Aira Force and Gowbarrow Fell
The Lakes' best-known waterfall, then a small fell with the whole of Ullswater below it.
- Distance
- 6 km
- Ascent
- 360 m
- Time
- 2–2.5 h
- Grade
- Moderate
- Route
- Circular
- High point
- 481 m
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Route mapped on from OpenStreetMap paths, with heights from EU-DEM terrain data; not yet checked on the ground by TRXO. Added to TRXO on . For planning only: always navigate with an up-to-date map such as OS Explorer or Harvey. How we make our routes.
About this walk
Aira Force and Gowbarrow Fell is a moderate 6 km circular walk with 360 m of ascent, taking 2 to 2.5 hours. It starts at Aira Force car park (grid reference NY 401 204).
Aira Force drops 20 m under a stone footbridge in a wooded ravine beside Ullswater, and the National Trust paths to it are busy all year. The walk goes beyond the fall, up onto Gowbarrow Fell, whose summit cairn looks down the whole length of the lake, and returns along the fell's southern edge past the viewpoint where Wordsworth saw his daffodils.
Route
-
1
Aira Force
Climb through the woods to the fall.
-
2
Gowbarrow
Continue onto the fell to the summit and return along its southern edge.
Summit
Gowbarrow Fell
481 m
On the way
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Aira ForceWaterfall · 100 m from the route
Other routes up Gowbarrow Fell (Wainwright summit)
Questions about this walk
- How long does Aira Force and Gowbarrow Fell take?
- Most walkers take 2–2.5 hours for the 6 km route, which has 360 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.
- Where does the walk start, and where can I park?
- It starts at Aira Force car park (grid reference NY 401 204). National Trust car park (charge for non-members).
- Can I get there by public transport?
- Bus 508 from Penrith and Glenridding; Ullswater Steamers call at Aira Force pier. Check times on Traveline.
- How hard is it?
- It's graded moderate. Surfaced paths to the fall, then rougher fell paths, boggy in places.
- Which hill does it climb?
- Gowbarrow Fell (Wainwright summit) (481 m, Wainwright).
- Can I take my dog?
- Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Before you go: Sheep graze here: keep dogs on a lead near livestock, especially at lambing time (March to May).
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