Trifter

Ullswater Navigation and Transit Company’s latest vessel. The steam launch Lake Wakefield is typical of her three sisters. She was originally launched at Dartmouth and Berry Castle and she spent many years working the River Dart and the surrounding coastline. Later she plied Plymouth Sound as the Totnes Castle. She came to Ullswater in 2005 and underwent a full refurbishment to prepare her for her relaunch as the Lady Wakefield.

People can leave the hustle and bustle of modern day living behind them when they board one of these magnificently maintained heritage vessels. Ullswater steamers offer conveniently timed sailings every day of the year, except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day as long as the weather conditions allow operations.

The company uses three landing points, at Glenridding Pier House, Pooley Bridge Pier House an Howtown Pier to connect the quiet country byways that lead through the picturesque Lakeland scenery and beyond into the rigged mountain landscapes.

Passengers are advised to keep a weather eye open for the Peregrine Falcons, buzzards, ospreys and squirrels that abound around and over this lake.

Ullswater Steamers stage a series of special events throughout the year, Two of the most popular are the Ullswater Walking Festival and Four 2-hour evening buffet cruises. The youngsters always plump for the pirate weekends. Everybody loves the Santa Specials that are held throughout December. These offer top quality presents to the children while parents receive mince pies and mulled wine to keep the chill from the lake away.

The four vessels do have disabled facilities, though due to their historic character, wheelchair access onto the launches is not always possible. Both dogs and cycles are allowed onboard subject to an extra payment.

All four vessels and the two pier houses have toilet facilities. There is seating on the decks and in the warm comfortable salons.

Teas and coffees are available at the pier houses and onboard the four launches. Sammy launched a healthy eating range of refreshments, known as Sammy-Snax. The Fellbites Café/Restaurant offers tasty refreshments in a Lakeland barn conversion. It is situated in the centre of Glenridding, only a few minutes walk from the pier house and combines a traditional ambience with the most modern standards.

Season tickets giving one full year’s unlimited travel are available and Ullswater Steamers can supply group and charter information packs and there are group discounts. Passengers are also able to obtain leaflets containing various walks.

All four vessels can be booked as daytime and evening packages for anniversaries, birthday parties, conferences, corporate hospitality, group outings and wedding receptions.

Ullswater Steamers are based at Glenridding, which has ample car parking and can be reached by leaving the M6 Motorway at Junction 40 and following the A66 and A592 roads. There are all-year round bus links from Penrith to Glenridding and Pooley Bridge with a traveline on 0870 608 2608