I hiked the Ullswater Way over two days in June when I was lucky enough to have fine, sunny weather – amazing luck for a region that is often overcast and rainy!
Here I am sharing some tips on what you should pack when hiking the Ullswater Way and my complete packing list for my two-day adventure and overnight stay at a shepherds hut in Patterdale.
You can find out more about the Ullswater Way in my complete guide here
Packing tips for hiking the Ullswater Way
Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes
I found this an absolute must. The terrain is variable over the walk ranging from road to muddy woodland trails to gravel footpaths and lots and lots of rocky, uneven undulating paths. Make sure you wear something with good grip and is comfy over a long distance, especially if you plan to hike it in one day.
Pack waterproofs even if the forecast is fine and dry
The weather in the Lake District is well known for being changeable even in the height of summer and even when the forecast assures you that it will remain dry, always take a waterproof just in case. There is nothing worse than being wet and cold on a long-distance walk.
Wear and pack a variety of layers
With a variety of ascents and descents on the Ullswater Way, I found myself putting layers on and off depending on the part of the route. Even in summer, the highest part of the trail around Gowbarrow Fell I was thankful for my thin jumper, which I shed by mid-evening when the sun came out on the last flat road section to Patterdale.
I wore a mixture of sleeveless tops, a thin long sleeve top and a thin waterproof jacket for the unexpected shower.
Pick up the Ullswater Way Guide before you start
Despite the majority of the Ullswater Way being way-marked and easy to follow, I really recommend picking up a copy of the Ullswater Way guidebook.
As well as detailed maps, it provides history, culture and background to many of the places en route. You can pick up the guide from many shops in the Ullswater valley or online from Inspired by the Lakes before you go.
My complete packing list for 2 days on the Ullswater Way
What I wore on Days 1 & 2 (during summer)
- 3/4 length leggings
- Sleeveless running top
- Hiking socks
- Berghaus hiking boots
- Cap
- Sunglasses
- Thin hiking jumper (wore around my waist for most of the day)
What I had in my backpack
My backpack I use the Osprey Tempest 30l backpack for all my day hikes in the Lake District and I highly recommend it. As well as being super it’s a comfortable backpack (designed for women and especially good for short women) I love the extra features such as a stuff sack at the front for easy access to waterproofs and useful belt pockets to put small things like snacks, mini suncream and tissues for easy access you don’t have to keep taking your bag on and off.
Clothes and shoes
- Sleeveless vest
- Long sleeve ultra-thin base layer
- Thin waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers
- Buff (can double as sun hat)
- Change of underwear and socks
- Swimsuit (unused as too tired!)
- Thin travel towel
- Teva sandals (to wear at the shepherd’s hut)
Toiletries
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Small shower gel
- Face wipes
- Hand sanitiser
- Pocket tissues
- Suncream
Missacelnous Items
- Head-torch (in case of needing the toilet in the night or late night wanders)
- First Aid kit with plasters, blister plasters and basic medicines
- Emergency blanket
- Gaffer tape (in case of any tears/breakages to kit)
- Journal & magazine (for evening entertainment)
- Mini tripod
- Headphones
- Snacks (cereal bars & nuts)
- Spork (for my pack lunch on day 1)
- Spare plastic bag for dirty/wet/muddy kit or litter
- ID and bank card in ziplock bag plus a small amount of cash (cash machines can run out in the Lakes during summer and not all shops take cards in more rural spots)
- OS Map OL5 and Ullswater Way Guidebook
- Reusable water bottle
- Mobile Phone (my old iPhone SE) and portable charger
I hope you’ve found this kit list useful and you enjoy your own adventure on the Ullswater Way!
You can keep up to date with my adventures in the Lake District over on Instagram
More from my hike on the Ullswater Way
My experience of hiking the Ullswater Way over two days
Quirky accommodation in the Lake District: a night at a shepherd’s hut in Patterdale
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