Ullswater ‘Steamers’, Cumbria

FERRY 1 hour WALK 9½-11½ miles

The flotilla of vintage ‘steamers’ (they run on diesel nowadays) that plies the waters of serpentine Ullswater includes the Lady of the Lake, launched in 1877 and believed to be the world’s oldest working passenger vessel. The views from her rail are simply stunning – some of Lakeland’s tallest mountains are on display (in fine weather) including iconic Helvellyn. The signposted Ullswater Way makes a 21-mile circuit of the eponymous mere. If you board the ferry at Glenridding in the south and alight at Pooley Bridge in the north, you can choose to return by either the west or east side of Ullswater. The former route is 9½ miles and takes in the waterfalls at Aira Force, while the latter is two miles further but keeps closer to the water.

GUIDEBOOK FAVOURITE Steam one way, hike the other: Alfred Wainwright thought the path down the west of Ullswater, heading south, ‘the most beautiful and rewarding in Lakeland.’