The Ullswater Way - Dalemain Loop

Join Outdoorlads on the 5 mile Dalemain Loop 

The Ullswater Way is a 20-mile waymarked walking route that circumnavigates the entire shore of Ullswater.  The route was launched in the wake of the devastating floods of Storm Desmond in 2015 which caused widespread flooding and destroyed the 300-year-old stone bridge in Pooley Bridge at the northern end of the lake.  With the help of volunteers and the national park authority, the walking routes were fully connected to create a singular path attracting visitors back to the area to enjoy the stunning and varied landscape. 

Many consider Ullswater to be the hidden gem of the Lake District and as the most beautiful of the English Lakes. It is pure and tranquil and relatively unspoilt by tourism and commercialism.  Ullswater is the second largest lake in the Lake District, approximately 9 miles long, ¾ of a mile wide and nearly 200 feet deep. It was formed after the last ice age when a glacier scooped out the valley floor then filled with meltwater when the glacier retreated.

This walk is part of a series of four walks exploring The Ullswater Way, and the two "Loop" walks that were added later, over two weekends.  Each weekend, we'll walk one side of the lake on the Saturday and do a shorter "Loop" walk on the Sunday.  However, you don't have to do them all and are welcome to pick the ones you want to do.  Please note, however, the Saturday walks will be mountain walks as the intention is to deviate from the main, waymarked route of The Ullswater Way in places and, depending on weather conditions, daylight and the group, take in one or more of the peaks which line the lake - these are up to 700m. 

This final walk will cover the 5 mile Dalemain Loop.  Starting from Pooley Bridge, this circular walk will take us to Dalemain, a fine stately home with a beautiful Georgian facade of dressed pink stone, seat of the Hassell family, and now home to the World's Original Marmalade Awards. Our return journey will take us through the tranquil village of Dacre, passing Dacre Castle, a 14th century pele tower with walls seven feet thick to keep out the marauding Scots!

The other walks in the series can be found here:

Ullswater (High) Way - Part 1 (South)

Lowther Castle Loop

Ullswater (High) Way - Part 2 (North)

Event image: Geoff Gill / Dalemain House / CC BY-SA 2.0

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