Ullswater at Kailpot Crag

Kailpot Crag is a rocky, pine-topped knoll on Ullswater's quieter eastern shore, reached on foot along the lakeside path between Howtown and Sandwick. The water off the rocks is cold, and the Ullswater 'Steamers' work the lake all year, so wear a bright cap and tow a float. Look for the plaque to Lord Birkett, who led the fight to stop the lake becoming a reservoir.

Directions

Photo: Michael Graham · CC BY-SA 2.0

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Latest reading · SwimScore 76/100 (Good swim) for a typical swimmer: air 12°C, wind 10 km/h, UV 0. Updated 23 Sept, 22:00 UTC.

Know before you go

Best conditions: Calm days; the national park recommends swimming along the shoreline, wearing a bright hat and towing a float on busy lakes.
Getting in: On foot along the lakeshore path through Hallinhag Wood between Howtown and Sandwick. Swimming is allowed on Ullswater, which the national park lists as one of the busier lakes, with powered craft limited to 10 mph.
Parking & transport: No car park at the crag itself; the Ullswater 'Steamers' call at Howtown pier, the nearest landing.
Water quality: This stretch is not a designated bathing water, so it is not routinely sampled by the Environment Agency.
Watch for: Boat traffic: the Ullswater 'Steamers' sail year-round between Pooley Bridge, Glenridding, Howtown and Aira Force, and other powered craft use the lake
Cold water shock, even in summer
Blue-green algae can occur in warm, dry spells

Sources: en.wikipedia.org, en.wikipedia.org, lakedistrict.gov.uk, lakedistrict.gov.uk, commons.wikimedia.org