At approximately eight miles long, Ullswater is the second largest lake in the county. It is surrounded by a varied and attractive landscape, and has villages at either end providing visitor facilities and accommodation - Pooley Bridge to the north and Patterdale/Glenridding to the south. There are excellent walking opportunities in the vicinity, including a very popular lakeside route from Howtown back to Patterdale. Pooley Bridge, Glenridding and Patterdale can all be reached by public transport as can the well-known Aira Force waterfall, which is situated on the western side of the lake. Helvellyn, the third highest mountain in England, can be climbed from the southern end of the lake via the well-known 'Striding Edge' and 'Swirral Edge' ridges.
The ferry service is now all year round, although there is a reduced timetable in Winter.