One of the iconic heritage boats which has been cruising the length of Ullswater in the Lake District since 1889 has been revived thanks to a significant restoration project.

M.Y. Raven on Ullswater in the Lake District © Ullswater ‘Steamers’

M.Y. Raven has been operating on Ullswater in England’s spectacular Lake District for 133 years, as one of the original ships of the Ullswater Navigation and Transit Company, which was used to transport goods, mail, and passengers. Listed on the National Historic Ships register, M.Y. Raven was originally built as a steam vessel but was eventually converted to diesel power in the 1930’s.

Now visitors will be able to enjoy Raven for years to come, thanks to the recent completion of the restoration work.

The newly restored M. Y. Raven © Ullswater ‘Steamers’

Hamish Patterson of Patterson Boat Works worked alongside the team at Ullswater 'Steamers' to replace the upper decks with 70 square-metres of sustainably sourced Iroko timber. Meanwhile her saloon has been refitted with American Light Oak, with the whole project being proudly finished to a first-class yacht standard.

Barry Crellin, Engineer at Ullswater ‘Steamers’, says: “Raven has been brought back to her former glory, the whole team worked really hard to finish this project to a high standard and the results are superb! There is so much history in these vessels and projects like this ensure we are protecting the rich 160-year history of the steamers so they can be enjoyed by visitors for years to come.”

M. Y. Raven has been cruising Ullswater for 133 years © Ullswater ‘Steamers’

Ullswater ‘Steamers’ is a family-owned business that has been operating in the tranquil Ullswater Valley since 1859. Today, the company provides a sustainable and environmentally friendly way of linking some of the most iconic walking routes and views in the Lake District National Park. Ullswater ‘Steamers’ has one of the largest heritage passenger vessel fleets in England, including the oldest working passenger vessel in the world, Lady of the Lake.

Raven was officially added to Ullswater ‘Steamers’ fleet on 16 July 1889 after identifying a need for a second boat during the peak holiday seasons. She was built on the River Clyde in Scotland and delivered in sections by train to Penrith in Cumbria, before being transported by horse and cart to Pooley Bridge, at the northern end of Ullswater.

She was christened Raven by Winifred Parkin, aged 6. Legend has it that the younger the person that names a boat, the longer she will live, and that’s certainly the case for Raven, as she continues to cruise Ullswater to this day.

If you or your group would like to enjoy a relaxing cruise on Ullswater, as part of a tour of the fabulous Lake District in north west England, please do contact our friendly team today.

The Lake District is a walkers’ paradise and we can put together the ideal walking tour to meet the abilities and expectations of all those in your group.