Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
The walk starts from the National Trust's Aira Force car park. It goes through the Glade and up the gorge to the bridges over Aira Force, which drops 20 m, then continues upstream past High Force to the High Cascades. A path climbs beside a wall onto Gowbarrow Fell and its trig point, with views up and down Ullswater. The return goes round the east side of the fell and along a terrace path past Yew Crag, high above the lake, then down past Lyulph's Tower to the car park.
It is 7.2 km with 347 m of ascent; allow about 2¾ hours. The grade is Easy: short, with one steady climb.
Beyond the Glade the paths narrow, with steep drops and flights of steps, and the fell paths are muddy and hidden by bracken in summer. The top is exposed, so take waterproofs and a map. Red squirrels live in the woods, and the arboretum was planted by the Howard family in 1846.
The car park charges non-members of the National Trust and fills by mid-morning on busy days. The 508 bus from Penrith stops at Aira Force, and from late March to October a boat runs from Glenridding.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- Up the wooded gorge past Aira Force and High Force, onto Gowbarrow Fell above Ullswater
- Aira Force drops 20 m into a wooded gorge; the arboretum was planted by the Howard family in 1846
- Back along the fellside terrace high above the lake
Summits on the way
- Gowbarrow Fell 481 m · passed close by
- Gowbarrow Fell (Wainwright summit) 481 m
Getting there
Start: Aira Force National Trust car park · Pay and display. 54.57190, -2.92835
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Penrith (North Lakes): Booking.com → Expedia →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.
