Whilst I have a free week, away from mainly medical appointments, I intend to look around another walk I’ve had on the back boiler for awhile, The Ullswater Way. I bought the Mark Richard’s guide in 2022. The 20 or 22 mile, depending where you look, walk was launched after the devastating floods of Storm Desmond, which badly effected Pooley bridge and Patterdale in 2015, to attract walkers back to the area. As if the Lakes need any publicity. 
As is usual nowadays there is a dedicated website with lots of information before you set off. The Ullswater Way | 20 Mile Ullswater Walking Route.
This is their introduction – “Welcome to the Ullswater Way, a 22 mile walking route that circumnavigates the lake through a spectacular landscape rich in history and cultural heritage. It is divided into 4 sections, each served by the Ullswater Steamers. Some people walk the whole Ullswater Way in a day but many prefer to walk the 4 sections separately, beginning or ending the day with a cruise on the Steamer. There are Steamer piers at Glenridding, Pooley Bridge, Howtown and Aira Force”
Some friends of mine walked, for charity I may add, the whole route in a day and found it gruelling. My gruelling days, I hope, are confined to history. Other options opened up for me as the above suggests. My plan is to walk from Pooley Bridge to Aira Force, possibly on to Glenridding or more probably enjoy a short trip on the steamer there. The day after walk from Glenridding to Howtown and escape by steamer and completing the circle the next day walking from Howtown to Pooley Bridge. Three days for the way.
Even more options – Dalemain (5 miles) and Lowther (7miles) loops from Pooley Bridge. And there is a new link from Penrith to Pooley Bridge, the grandly named Eamont Way, all 5.5 miles of it. A separate Heritage trail of sculptures is to be explored along the way. There are also some important archeological sites close to Penrith. A plan is taking shape. This is becoming a week’s holiday.
The cost of hotels in the Lake District is exorbitant, especially for a single traveller – typically £150 – £200 a night. What happened to all the economical Youth Hostels of my past, when youngsters could explore Britain’s wonderful countryside in their holidays? We have changed and lost so much. Grumbles aside I decide against a place to place expensive backpack and book a reasonable priced and highly recommended B and B in the lovely town of Penrith. I can use the train to reach there and onwards use the regular 508 bus service to Windermere serving all the Ullswater destinations. The Ullswater Steamers will come into my equation at some stage. Feeling smugly green about my transport plans.
This time I make sure in advance that the new cattery can look after Seth for a week, he enjoyed his last holiday with them.
I’m looking forward to another week away to give some balance to my life. The forecast so far looks good. I’ve booked my return rail ticket to Penrith, £16 seems a bargain. It is always good to do without the car.
