Ullswater

Ullswater is a long, narrow ribbon lake in the northeastern part of the Lake District in Cumbria, England. The water stretches about 7.5 miles and is surrounded by steep hills, with depths reaching over 200 feet in places.

The valley was carved by glacial ice about 10,000 years ago, shaping the mountains and landscape. The Romans built the High Street road over 2,000 years ago to connect Penrith and Ambleside, and from the 1820s until the 1960s, slate and metal mines operated in the area.

The lake takes its name from an ancient people called the Ulls who once lived in this region. Today it remains a place where visitors find connection to both natural beauty and the stories of those who came before.

Visit Ullswater best during warmer months when boat rentals, walking trails, and water sports are fully available. Weather can change quickly in the area, so wear layers and bring a map or GPS device if you plan to hike the mountain paths.

The lake is home to a rare fish called the skelly, a type of char that lives only in the deepest parts of the water. This uncommon species thrives in the cold, clean conditions and remains hidden from most visitors, yet it makes Ullswater special from a natural history perspective.

Location: Cumbria

Elevation above the sea: 144 m

Website: https://nationaltrust.org.uk/aira-force-and-ullswater

GPS coordinates: 54.57190,-2.90050

Latest update: January 8, 2026 13:30