Ullwater Way - Day 2

Distance: 12 miles
Ascent: 400m
Weather: overcast
Cormorants, swans, dipper
Harebells,  heather
Midges: plenty

We caught the early steamer to Pooley Bridge today to do the second leg of the Ullswater Way, along the north western side of the lake. The paths on this side are much newer, through (ed- wet and boggy) farmland and forestry to Aira Force.  We took the terrace path around the edge of Gowbarrow Fell, stopping for lunch (massive slabs of tiffin!) at the stone bench, and also applied some insect repellant.

It was cloudier than yesterday, a little drizzly at times, but no where near as bad as the forecast had suggested, and this side of the lake is definitely less popular than the other, so we saw a lot fewer people than yesterday.  Until we arrived at Aira Force. It was heaving. The recent rain made the falls impressive, and the stones slippy.

From Aira Force to Glenridding there is now a nice new gravel footpath off the road, mostly, with footbridges and view points over the lake.

We arrived back at the hotel at about 4pm, celebrating with a couple of pints of Lakeland Golden Ale by the Bitter End brewery in Cockermouth.