Aira Force – Gowbarrow Fell summit loop from Ullswater

Hiking trails & Routes

Aira Force – Gowbarrow Fell summit loop from Ullswater

Moderate

4.8

(115)

867

hikers

Aira Force – Gowbarrow Fell summit loop from Ullswater

02:29

7.58km

320m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: August 7, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Lake District National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

1.11 km

Aire Beck Footbridge

Highlight • Forest

easier route than the stepping stones below

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1.45 km

Aira Force is probably Lakeland's most famous waterfall. It is a spectacular sight, as it thunders down a ravine in one, great 65-foot (19.8 m) leap.

A great way to visit to the falls is by taking the Ullswater Steamer from Glenridding to Aira Force Pier. Trails also follow the Aira Beck upstream, allowing you to add the Wainwright summit of Gowbarrow Fell to your day.

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1.59 km

View of Waterfall and Stone Bridge

Highlight • Viewpoint

great water fall but quite rocky and full of steps so not accesible for all

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1.66 km

Aira Force Stone Bridge

Highlight • Viewpoint

Aira Force waterfall is most probably the most famous of the Lake District waterfalls. In this little heaven on earth, Aira Force provides a glimpse of an age gone by, a landscaped park, a woodland paradise, and at its centre a dramatic waterfall along with a charming stone bridge. No wonder the place was such an inspiration to Wordsworth.

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3.43 km

Ullswater view from Gowbarrow Fell

Highlight • Viewpoint

A nice steep climb from the main track to the top here, worth it with the panoramic views.

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3.62 km

View of Ullswater in the Lake District National Park

Highlight • Viewpoint

Small Fell but lovely views

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3.86 km

Gowbarrow Fell summit

Highlight • Summit

Gowbarrow Fell is a gloriously accessible Wainwright summit on the northern shore of Ullswater. It can be combined with a hike to Aira Force, the famous waterfall that tumbles down a ravine on its south western flanks.

The fell's summit area is dotted with craggy outcrops and rewards with awesome Ullswater views to the south and to the Mell Fells and Blencathra in the north.

Tip by

6.71 km