Gowbarrow Fell & Aira Force

Gowbarrow Fell & Aira Force 5th August 2019. Decided to do our first ever proper walk and see some waterfalls at the same time. Brought some family members along too for some moral support. The weather was lovely and sunny with a slight breeze which got much breezier at the top. The main car park is at the base of the beck from the falls with room for dozens of cars. It does get very busy at times. There are toilets and a tea room serving light lunches, cakes and hot drinks and an information kiosk in the car park. As it was chocka full we opted to park in the other National Trust car park 2/3rds of the way up Park Brow from the A5091 to Dockray. From here we crossed the road to join a path that linked up with the the Ullswater Way that leads down to Aira Force or goes up towards Gowbarrow Fell. We opted for the Fell first so turned left and headed up. After only a short distance you come across a field with a wall at the end. Turn right and start your ascent keeping the wall on your left. Its quite wet and boggy in places with lots of rocks. It gets quite steep nearer the top but still manageable. Once at the top of the rocky boggy section the fell opens out and a clear path winds its way to the summit. We all stopped for a bit of lunch here but had to take shelter from the wind just over the top as it got quite breezy.

There are plenty of places to have a power nap if needed.

Once we had been refuelled we followed the clearly defined path down. The route from here gently winds around the whole hill and brings you out in the woods at the bottom of Aira Force.

Anyway after what seemed like an age we eventually waddled our way into the wooded area and began to explore. There are many ancient trees here and apparently the tallest Sitka Spruce in the UK.

You may be lucky enough so see some Red Squirrels or you could dangle your tired achey feet in the cool waters.

Some people have a swim in the many available pools dotted up and down the site. Our walk up to the falls and beyond is a mix of stepped, rocky and level pathways and many bridges and paths across the beck. We did venture down to the bottom of Aira Force via the very long staircase. An amazing sight that must be seen.

Once back up near where we joined the Ullswater Way, we stopped and rested on boulders and explored one last time before leaving.

From here it was only a short walk retracing our steps back towards the road and car park. An excellent day was had by all that had a variety of interest for everyone. Don't forget to check for ticks as you come into contact with lots of greenery on the way down.