Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park Trail

This 4.5-mile circular walk starts at the Aira Force National Trust car park and usually takes 1.5 to 3 hours. It crosses the picnic field and Glade, climbs beside Aira Beck through the pinetum, and reaches the upper waterfall bridge. Continue upstream past High Force and the High Cascades, then climb onto open Gowbarrow Fell. The stored route includes the trig point spur and its retraced path, so the distance describes the complete loop. The lower waterfall bridge is an optional detour and is not part of the stored line.

The wooded gorge gives the first big reward at Aira Force, with further cascades upstream. Above the trees, the route opens onto Gowbarrow Fell for a broad view over Ullswater and the surrounding fells. Look for the trig point, the old shooting-lodge ruin, the Memorial Seat viewpoint, and Lyulph’s Tower across the field. Ferns, evergreen specimen trees, and woodland birdlife add interest before and after the open fell.

This is a moderate walk with a sustained climb from the waterfall gorge to the fell. Expect narrow paths, steep steps, uneven ground, and some exposed drops near the gorge. The open sections can be muddy, and bracken may make the line less obvious in summer. Higher ground has little shelter, so allow extra time for photographs, careful footing, and changing weather.

Use the signed Aira Force National Trust car park by the wooden Welcome Building, about 3 miles from Glenridding via the A592, just beyond the A5091 junction. The walk begins across the picnic field. Toilets and refreshments are available around the base area. Dogs are welcome, but keep them on a lead because of livestock and ground-nesting birds, and take dog waste home.

Higher elevations are exposed and weather can change quickly. Carry a map and compass, waterproofs, a whistle, and a torch. This loop suits walkers who want the waterfall and the fell panorama together; choose a shorter waterfall-only walk if the sustained climb or exposed sections are not a good fit.