4 things to do on a Glenridding camping trip

Located at the southern end of Ullswater Lake in the Lake District, the village of Glenridding is a popular choice amongst walkers, sailers and outdoor enthusiasts in general.

If you are travelling up from the south, the best route to the village is along the A592 through the national park. Keep following the road past Patterdale until you reach Glenridding on the banks of the Ullswater Lake. From the north, you will need to travel south along the length of the Ullswater Lake on the A592 until you reach the village.

Alongside superb scenery and charming villages, Glenridding has a good range of accommodation and a large information centre, making it the perfect place to spend a camping holiday. After you have navigated the Lake District and pitched your tent, use our guide to help you make the most of your trip.

Take to the water

Glenridding and its neighbouring villages use Ullswater Lake as a source of entertainment all year round. At seven and a half miles long and one mile across, the lake is the third deepest and the second largest in England.

One of the lakes’ biggest attractions is the Ullswater Steamers which have been in operation for more than 150 years. The steamers offer a relaxing jaunt across the lake and are a great transport link to some of the best cycling and walking routes in the area.

Alternatively, you can explore the waters from your own vessel by hiring out a sailing dinghy, canoe or kayak from the Glenridding Sailing Centre. The centre also provides expert sailing tuition for beginners and younger visitors.

For a more solitary way to spend your time by the lake, keen fishermen can pick up a licence from the Ullswater tourist information centre by the main car park nearby. Click here for more tips on fishing in the Lakes.

Get out your walking boots

Many visitors come to Glenridding for a walking holiday because it is the home of England’s third highest mountain, Helvellyn. At 950 metres above sea level, the summit of this awe-inspiring peak can be seen from miles around on a clear day.

With picturesque views all year round, you might like to camp on Helvellyn, particularly around Red Tarn which has some of the best scenery in the area. One of the most popular walks along Helvellyn is the gruelling Striding Edge from Hole-in-the-Wall, leading right up to the summit of Helvellyn across a mile of terrain. As a word of caution, only experienced climbers should attempt this particular walk, especially during the winter months as it is notorious for accidents.

If you fancy a more relaxing amble through the countryside, some of the best walks in the region include the Howtown to Pooley Bridge Walk, the Aira Force Circular Walk, Lanty’s Tarn Circular Walk, the Glenridding to Howtown Walk, Hallin Fell Circular Walk and the Howtown to Glenridding Walk.

Go pony trekking

There are many ways to explore the beautiful lakes and countryside in the Lake District and one of the best is from the lofty perch of a pony.

The Parkfoot Pony Trekking Centre on Howtown Road has been established for more than twenty years. Visitors can enjoy great views of the Barton Fell and Lake Ullswater on the tour. The centre is open seven days a week with hard hats and waterproofs provided free of charge.

Explore neighbouring towns

It would be a shame to limit yourselves to one area when the Lake District has so much to offer. Larger towns like Keswick to the north east and Windermere to the south have a variety of attractions to suit all ages. Off road adventures, treks, rock climbing, gardens and water sports can all be enjoyed at the lively hub of Windermere, alongside quaint tea rooms, galleries and pubs.

Whether you opt for land or water, the little gem of Glenridding will have something to amuse you. And with so many villages and towns nestled into the landscape, you can always scrap the to-do list and see where the day takes you.

Take a look at our campsites in the Lake District.