Ullswater, Glenridding to Howtown (Cumbria)

The dog wasn't happy being relegated to the hatchback for today's trip to the lakes, whilst his new found Cairn Terrier friend was allowed on its mums lap on the back seat. Eventually though ,we arrived at the main car park next to the visitor centre at Glenridding, ready for a relatively gentle wander round the lake shore to Howtown, with a return by Ullswater Steamer.

A large open field next to the Steamer Pier provided an early highlight for the dog, with not a sheep in sight he was able to had a quick run with his ball and show off some of his skills learnt at dog training school. Soon though it was time to head off along the footpath to Patterdale before crossing the head of the lake to the far bank.

The path stayed close to the shore throughout but with the risk of sheep at lambing time, the dog was pretty much on the lead throughout. Each time we dropped through the trees and low level crags to the rocky shoreline the dog went frantic, longing for an ice cold swim. It wasn't to be though and after about three and a half hours we arrived at the steamer pier at Howtown, ending with a rather rushed final half mile whilst we walked and watched the steamer getting closer and closer to the pier. All ended well though and we arrived just as the passengers were embarking for the return to Glenridding.

The day was rounded off with a pub lunch at the Travellers Rest at Glenridding. The pub is set back about 600 yards from the main road but is well recommended. It's not listed as "dog friendly" but the landlord was quite happy to let the dogs join us in the bar area. The surroundings were simple and a roaring fire and good pub grub were just what was needed. Had we been really wet and bedraggled there was a good sheltered area which could have been a godsend.

Click here for the Ullswater Steamers website

Click here for the Travellers Rest website

Doggy rating 6/10 (because there were relatively few places where we felt able to let him off the lead)