The Finest Lakeside Trail

Possibly the National Park’s most popular lowland walk and lakeside trail, with magnificent waterfalls and woodlands, stunning hills all around, along with some interesting artwork and heritage to discover along the way (read about the Heritage Trail below).

Starting at Pooley Bridge, this route proves that the only way to explore this amazing landscape is by foot, with stunning views all the way, as it skirts 22 miles around one of the finest lakes in the UK. Before he died, Alfred Wainwright described sections of the Ullswater Way as “the most beautiful and rewarding walk in Lakeland”.

Life begins at the end of your comfort zone...

The Details:

Please review the Kit List below to help you decide what you need for your adventure. The walk will go ahead even in strong wind/rain and only cancelled if conditions become what we consider too dangerous. Therefore, it is essential to be properly equipped! Tried and tested clothing only - don't want to find out something rubs once you've started the challenge and it's too late to change!

• Rucksack - min 25 litres with cover.
• Walking boots; broken in; NO trainers
• Double layer walking socks.
• Waterproof jacket & trousers.
• Base layer top – breathable.
• Warm fleece and spare fleece.
• Walking trousers - NO jeans!
• Multiple thin tops allowing temperature changes.
• Post-challenge clothes.
• 3 litres of fluid per peak.
• Basic First Aid kit & Sun cream.
• Warm gloves, hat/balaclava.
• Head torch with spare batteries.
• Whistle for sounding the alarm.
• Toiletries, towel.
• Mobile phone & waterproof case
• FULL LIST HERE

We only regret the opportunities we don't take!

Fitness:

We have lots of other walks coming up that are great for training. They also provide an opportunity to ask questions about your upcoming challenge and meet other members of the team. So please browse our website www.getoutdoorsuk.org and come join us soon! We're adding new dates all the time. Taking part in build up events is also a great excuse to push your fundraising page if you are supporting a charity and update supporters about your challenge journey via social media, etc.

If you aren't able to join us for a walk, then great places to train with decent inclines include: The Lake District with 214 Wainwrights; Snowdonia; The Dark Peak District with Mam Tor, the Great Ridge and Kinder Scout; the Brecon Beacons & Black Mountains with Pen y Fan and Sugar Loaf Mountains. There's also the Malvern Hills, Chiltern Hills and Cotswolds, which have lots of hilly walks. There may be other hilly area near you.

The level of training needed depends totally on where you're starting from. Completion is dependent on a mixture of fitness, stamina and determination.

As a rough guide we recommend vigorous exercise at least 3 times per week for as long as possible prior to the event. Walk briskly on the hilliest routes you can find, such that you are regularly out of breath. Improve your stamina by including a long weekly walk, building up to 15 miles or more. Improve your cardio by walking your shorter walks as fast as you can.

Jogging uphill is a really good way to replicate the cardiovascular strain needed for ascents.

Strength and condition exercise, such as weight training or Pilates are beneficial for working on your leg power and core strength.  

Finally and most importantly, make sure you take it easy during the last week running up to the event. It takes more than 7 days for muscles to recover, rebuild and benefit from any exercise you do. All top athletes do it - 'Tapering off' is your opportunity to exercise lightly and make sure you do not arrive with a build up of lactic acid in your legs that WILL slow you down during the challenge.