Walk to Aira Force by Gowbarrow – Lake District, Cumbria, England

A famous walk in the Lake District National Park passing by the summit of Gowbarrow and the stunning waterfalls of Aira Force.

Aira Force by Gowbarrow walk information:

  • Distance: 7km
  • Duration: 2h30
  • Ascent: 400m
  • Level: Easy
  • Car park: Aira Force National Trust car park CA11 0JY, free for National Trust members, £5 fo 2h, £7 for 4h and £9 for more than 4h.
  • Toilets, Food truck and picnic tables at the car park
  • Dog Friendly: yes, on lead
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We took advantage of this last long weekend of the summer to visit the waterfalls of Aira Force. This place that is part of the National Trust is very popular with families. Try to go early enough to find a parking space and enjoy the beauty of the place. This hike is quite easy, there are just two climbs that can be a little hard. The landscapes are very varied, and the hike offers magnificent views of the Ullswater lake, the surrounding peaks and finally the waterfalls of Aira Force. It is a very beautiful hike accessible to all the family.

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Here are the key steps to do this hike:

  • From the car park, take the direction of Aira Force. Once crossing the bridge turn right and take the direction of the right path going out of the forest. Go through the gate and follow the path that climbs the hillside. Follow the path to an intersection where you have to take the top path. Continue straight to another intersection where you have to turn left.
  • Continue straight on until you reach the next intersection where you have to follow the left path towards Gowbarrow / Airy Crag. Follow the path to the summit and continue on the trail down.
  • Once on the flat part take the left path towards the waterfalls and down again following this path to the car park.

Have you ever done this hike? Have you ever seen the Aira Force waterfalls?

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Find all our dog friendly walks in the Lake District National Park in this page. To discover our adventures in the UK it is here.

14 thoughts on “Walk to Aira Force by Gowbarrow – Lake District, Cumbria, England

  1. We took a little steamer boat ride from Glenridding to a drop off point near Aira Force last year, then hiked to the waterfall. Its lovely near there, especially at this time of year when the heather is flowering. X

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