The Inn on the Lake sits in its own grounds on the Ullswater shore at Glenridding, at the wild southern head of the lake where the valley narrows and Helvellyn stands directly behind. This is the mountainous end of Ullswater rather than the gentle one, and it is a walker's address above all — with the Steamers at the pier for everyone else.
Quick Facts
Striding Edge starts from this village, and it is the most famous ridge scramble in England for good reason. It is also a serious mountain route with genuine exposure, and people get into trouble on it every year — particularly in winter, when it needs full winter skills and equipment. If you are an experienced hill walker in good conditions, it is superb. If you are not, the Steamers and the shoreline path will give you a better day and you will come back.
The gentler alternative from the same door: walk the lakeshore path north towards Howtown, which Wainwright rated the most beautiful walk in Lakeland, and take the boat back.
Ullswater's boats are transport rather than a novelty. From Glenridding pier you can sail to Howtown and walk the shore back, ride the full length to Pooley Bridge and return, or simply use them to get across the lake without the long drive round. Staying at this end puts the pier within a short walk, which makes the whole lake accessible without a car.
A few minutes north, the sixty-five-foot fall at Aira Force drops through ancient woodland crossed by stone bridges, and it is at its best after rain. It is also where Dorothy Wordsworth recorded the daffodils that her brother turned into the most famous poem in English. Go early — the National Trust car park fills fast. The circuit up onto Gowbarrow Fell behind adds an hour and a spectacular view down the lake.
Our scheduled small-group tours depart from Windermere station, Bowness Pier 1 and Ambleside library — all a fair drive south over Kirkstone or round by the A66. Joining one as a day trip from here is awkward. A private day collected at the door is the practical answer, and it can run the northern fells or head south to the famous central lakes.
From Ullswater this is genuinely how it works rather than an upsell — the scheduled pickups are a fair drive away, so we collect at the door and shape the route around your party. Well-behaved dogs are welcome aboard, travelling safely in our vehicle crates.
Not sure which route suits your plans, or want a day built entirely from scratch — a family reunion, a wedding anniversary, scattering ashes somewhere that mattered? Tell us what you have in mind and we'll design a day around it — see our guide to celebrating a special occasion for ideas, or get in touch directly.
The grand sweep: ten lakes, the high passes between them, and an Ullswater Steamers cruise exclusive to this tour. If a celebration stay deserves one great day out, this is it.
See dates & bookCollected at the door, your party only, the day shaped to you — literary landscapes, hidden valleys, or simply the most beautiful roads we know. Well-behaved dogs are welcome aboard in our vehicle crates.
Enquire about a private dayDove Cottage at Grasmere — entry included as standard — and the valleys that made the poems, with Dora's Field carpeted gold in daffodil season. The right literary day for this most Georgian of addresses.
See dates & bookAcross the lake to Hill Top and Near Sawrey, with our illustration-matching walk through the village lanes — back for a long lakeside lunch.
See dates & bookThe afternoon version crosses the lake by boat rather than by road — worth choosing if you'd like the crossing itself to be part of the day.
See dates & bookA slow hall morning, then eight lakes and their valleys at a seven-seat pace — the most civilised way to spend a Lakeland afternoon.
See dates & bookThe same eight lakes as the afternoon tour, run the opposite way round in the morning — ideal if you'd rather keep your afternoon free for the lawns.
See dates & bookA full literary day east to Haworth — the Parsonage, the cobbled village, and the moors that gave Wuthering Heights its weather, newly magnetic with the recent film. Oxenholme pickup available.
See dates & bookInto the Dales for Grassington's "Darrowby", the Wensleydale Creamery, Kilnsey Crag and Bolton Abbey — filming locations brought to life around you with live scene technology.
See dates & bookIn its own grounds on the Ullswater shore at Glenridding, at the southern head of the lake.
The classic Striding Edge route starts from Glenridding village. It is a serious mountain route with real exposure — fine for experienced hill walkers in good conditions, and not to be underestimated in winter.
On private tours, yes. Our scheduled departures leave Windermere station, Bowness Pier 1 and Ambleside library, all a fair drive south over Kirkstone, so private touring suits guests here better.
A great deal — the Steamers, the lakeshore path, Aira Force, and the village itself. Ullswater rewards people who never leave the valley floor.
We are an independent local tour operator. This guide is not affiliated with or endorsed by The Inn on the Lake.