At 145 m above sea level and 7.5 miles long, Ullswater is one of the highest lakes in the Lake District and the second largest lake in the country. The name originates from the Lord of Ullswater, L'Ulf, a Viking or Norse settler. It is one of the less crowded lakes but one of the most picturesque. Pooley Bridge is found at the north end, leading south to Aira Force, a magnificent waterfall and crossing bridge over the top of the fall. On the opposite side of the lake is Howtown, a little visited spot but well worth the twisty drive to get there. A fantastic view can be seem from the top of Hallin Fell, without much effort to get to the top either. The main road continues on the west side of the lake to Glenridding. Hotels, shops and a ferry pier can be found here. The ferry runs from Howtown, Pooley bridge and Glenridding. You can find their web site here, www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk. After Glenridding the road continues past Patterdale over Kirkstone Pass and on to Ambleside, a bustling town with pubs, hotels, restaurants, specialist shops and idyllic back streets and alleyways.
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