A Walking Guide to Aira Force

Planning your next hike, or looking for somewhere to take the kids out for a day? Look no further than Aira Force. A great waterfall in which William Wordsworth was said to have frequented and inspired one of his poems.

Here's your essential guide to Aira Force, including how to get there, where to park and what to bring.

Aira Force is in the Lake District, situated in the National Trust site of Gowbarrow Park.

It's not far from Ullswater & Glenridding, so if you're visiting on holiday or live somewhat local, it's well worth a visit.

View Aira Force on Google maps.

Being in a National Trust Site, you'll be able to park at Aira Force Car Park for free if you're a member, otherwise you'll need to use the pay and display. There are also public toilets available at this car park, along with a nearby welcome building and tea room.

Alternatively, there's another National Trust car park further up the road which is the Aira Force High Force car park. If you're lucky there's also a small amount of room for on-street parking on the approach to that one.

Aira Force is a 65-foot drop flowing from Aira Beck. As you approach, you'll be heading through Gowbarrow Park, and optionally you can walk all the way to Gowbarrow Summit, offering a spectacular view towards areas of Ullswater.

The walk to the falls isn't too long – it'll take you roughly 15-20 minutes if you're walking from the National Trust Car Park, all through mostly woodland. However, there is a circular walking route you can do which takes you up to Aira High Force and will take roughly an hour.

There's also the optional route of walking Gowbarrow Fell, if you want to make a day of it. It's a fairly easy route being well marked, but like most hikes in the you'll be exposed to the elements as you near the summit, which is 481 metres high. It's also a Wainwright, if you're into your Wainright bagging.

Unless you're visiting in the height of summer, it'd be wise to bring a waterproof coat with you. It's by no means a challenging hike and you'll be mostly under the cover of trees so you won't be at a disadvantage if you leave some of your usual hiking gear at home.

However if you're going to walk Gowbarrow Fell on the same trip, then certainly bring some good walking shoes and a backpack for some water and snacks.