About This Route
Ullswater, the second-largest lake, stretches 7.5 miles from Pooley Bridge to Glenridding. Rent boats from Ullswater Steamers or hire row boats at Waterside House for char, salmon, and trout. Popular drifts include from Howtown Bay to Silver Hill. Ullswater Angling Association issues permits; check for schelly protections. Sudden squalls from Helvellyn slopes make boating demanding.
Safety Considerations
Always wear life jackets (Osprey Talon PFDs); capsizes occur in 20-knot gusts. Motor restrictions apply; row quietly to avoid disturbing wildlife. Bilge pumps essential for leaks. Shoreline rocks hidden shallow; use fish finder like Lowrance Hook. UV exposure high; apply SPF 50. Bridges like Pooley low in floods.
Essential Gear
Boat safety kit: flares, VHF radio, anchor (Bruce style), waterproof torch. Tackle box with pliers for hooks.
Emergency Tips
Man overboard: throw life ring, approach bow-first. Radio CG66 on VHF or 999 Coastguard.
National Park boating code mandates life jackets. 2019 incident near Glenridding: wind-blown boat saved by PFDs. Navionics charts for depths.