The Ullswater Way - 24/08/2019
I'd looked at the UIllswater Way for some time and, after the team had
completed the Yorkshire 3 Peaks for charity, decided that the 21 mile\3200ft
ascent round of one of the Lake District's most picturesque lakes would
provide an enjoyable challenge.
Rich sorted the charity out for the year - the Brain Tumour Charity, who
supplied the fifteen walkers with a t-shirt to help promote the cause during
the walk.
I organised the weather which was magnificent.
After a pleasant evening in Pooley Bridge we donned our charity t-shirts for
a start of walk photo shoot...
The team pose in front of the Crown Inn at Pooley Bridge. Photo by
Sandra Brooks Photography.
The age from the team ranged from Harry Bond (15) to Terry Jones (78). Harry
required no training as his weekly dose of running was more than enough to
get this walk done whilst Terry had been pounding the canal and hills around
Cheddleton in an attempt to crack the walk. Using you skill and judgement
can you identify Harry and Terry in the photo above? Go on, all the clues
are there.
The other walkers were Rob Bond, Mark Jones, Jason Day, Janine Day, Mike
Riley, Sean Bond, Alison Bond, Jon Gilson, Sarah Gilson, Ken Hodgkinson,
Netty Salt, Rich Salt and Jim Eason.
On leaving Pooley Bridge we soon reached the shoreline of Ullswater and the
views over the lake to the south-west were superb where the Helvellyn range
loomed large. The views were diminished somewhat by the plethora of camp
sites that litter the north-eastern side of the lake but these were soon
behind us.
The view over the lake to Helvellyn. Glorious.
The pace was good as we walked the fields slightly away from the shore. The
views were still there.
The team traverse the farm land after the camp sites.
The first target on the walk was the pier at Howtown where Jim 'hoped' to
meet Sandra. This would also give us an indication of our general pace and
the likely completion time.
We weren't doing too bad speedwise but it was obvious that Terry couldn't
keep up with the pace of the main body of walkers. Terry wasn't planning on
doing the walk but had decided that a successful training regime would see
him right. It was a risk but there were plenty of opt-out points along the
route with Howtown being one of them as the ferry would provide the first
chance to drop out. Terry decided that all was good.
The route would now hug the shoreline below Hallin Fell whose summit obelisk
had been clearly in view for many a mile.
The gentle gradients of the first few miles were now replaced by the odd
short climb which helped stretch a few additional muscles. It was also
slightly rockier underfoot.
Lunch was taken on a grassy knoll near Silver Point where we could clearly
see the village of Glenridding over the water.
Alison and Terry pose at Silver Point.
Harry, Ken and Rob ready for the off after lunch.
Views in everything direction. St Sunday Crag is the hill in the
distance.
A good post-lunch pace saw us reach Side Farm where a few of us enjoyed
a cold drink and ice cream from the small cafe. After a good 10-15 minutes
it became clear that Terry, Mark and Alison hadn't arrived. Alison rang me
to ask where we were which was a tad confusing as there was no possibility
of going off-route as the way was clear. What was going on?
It turned out that Alison and Mark had decided to assist Terry who was now
struggling with the pace and the weight of his rucsac. They were expecting
the rest of the team to have stopped further back in order to wait for the
stragglers but we'd decided that Side Farm was the more obvious break point.
We were nearing Patterdale and Glenridding where Terry could make a decision
as to whether to continue with the walk. After Glenridding his only option
would be to stick to the road and catch a bus as we would have used up all
available ferry ports.
It was mainly road walking up to Glenridding where we stopped for a
refreshment break and a sit down on the numerous benches.
Is there anything better than an enroute ladies' toilet?
After a few short ascents and descents we reached Glencoyne where Terry
could review his situation. Aira Force would be the next, and possibly last,
point of exit so a decision had to be made. Terry decided that he couldn't
maintain the pace and was anxious that the next few miles would involve more
climbing and the potential loss of an easy escape.
We waved Terry off and marched onto Aira Force where the falls made for an
interesting interlude.
After Aira Force we hit the first and only biggish climb of the day. It was
now quite warm so the slog up the gradual slope was felt by a few of us but
the effort was well worth it for the views over the lake and into the hills.
Heading across the slopes of Gowbarrow.
Mark, Sarah and Jon on the climb across Gowbarrow.
The route turned north after the memorial seat and maintained a steady angle
before heading towards the east and down to Pooley Bridge. The odd muddy
field made for a minor challenge towards the end of the walk - no one wanted
to fall on their arse after 18 miles.
The last climb?
After rounding Dunmallard Hill we reached a packed Pooley Bridge - it was a
bank holiday after all. Before we enjoyed our celebration beers we had to
get an end of walk shot...
Ullswater Way - done! Jason insisted that Terry wasn't included in this
photo after his pathetic effort. Together we're moving closer to the bar.
It had been an excellent walk in great conditions and (I think) everyone had
enjoyed it. Terry had managed to complete 12 miles in warm conditions which
for a man of 87 is bloody good going.
The following day saw some of us take the boat down the lake whilst Jim
knocked off a few more Wainwrights.
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Next day beers in a sunny Glenridding bar.
We ended up raising around £2500 for the Brain Tumour Charity which was a
magnificent effort.
Any ideas for our next challenge?
