The sun is out and we're back exploring the beauty that our Cumbrian home has to offer. Here I'll share our walk along the accessible route from Pooley Bridge and along Ullswater lakeshore. Read on for everything you need to know so you can enjoy this beautiful route for yourself.

The Hassan family are stood on the pebble lakeshore of Ullswater with the lake and Lakeland fells in the background

About Pooley Bridge and Ullswater Way

Pooley Bridge straddles the River Eamont just beyond Ullswater. The area offers a chocolate box village and new steel bridge which was erected to replace the original Grade II listed historic stone bridge which collapsed in storm flooding in 2015. Following local footpaths allows you to explore Ullswater and follow the Ullswater Way route, much of which is fully accessible. You can also enjoy the famous Ullswater Steamers, swim in its waters and so much more. Other local adventures to be had include Glenridding (a popular start point for climbing Helvellyn) and the Aira Force circular walk we as a family love.

Squidgy is stood at the base of Pooley Bridge looking down at River Eamont.

Squidgy, Pickle and Munchkin are stood on Pooley Bridge, holding onto the bars looking down at River Eamont.

Where can I park?

We parked in the main Lake District National Park car park just beyond Pooley Bridge itself. It is extremely small, but there are a couple of other options in the area so if you arrive later in the day and can't fond a space where we did, you may need to drive and check the other ones instead.

To find the car park, use this post code: CA10 2NN

John is walking across the car park holding Pickle and Munchkin's hands with Squidgy holding Munchkin's other hand. Lakeland views and their black Qashqai+2 are behind them.

How far is the walk?

The Pooley Bridge to Gale Bay Miles without Stiles route is just over 1.1 miles in length, making it an easy starter walk. If you're looking for a longer option, Ullswater Way does continue on beyond Gale Bay. However, the route is not fully accessible beyond the bay so will not be suitable for all users.

This image is a map of Ullswater, showing the walking route from Pooley Bridge to Gale Bay.

Is this route suitable for children?

Yes! The pathway is a bit rough towards the end, but we did manage with a stroller for the full length of the walk. Being a shorter route than some other walks available in the Lake District, this is a great option for wee ones. Plus, there are other things to do too, such as feed the ducks if you bring along some duck food (no bread, please!)

Are there facilities available?

The car park does not host any facilities, however you will find public toilets, pubs and cafés in Pooley Bridge village itself.

Munchkin, Pickle and Squidgy are stood in their waterproof jackets on the lakeshore of Ullswater. They are feeding the ducks with Lakeland fells in the background.

A note from Naomi

Why am I writing about accessible walks?

The collection of accessible walks posts I've written started during my pregnancy with Peanut as I became restricted to days out which are accessible. Now, we need routes that will be easy for us with four children in tow, often with Munchkin walking and Peanut either in a carrier or a stroller. Accessible routes are best in these situations.

John is pushing a pink Cosatto UWU stroller towards Ullswater with the three older children walking alongside him in their walking boots and waterproof coats.

Some of these walks are ones we have found ourselves with a bit of local research, others are included in the Lake District National Park's 48 Miles without Stiles routes.

Peanut is sat in a Cosatto stroller, smiling at the camera. The stroller is black with pink Unicorn accents.

What is Miles without Stiles?

Miles without Stiles is a collection of accessible routes across the Lake District National Park suitable for people with limited mobility; including wheelchair users, families with pushchairs, and more. I’ve decided to include a few of these routes in my new accessible walks blog post collection here at Me Becoming Mum.

Munchkin is walking next to John in his walking boots and green dinosaur waterproof jacket, holding John's hand and smiling while looking off camera.

Another Miles without Stiles route completed, another accessible walk for you to enjoy. I love sharing these days out with my family, and I hope these posts full of memories and helpful information ensure you are able to enjoy these beautiful areas too.

For more blog posts about exploring the beautiful places we have on our Cumbrian doorstep check out my Lake District category here. Have you found somewhere free and amazing in the Lake District? We love to explore new spots, so feel free to share in the comments below.