Just under 50 people joined us for this year’s Lab Trip. Some photos below:

One large group walk took in the southeast side of the lake (Askham Fell and the Cockpit stone circle), a smaller group went to the northwest, taking the bus to Aira Force and the high Ullswater Way path back to Pooley Bridge. Others explored the town and waters edge. Sadly the “steamer” wasn’t running from Pooley due to high winds, removing the option of a lake/walk combination.

More photos can be seen in the shared album.

Dinner was at Granny Dowbekins who kindly opened their doors for us for the evening.

Background info:

Aira Force: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/lake-district/aira-force-and-gowbarrow-park. From Pooley Bridge it’s best to drive or get the bus (Stagecoach 509 or Ullswater Hopper) as the steamer is currently not operating to Aira Force and the walk is an undulating 6.5 miles from Pooley Bridge (Ullswater way). There is a National Trust car park, with a charge, which appears to fill up quite quickly. From the top of the falls those after a slightly longer walk could go on to Gowbarrow Fell, with good views over the lake.

The Ullswater way opened in 2016 and the full route is 20 miles, but there are sections that can be done by combining walk with steamer. Some information can be found at https://lakedistrict.gov.uk/route/ullswater-way/.

For families with younger children: either Aira Force or a combined steamer/walk (steamer from Pooley Bridge to Howtown, take the Ullswater way to Glenridding, then steamer back to Pooley Bridge). This gives good lakeside views, time in Glenridding and two boat trips. Another option is the short walk to Gale Bay (see https://lakedistrict.gov.uk/route/pooley-bridge-to-gale-bay/).

Longer/more adventurous alternative walks can be found on the south side of the lake, some examples at https://laik.co.uk/the-best-pooley-bridge-walks/.

There is also a boat hire centre beside the bridge with motor boats, rowing boats and canoes (https://www.lakelandboathire.co.uk/).