Hiking UK Presents:-

Ullswater and Arthur's Pike.

A Walk from Pooley Bridge to Glennriding looking down on one of Lakeland's most beautifull Lakes.

Second in the series of write up's for walks that go with the pictures.

We started at first light, well, almost! Just a little after dawn we arrived at Pooley Bridge, looked around for Gary Clucas, another of my walking pals I also worked with at Royal Mail, who had made his own way to the car park near the bridge. We found him round the corner! Not where we had arranged! Still it was good to see him. We laced up our boots, put on our rucksacks and full of enthusiasm, set off from the car park. We walked past the Church in the village, then continued on for about 2k until we found the path leading of to the right. This took us up Askham Fell towards Barton Fell and the summit of Arthur's Pike. After quite a stiff climb, we arrived at the cairn on Arthur's Pike to be greeted with views that astounded us! After a lengthy stop for drinks and photo's, we set off once again for Bonscale Tower and its Pike, again the views down to Ullswater and Howtown, then over to the Dodds and Helvellyn range, had to been seen to be believed! (Well you can see some in ( The Gallery!) ) We climbed over Swarth Fell, with Howtown looking very small below us, then with a last look at the Lakeland Peaks that were all around, we then zig zagged down the steep side of the fell to eventually come out at a stile and gate at Mellguards. We were then down to the level of Ullswater itself. After a stop on a little lakeside beach for lunch and several more photo's, we made our way around Hallin Fell passing Waternook and the Boat House, deciding not to climb, but stay by the lake. We rounded the headland and came onto the lakeside path that would eventually take us to Patterdale. We continued through Hallinhag Wood, Sandwick and Beckside, around Sleet Fell, Birk Fell and Silver Crag, and with Place Fell towering above us, we stopped for drinks at Silver Bay beside the Lake with the Ullswater Ferry passing us at intervals. This was very reassuring! as this (the ferry) was what was going to take us back to Pooley Bridge after refreshments at Glenridding. We had encountered some of the best wildlife we have ever seen on our many and varied walks, Red Squirrels, Birds of Prey, Wild Fowl, Rabbits and Hares. More delights at every turn! We continued on the path and eventually came out at Patterdale and took to the road for the (relatively) short walk into Glenriding. We had a good look around the excellent little village where I purchased a cracking set of boots in a sale! We sampled the local food and drink, which was more than welcome, then walked down to the ferry pier to wait for our ride back to the car at Pooley Bridge. The boat ride was most enjoyable, with coffee and biscuits on board and all the beautiful scenery around (more photo's). As we sailed towards Pooley Bridge, the weather turned, and it started to rain, but we were almost back to the car so no matter! We parted with Gary and started our journey home, tired but very happy, a walk among walks, one to do again in the future, and one I can heartily recommend!