15k Run Eden: Scenic Ullswater Way from Pooley Bridge to Glenridding

Route Overview & Local Insights

Pushing off from Pooley Bridge, this 14.9km stretch of the Ullswater Way offers a sublime blend of undulating lakeside paths and elevated fell-side views. With 340m of ascent, the route is classified as hilly, testing your lungs as you navigate the western shoreline toward Glenridding. Runners can expect a mix of smooth gravel tracks, ancient woodland trails, and short paved sections, including the iconic passage through the Aira Force waterfalls—a perfect spot to catch your breath while admiring the 65-foot drop. The terrain is varied but manageable for those used to off-road miles, providing some of the most dramatic panoramic views of Helvellyn in the distance.

The Eden Valley and Ullswater have inspired poets and adventurers for centuries; it was along these very shores that William Wordsworth was moved to write 'Daffodils.' This particular section of the Ullswater Way captures the historic essence of the Lake District, passing through the former stalking grounds of the Howard family at Gowbarrow Park. For a truly local experience, time your run with the famous Ullswater Steamers; these heritage vessels have been operating since 1859, and catching the boat back to Pooley Bridge from Glenridding offers a well-deserved recovery session with a unique perspective of the trails you just conquered.