Route: Gowbarrow Fell and Aira Force
Area: Eastern Lake District
Date of walk: 12th September 2013
Walkers: Andrew
Distance: 5.7 miles
Ascent: 1,000 feet
Every cloud has a silver lining, and yesterday’s rain, which had put a dampener on my Wetherlam walk, meant that the waterfalls along Aira Beck were in full spate
I parked above Aira Force and walked clockwise so as to save the falls for last and also to keep the best views of Ullwater ahead of me on the terraced path above the lake. This meant a short walk downstream until I could find a footbridge across the Beck. I did contemplate leaping, and teetered on the brink a couple of times, but discretion got the better part of valour and I opted for the sensible way across
It was an easy hike up to the top of Gowbarrow Fell. There then followed a glorious mile or so along a terraced path at high level with beautiful views to the head of Ullswater
I then reached Aira Force, which was looking spectacular – all 65 feet of it. I completed the circle by following the falls upstream and back to the start. A fantastic outing
For other walks here, visit my Find Walks page and enter the name in the ‘Search site’ box
Click on the icon below for the route map (subscribers to OS Maps can view detailed maps of the route, visualise it in aerial 3D, and download the GPX file. Non-subscribers will see a base map)
Scroll down – or click on any photo to enlarge it and you can then view as a slideshow
At the start, with Gowbarrow Park in the background
Descending to Aira Beck
I follow Aira Beck downstream for a short distance
and then cross over this footbridge to head back upstream
First glimpse of Ullswater from the lower slopes of Gowbarrow Fell
Looking back to Dockray
Summit of Gowbarrow Fell
And again, with Great Mell Fell behind
Matterdale
Heading towards Ullswater
Ullswater
The Ullswater Steamer
Sandwick Bay
Looking back east
The head of Ullswater
And again, from near the end of the beautiful terrace path
I enter the woods just above Aira Beck
Aira Force
Looking down Aira Force from the bridge at the top
Further along Aira Beck
After that wonderful section along the Beck, it’s time to head back to the car park
A last look back towards Gowbarrow Park
