspired by the Virtual Art Gallery Take an Aerial Tour to locate points of interest. Come to our monthly Understanding Ullswater Evening Talks or listen in on ZOOM.
Citizen Science Freshwater Ecology Project for Ullswater takes off
Citizen Science Freshwater Ecology Project for Ullswater takes off
This project aims to establish in the Ullswater Valley a capacity, within the local community, to understand and monitor Ullswater’s ecology.
A key product of this work will be to establish a baseline understanding of Ullswater’s ecology and identify ways of improving water quality, where appropriate and feasible
Current information suggests that the threats to the integrity of the Ullswater ecosystem are relatively low. However, the recurrence of algal blooms and the low number of fish in the lake compared to historical levels, justify the need to broaden our understanding of Ullswater’s ecology. We also know that at certain times of year the amount of waste containing plastics and non-biodegradable material discarded on the lakeshore reaches worrying levels.
To the best of our knowledge no-one has assessed the Ullswater community’s interests, views or concerns about the water quality of Ullswater so we decided to conduct a public survey as a vital first step.
The survey results demonstrate a significant public interest in this programme. 78% of those questioned have concerns about the ecology of the lake. The main concerns are water quality, algal blooms and sewage. An astonishing 99% supported the undertaking of the project.
In the light of our findings, we will work with all relevant community groups to establish a sampling methodology and to arrange training sessions for a group of volunteers prepared to carry out regular monitoring.
Our sincere thanks to the Species Survival Fund and the National Trust for their support through the Freshwater Community Grant.
If you are interested in getting involved in this project please contact lakeecology@ullswaterheritage.org
The Friends Of the Ullswater Way have collaborated with Wordsworth Grasmere, The Lake District National Park, University of Cumbria, Rydal Mount and Inspired by Lakeland, to create a new 14 mile signed footpath; illuminating the life of our celebrated romantic poet, his family circle and friends; in the lands where they famously lived, strode and strived.
Starting out from the shore of Lake Ullswater at Glenridding, the Wordsworth Way climbs the peaceful Grisedale valley, to reach the Parting Stone at the outflow of Grisedale Tarn. Then descending toward Grasmere, Allan Bank, St Oswald’s Church and Cemetery and the famous Dove Cottage - from where some of his finest poetry was crafted and finely honed. From Dove Cottage, the Way follows that of the Coffin Route to Rydal Mount - residence of their later years. Finally over the Pelter Bridge, along Under Loughrigg to Ambleside, ending at the Cumbria Universities Campus. Or starting here, as the walk may be undertaken in the opposite direction.
An attendant guide book, composed by Jade Louise Cookson and map by artist Mark Richards, highlights many of the locations that were important and inspirational to the Wordsworth Circle. Within its pages are extracts from many of his well known poems, identifying situations upon the walk, which incited mind and pen to their creation. The prose of sister Dorothy and writings from Samuel Taylor Coleridge are also to be savoured.
The guide is illustrated throughout with carefully chosen period paintings, which convey the reader back through the passage of time, to view each panorama as the Wordsworths beheld them.
The Wordsworth Way was officially opened on April 7th 2025, William Wordsworth's 255th birthday.
'The Lowther Way'
Charlotte Fairbairn
Creative Director, Lowther Castle and Gardens
7.30pm Thursday 4th September 2025
Parkin Memorial Hall, Pooley Bridge, and on ZOOM
In common with all our talks, this talk is free, but we suggest a minimum donation of £5. To register or receive a ZOOM link please write to Tim Clarke at info@ullswaterheritage.org.
Ullswater has long inspired many of our finest artists to set down their easels and take up their palettes and brushes.
The VIrtual Art Gallery brings together over 40 works of art from the 1700s to the present day. It provides a unique insight into Ullswater's evolving landscape of people and place.
Watch this Slideshow for an introduction to the Virtual Art Gallery
The 5 mile Dalemain Loop is a perfect low level walk, whatever the season. The circular route from Pooley Bridge passes Dalemain Mansion, with its welcoming café, and the village of Dacre, with its ancient church and four enigmatic stone bears.
Follow the route on the Dalemain Loop Aerial Tour. See the landscape from above and click on the icons to discover points of interest along the way.
Explore the 360 degree images. Click on the icons to find points of interest along the way. Check out the bottom menu for more options.
During lockdown we began gathering a treasure-trove of information about the Ullswater Valley. Memories, old photos, archives of the local history society, wildlife sightings, documents, paintings and so much more. We extend a huge thank you to all our writers and photographers and to the community members who have shared their knowledge and their memories of life in the valley.
The first project of Friends of the Ullswater Way was the Ullswater Way Heritage Trail, which follows the 22 mile Ullswater Way footpath around the lake. The Heritage Trail consists of 12 installations, each created by a local artist. The installations are designed to be in harmony with the natural surroundings. Each one celebrates a different aspect of the valley’s heritage.
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