Launch of The Eamont way linking Penrith to Pooley Bridge

A new footpath linking Penrith to Ullswater has opened today (14 April 2023).

The Eamont Way is a new signed walking trail of 5.5 miles connecting Penrith to Pooley Bridge.

Volunteers from Friends of the Ullswater Way and SITU (Sustainable and Integrated Transport for Ullswater) had a role in designing the trail.

Cecilia Fry from SITU said: "We were looking at various links of getting people into Ullswater and we realised there was a missing link from Penrith station."

Michael Firth, also from SITU, said: "We think this footpath is going to be well used."

It is hoped the new walking trail will boost visitors, and promote more people to the area without using a car.

Wooden finger post signs mark the way with a logo featuring an eel. The choice of using an eel comes from a historical reference.

From 1215 to around 1860 a weekly fish market was held in Pooley Bridge. James Clarke in his 1787 survey of the Lakes noted: “Incredible numbers of eels are caught here in the months of July, August and September...several horse loads are frequently caught in a few hours."

For more information on the route visit the Friends of the Ullswater Way website.