gowbarrow fell aira force
gowbarrow fell walkers
Tree texture

GOWBARROW FELL & AIRA FORCE WALK

Follow the path to Aira Force waterfalls from Gowbarrow fell and take in some of the best Lake District landscape. Pass Lyluph’s pele tower and uncover the inspiration for many characters in the novel Tarzan.

Walk overview

Total distance: 6.8 km - Time: 2 hours

Time: 2 hours

Description: Combine some of the best landscape in the Lake District with the most scenic waterfalls – Aira Force. If you’re not an experienced walker, trail finding can be tricky so best to leave this one for a bright day.  Dogs are welcome but we ask they are kept on a lead due to the red squirrels and sheep.

Difficulty: Medium

Directions: A short 6 minute drive (approx) from the hotel, or catch the bus to the Aira Force National Trust car park on the A592, postcode CA11 0JS

What to bring: Good sturdy walking shoes, drink and snacks. Sun cream, a hat, a camera.

Elevation: 306m

Waterfalls and panoramic views

Gowbarrow is a fell that many people never take the time to climb, and that’s a shame – it’s not too tough, it has super views over Ullswater, and it can be combined with a visit to one of the Lake District’s most scenic (and best-known) waterfalls – Aira Force. The walk can be boggy and muddy when the weather’s wet, however, and if you’re not an experienced walker, trail-finding can be tricky if it’s cloudy or misty – so it’s best to leave this one for a bright, clear day.