UYC Cruising Guide

Ullswater Cruising
Guide
Ullswater Yacht Club - 2011
Cruising on Ullswater
A publication for Ullswater Yacht Club members
A tranquil sail on Ullswater.
Many sailors enjoy sailing on the beautiful waters of Ullswater, but few feel confident
enough to extend their day-sailing to cruising, anchoring overnight and spending a few days
‘away from it all’. It is hoped that this publication will encourage a few more UYC cruiser
owners to do just that.
It is emphasised that the responsibility of safe anchoring is at all times the total
responsibility of the vessel’s skipper. This publication gives a guide to the location of
anchorages which have been used by UYC members, but the decision to use one has to be
determined by the skipper and is dependant on the prevailing weather conditions at the time
and the suitability of the vessel’s anchoring equipment. (Anyone in doubt can seek guidance
from experienced UYC cruiser owners who are only too willing to help. UYC cannot be held
responsible for any problems experienced when using these anchorages.)
The shores of Ullswater are by-and-large private property and therefore shore landings from
a cruiser should be avoided. Although the anchorages shown are often used it must be
emphasised that the lake bed often slopes away steeply and careful anchoring is always
required. Please beware that swimming can be dangerous, due the low water temperature
just a short distance offshore.
We hope you will be tempted to cruise Ullswater and enjoy the experience.
John Easterby
Summer 2011
Front cover photo of Ullswater from Arthurs Pike by Neil Thompson. With grateful thanks to Judith and Brian
Lindley for their photographs of the anchorages, Neil Thompson for help with the map and to Liz Amos for
putting it all together.
1.
Howtown Bay
Best for winds from South to West
Fairly busy during the day due to steamer traffic. Quiet at night.
Gently sloping lake bed inshore.
2. Hallin Promontary
Best for winds from South to West.
Popular during the day. Quiet at night.
Gently sloping lake bed inshore.
Shore access to National Park.
3. Birkett Bay
Best for winds from South East to South West.
Quiet anchorage. Steeply sloping lake bed.
4. Sandwick Bay
Best for winds from South East to South West.
Gently sloping lake bed inshore. Quiet.
5. Scalehow Wood
Best for winds from South East to South West.
Good holding close inshore. Quiet.
Shore access to National Park.
6. Silver Bay
Best for winds from South East to South West.
Good holding. Gently sloping lake bed inshore.
Quiet. Shore access to National Park.
7. Small Islands
Best for North East to South East winds. Quiet.
Consider a stern line to stop swinging.
8. Lagoon
Best for North West to South East winds.
Fairly narrow space, so consider a stern line to stop swinging. Quiet.
9. Bay (no photo)
Best for North West to South East Winds. Open Bay. Quiet.
10. South Shore
Best for South East to South West winds.
Large area of weeds, so not very safe for overnight.
Day-time anchoring – watch for drifting and don’t leave the boat.
11. Glencoyne Bay
Best for South West to North West winds.
Gently sloping lake bed inshore. Near to road, so noisy.
12. Aira Point
Best for West to North East winds.
Gently sloping lake bed inshore. Quiet.
. Bay
13. Aira
Best for West to North winds.
Steeply sloping lake bed. Near to road, so noisy.
14. Harbour
Best for West to North winds.
Gently sloping lake bed close inshore. Near to UYC facilities.
Notes
In an emergency contact the Coastguard. Phone 999.
On-shore overnight camping and open fires on lakeshores and islands
damage the fragile environment, so are not permitted. If using a
barbeque please raise on stones to avoid damage to the ground and
remove them after use.
On board, sealed toilets must be used and emptied only at designated
facilities (e.g. UYC)
Anchoring in Ullswater has to be done carefully, but advice may be
obtained from one of several experienced members who will willingly
give you the benefit of their knowledge. The first, of course, is to have
an appropriate anchoring system for your boat. . . . .
Enjoy!!
Danger Marks on the Lake
1. Shallows off Gale Bay
2. Shallows/reef off Thwaite Point
3. Shallows/rock north of Beauthorn, danger buoy missing July 2011
4. Reef south of Beauthorn, south marker missing July 2011
5. Shallows off Halsteads point - buoy missing July 2011
6. Reef in Outward Bound bay near boathouse - marker OK
7. Scalehow Wood - marker OK
8. South of Cherry Holm island - don't go too close when the water level in the lake
is low
Ullswater Yacht Club
Howtown
Pooley Bridge
Cumbria
CA10 2NA
Tel 01768 486333
www.ullswateryachtclub.org