The Aira Force and Gowbarrow Fell walk is part of Alfred Wainwright’s Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells. A famed British fell walker, Wainwright has inspired generations of walkers to explore the fells. Whether you’re retracing his favourite routes, or simply looking for a day out, this walk offers a combination of spectacular scenery, peaceful fell paths, and one of the most iconic waterfalls in the Lake District.
At Mill House Cottages, this month’s blog offers a guide to walking Aira Force and Gowbarrow Fell. With a range of luxury holiday cottages in the Lake District, this circular walk is a great way to get a taste of what Cumbria has to offer.
Aira Force is a beautiful cascading waterfall that stands at 65ft tall. Many visitors will come just for the falls and not Gowbarrow Fell. However, it is a beautiful walk, and it is even better when you leave the crowds behind at the waterfall. Starting from the Aira Force National Trust car park, this circular trail offers the summit of Gowbarrow Fell and stunning views of the surrounding hills and Ullswater.
From Aira Force, continue up the path along the right-hand side of the river, following Aira Beck and the upper falls. Continue past the trees into the open countryside of Gowbarrow Park. Follow the path that runs along the edge of a drystone wall until you reach a gate on your right signed for Gowbarrow. This will take you along an open path until you see a small, wooded area that is signposted for the Ullswater Way. Follow this route uphill, keeping the wall on your left.
One the path levels out and moves away from the wall, keep following it until you see the route split. Take a right turn and you will reach a trig point on the summit of Gowbarrow, where you have a 360° view across Ullswater, Kirkstone Pass and beyond.
Please note: Some sections of this trail are very rough and steep and can become very slippery in wet weather.
When you’re ready to return, retrace your steps to where you turned up to the trig point, and continue your circular walk. Follow the path down, bearing right until you reach the ruin of an old shooting lodge. Keep right at the junction for Pooley Bridge and continue around the trail until you come across a footpath that takes you to a stile. From there, you can step over and admire the views.
After, go back over the stile and turn left, continuing down the path towards woodland. Before the woodland, take the left and go through a gate, bearing left to rejoin the footpath to return to the car park.
Although the route includes a few steeper sections, it is well within the reach of most walkers with a reasonable level of fitness. You will encounter woodland steps and narrow paths with steep edges. There are also some muddy stretches that requires you to be careful.
However, as with any Lake District Walk, conditions can change quickly. Make sure you pack waterproof clothing and suitable walking boots, even if the forecast looks ok.
If you’re looking to book a luxury cottage break in the Lake District, take a look at our properties. For more information, contact us to help you start planning.
