Explore from The Royal: Walking around Ullswater

Boots on. Where are we going today? 🥾

For many people, a trip to the Lake District means one thing.

Walking.

And if you’re staying at The Royal, you really don’t have to travel far to find it.

We’re at the foot of Gowbarrow Fell, just 1.5 miles from Ullswater and surrounded by some wonderful walking country.

Start with Gowbarrow

There’s something particularly satisfying about being able to leave your accommodation and head almost straight into the landscape.

Gowbarrow gives you wonderful views across Ullswater, while nearby Aira Force offers everything from shorter woodland adventures to longer routes.

The National Trust’s Glencoyne Farm trail, for example, is a three-mile walk through woodland and upland farmland with views over Ullswater and opportunities to spot red squirrels.

Walk the Ullswater Way

For something longer, there’s the Ullswater Way, a 20-mile route around the lake.

You don’t have to tackle all 20 miles at once. Breaking it into sections means you can choose a route to suit your day and potentially combine walking with public transport or an Ullswater ‘Steamer’.

Collecting Wainwrights?

Then you’re definitely in the right part of the world.

The northern and eastern Lakes offer plenty of opportunities to add another summit to the list, or perhaps begin ticking them off for the first time.

And if a summit isn’t for you, there are gentler options too.

The Lake District isn’t only about climbing as high as possible. A woodland wander, lakeshore walk or couple of hours outside can be every bit as enjoyable.

Our preferred ending to a walk…

Naturally, we think a good Lake District walk should have an appropriate reward.

So whichever route you choose, make your way back to Dockray afterwards, take off the boots and settle down at The Royal for a pint, something good to eat and the satisfaction of knowing you’ve earned it.

And if you’re staying the night?

You get to do it all again tomorrow.

Some images courtesy of visitlakedistrict.com