The Ullswater Way - Lowther Castle Loop

The Ullswater Way is a 20-mile waymarked walking route that circumnavigates the entire shore of Ullswater.  The route was launched in the wake of the devastating floods of Storm Desmond in 2015 which caused widespread flooding and destroyed the 300-year-old stone bridge in Pooley Bridge at the northern end of the lake.  With the help of volunteers and the national park authority, the walking routes were fully connected to create a singular path attracting visitors back to the area to enjoy the stunning and varied landscape. 

Many consider Ullswater to be the hidden gem of the Lake District and as the most beautiful of the English Lakes. It is pure and tranquil and relatively unspoilt by tourism and commercialism.  Ullswater is the second largest lake in the Lake District, approximately 9 miles long, ¾ of a mile wide and nearly 200 feet deep. It was formed after the last ice age when a glacier scooped out the valley floor then filled with meltwater when the glacier retreated.

This walk is part of a series of four walks exploring The Ullswater Way, and the two "Loop" walks that were added later, over two weekends.  Each weekend, we'll walk one side of the lake on the Saturday and do a shorter "Loop" walk on the Sunday.  However, you don't have to do them all and are welcome to pick the ones you want to do.  Please note, however, the Saturday walks will be mountain walks as the intention is to deviate from the main, waymarked route of The Ullswater Way in places and, depending on weather conditions, daylight and the group, take in one or more of the peaks which line the lake - these are up to 700m. 

This second walk will cover the latest addition to The Ullswater Way - the 7.5 mile Lowther Castle Loop.  Starting from Pooley Bridge, this circular walk will take us to Lowther Castle.  Previously a grand seat of the Earls of Lonsdale, often visited by royalty, it was demolished in 1957 to avoid inheritance tax and now just the facade remains.  The gardens are being restored.  Our journey there will take us through a tranquil and unspoilt part of the Lake District, the Lowther Valley, and through the villages of Askham (described by Wainwright as the prettiest in Westmorland) and Helton.

The other walks in the series can be found here:

Ullswater (High) Way - Part 1 (South)

Ullswater (High) Way - Part 2 (North)

Dalemain Loop

All photos are leader's own

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