Aira Force to Glencoyne Trail

Overview

About Aira Force to Glencoyne Trail

This is a 1.2 mile (1.92 km) one way linear walk of about 45 minutes, running between Aira Force National Trust Car Park near Watermillock (CA11 0JS) and Glencoyne National Trust Car Park (CA11 0QT). Mapped geometry measures almost exactly 1.2 miles. It is a separate outing from the short waterfall stroll, the Aira Force and Gowbarrow loop, and the 3 mile Glencoyne Farm loop.

Why go

Waterfall and lakeshore scenery in one short route
Low-level access between two visitor car parks

Heads up

Linear logistics require a return plan
Short steps, rough gravel and a narrow section

Map & elevation

The route

Loading the Lake District map

Full map

Elevation144–168 m

TrailheadAira Force National Trust Car Park54.57180, -2.92828

Keep this map with you offline in the Parkwolf app

Plan your hike

Before you go

Parking

Start at Aira Force National Trust Car Park on the A592 near Watermillock (CA11 0JS). The trail ends at Glencoyne National Trust Car Park (CA11 0QT), so leave a second vehicle there or plan a return. Aira Force has the welcome building, toilets, tearoom, Blue Badge bays and a drop-off point.

Safety

The route crosses the A5091 at a signed crossing. Expect short steep steps, rough loose gravel, drop-offs, gates, small footbridges, and one narrow section about 70 cm wide. Keep dogs on leads around grazing cattle.

8 active Lake District alerts

ClosureChapel Stile footpath closed for retaining-wall riskPart of Footpath 543030 between Chapel Stile and Baysbrown campsite is closed because a retaining wall beside the path could collapse and material it supports could fall across the footpath.Official details
ClosureStanley Ghyll Lower Falls footpath closed for rockfallThe section of Footpath 408037 leading towards Stanley Ghyll Lower Falls is closed because severe rockfall damage has made the path unstable and further rockfall remains a danger.Official details

See all 8 alerts

A park ranger sits on a dash-mounted phone, talking, as Parkwolf’s Tour Guide plays “Army Cutworm Moths: A Grizzly Bear Buffet” on Grand Loop Road below Dunraven Pass in Yellowstone — Parkwolf Tour GuideThe highest, rockiest slopes around here are a summer buffet for grizzly bears.

Lake District Tour Guide

Your drive to Aira Force to Glencoyne Trail, narrated.

Parkwolf is a GPS audio tour guide for Lake District National Park. As you drive, it chimes in with what’s ahead: hidden gems, upcoming stops, history, geology, and wildlife, right through your car’s speakers.

Recorded for this trailhead

Aira Force and Gowbarrow

0:00 / 1:16

“Up ahead is Aira Force, where a woodland walk brings you to a sixty-five-foot waterfall dropping into a narrow, fern-covered gorge. Stone bridges, mossy rocks and tall specimen trees make the walk part of the attraction.”

Plays as you drive up to this trailhead in the Parkwolf Lake District Tour Guide.

Hiking Aira Force to Glencoyne Trail

SequenceFrom the car park the path leads through Aira Force and Aira Green to the Ullswater shore, then…

From the car park the path leads through Aira Force and Aira Green to the Ullswater shore, then reaches a signed crossing of the A5091, and continues through woodland and pasture to Glencoyne.

PayoffChanging views over Ullswater and the surrounding fells, veteran trees and red squirrel habitat.

Changing views over Ullswater and the surrounding fells, veteran trees and red squirrel habitat. The walk stays low level and reaches no summit. Clear air sharpens the views, and spring and autumn add colour in the woodland.

Terrain and hazardsRated 3 out of 10 for difficulty, the linear walk is suitable for many visitors and some…

Rated 3 out of 10 for difficulty, the linear walk is suitable for many visitors and some pushchairs. Separately, expect short steep climbs, steep steps both up and down, rough loose gravel, drop offs beside the path, one section narrowing to about 70 cm, gates and small footbridges, plus the signed crossing of the A5091.

DogsKeep dogs on leads throughout, because cattle graze along parts of the route.

Keep dogs on leads throughout, because cattle graze along parts of the route.

LogisticsThe Aira Force end has a welcome building, toilets, a tearoom, Blue Badge parking and a drop…

The Aira Force end has a welcome building, toilets, a tearoom, Blue Badge parking and a drop off point. Return either by retracing your steps for about 2.4 miles in total, or by leaving a second car at Glencoyne.

Best use and comparisonGood for a half day outing when you want lake and woodland scenery rather than height, or for a…

Good for a half day outing when you want lake and woodland scenery rather than height, or for a one way walk with two vehicles. The Aira Force and Gowbarrow loop climbs to a higher fell viewpoint, while this route is shorter, easier underfoot overall, and focused on the lakeshore and woods.

Wildlife

Wildlife in Lake District

All Lake District wildlife maps

81 sightingsRed DeerMost seen around 7 PMSighting map

13 sightingsEurasian OtterMost seen around 6 AMSighting map

76 sightingsOspreyMost seen around 8 AMSighting map

51 sightingsEuropean BadgerMost seen around 8 PMSighting map

233 sightingsMute SwanMost seen around 6 PMSighting map

176 sightingsGrey HeronMost seen around 7 AMSighting map

Sighting maps show where each species has been reported across Lake District. Wildlife moves, so no sighting is guaranteed.