Fastpacking - the Ullswater Way

Do you dream of being able to run all day long, free of cares and responsibilities?  Or perhaps the idea of travelling light, exploring the landscape on your two feet, and making a linear journey, appeals to you?  If so, fastpacking is for you.

Some previous happy fastpackers!

This two-day trip will cover the entirety of the Ullswater Way, a bucket list Lakeland objective for many, in a manageable, enjoyable and steadily paced way. Although the Way is 'doable' in a day, our fastpacking trips aren't about racing through the landscape; we want to be able to enjoy the views, stop when we like, and generally feel free from the rushing around which often characterises daily life!

Wordsworth wrote of Ullswater: '...perhaps, upon the whole, the happiest combination of beauty and grandeur, which any of the Lakes affords.' We'd argue there's no 'perhaps' about it! But we'd love you to come and judge for yourself.

The first day of this fabulous circumnavigation will begin in Penrith, using the Eamont Way to access Ullswater itself. Arriving in Pooley Bridge we'll first tackle the wilder southern side of the lake, climbing towards the Cockpit stone circle before heading west, with fantastic views towards day's end, Glenridding.

Accommodation for this trip is at YHA Helvellyn - itself a destination thanks to its setting 300m up the mountain!

In the evening, you are welcome to spend time as you please - perhaps wandering back down to Glenridding for a swim, ice cream or beer, or exploring the intriguing remnants of a bygone mining industry around the hostel. Groups generally choose to eat dinner together; the hostel serves evening meals.

On day two we'll head back to Penrith, this time along the northern shoreline, via stunning Aira Force, and the possibility of summiting Gowbarrow Fell if time allows. The route then returns to pretty Pooley before picking up the Eamont Way once again back to Penrith.

Feedback from previous attendees:

'Excellent weekend as always, great company and a laugh make the miles tick by!'

'Really loved the weekend of running and great company. Thanks Jenny will look forward to some more in the future. Will definitely be back to the lakes it was fab.'

'Thank you all for a fabulous weekend and thanks again for your amazing organising, guiding, encouraging and inspiring. I'm looking forward to the next adventure already!'

'The pace of the whole weekend was perfect. On the trails, the pace made it easy to enjoy the surroundings, chat and cover the distance comfortably. The time in the evening, would have been plenty if anyone had wanted to go off and do something themselves or taken some time out, but I very much enjoyed the company of the group in the bar and over dinner.'

'I loved the fast-packing experience of a journey from one place to another, through the beautiful and varied landscape of the Lake District, with such a fantastic bunch of people. Your skills, guidance and enthusiasm are inspirational, Jenny. I look forward to more adventures with 'Into the Hills' and many more of my own.'

FAQs

What time will the trip start and end?

We’ll meet for coffee in Penrith on day one at 9am for a 9.30am start, and we’ll aim to return by 6pm on day two.

Is this trip suitable for me?

We think that if you are running around 20-25 miles per week, and you could run continuously (at an easy pace) for 2-3 hours two days in a row, you’ll be comfortable on this trip.  We also suggest that you have experienced at least one or two days like this before - something like a long trail race, a solo adventure, or a multi-day hiking trip. If in doubt, please get in touch and Jenny will happily advise on whether it's right for you. There's also our Beginner Fastpacking trip in April, which has shorter days.

How far will we run?  And how fast?

We'll cover around 28-30k each day on this trip, aiming for a leisurely 4-5kph pace. On Into the Hills events we always move at a comfortable pace for the slowest people in the group on the day.

What kit will I need?

We’ll send a kit list prior to the event, but there shouldn’t be much (if anything!) on it that you don’t already have.  The main piece of equipment you will need is a running backpack or vest large enough to hold a few toiletries, food for the days, and a change of overnight clothes.  If you’d like to get ahead on this, have a look at our fastpacking blog, which features Jenny’s packing list for a three day trip.

What is included?

The cost of the trip includes two days' guided running, one night's accommodation in Glenridding (YHA Helvellyn), and breakfast on day two. An evening meal and food for the time we are running are not included. The maximum group size is six people.

Who will be leading the trip?

This adventure will be guided by one of the fantastic Into the Hills team: Rachel, Pip, Bryony, Luke, Abi and Heidi.

How do I book?

Simply add your ticket(s) below and click 'checkout' to book your place - you'll receive an email with your tickets, and we will be in touch before your course date with full details of the trip and a kit list.  If you have any questions before booking, have a look at our FAQs, or contact us if your question isn't answered . Our cancellation policy can be found on our FAQ page.

Practical notes

1. Please note that the routes described above are indicative rather than final; we will always take into account the weather forecast and the pace of the group when making route decisions.

2. Please contact us if you need to make payment in instalments; we can put a place on hold for you and arrange this.

3. Accommodation for this trip will be in shared bunk rooms (max. 4 people) with others of the same gender.  If you have a need or a preference for a private room, please contact us.  We can’t guarantee this, but we can hold a place for you while we discuss with our accommodation provider and find out what the additional cost to you would be.

4. Travel and accommodation arrangements before and after the trip are not included; you will need to arrange your own transport to and from Penrith, and accommodation before and after the trip if required. Penrith has a train station, or if driving, long-stay parking for several council car parks can be booked in advance online.

5. All guests MUST bring photo ID in order to check in to the YHA. This is a strict requirement; without this you will not be able to check in, and would need to make your own arrangements for accommodation.