Friends of the Ullswater Way 

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.  

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.


'on/going' - Art and Poetry in Place

Using art to explore landscape and change in the Ullswater Valley

Harriet Fraser and Rob Fraser

Environmental Artists


7.30pm Thursday 6th February 2025

Glenridding Village Hall 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.

COMING SOON!  The Wordsworth Way

A walk in the footsteps of Cumbria's great bard William Wordsworth

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 is nearing publication. The guide, 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.

Whilst it is possible to undertake the entire walk within a day, this will not allow sufficient time to fully absorb the landscape, or to appreciate how it altered the course of English Literature. Thus the Way has been thoughtfully devised to be enjoyed in five distinct segments. Each segment themed to emphasise key moments and influences within and upon Wordsworthian plain living and high thinking. 

The Wordsworth Way is due to be officially opened in April, the month of William Wordsworth's 255th birthday.

Ullswater Bus - leave the car, take the bus!

WATCH THIS SPACE!  Following the success of the 2024 season an EXTENDED BUS SERVICE is to be announced for 2025

The Ullswater Bus routes - UB1 and 509 - connect holiday accommodation around the Ullswater Valley with destinations such as Pooley Bridge, Lowther Castle, Ullswater Steamers, Aira Force, Howtown, Glenridding (for Helvellyn), Keswick and Penrith and onward transport services already in place. It is part of a drive initiated by the local community for more sustainable transport and reduced private vehicle traffic in the area.

Find out more on the website for SITU (Sustainable Transport for Ullswater)

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.

from Howtown (Hallin Fell)

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. 

Spotlights from the Heritage Knowledge Bank


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.