Discover Aira Force and Gowbarrow Fell, where cascading waterfalls meet ancient woodland. Once a deer park, this dramatic landscape inspired Wordsworth’s poetry. Wander through glades, climb to panoramic views over Ullswater, and enjoy seasonal colour as bracken turns gold and trees reveal their sculptural forms. A perfect fell-top escape.
Avoid the crowds
Our busiest times at Aira Force are between 11am and 3pm. Our car parks can fill up fast at these times and spaces can be limited. For the best chance of finding a parking space, we recommend arriving outside of our peak times.
It takes around 20–30 minutes at a steady pace to reach Aira Force from the main car park. Well marked paths lead to two stone bridges crossing the gorge and waterfall.
Best photo spot:
The metal viewing platform beside the lower bridge offers the most dramatic view. In the right light, you may even catch a rainbow in the mist. You’ll also feel the spray and hear the full force of the waterfall.
The metal walkway (opened in 2023 thanks to funding from The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and donations) gives a thrilling route along the gorge while protecting the landscape from erosion.
Paths are rocky and uneven with stepped sections and some steep drops. Surfaces can be muddy and slippery. Sturdy footwear is recommended. There are benches at various intervals along the route.
Finding your way around
Aira Force offers several way marked walks ranging from 0.5 to 2 miles. You’ll find a large trail map by the welcome building - we recommend taking a quick photo or bringing your own printed copy. You can also download the Aira Force map from our website or ask the team at the welcome building for route suggestions.
There are four National Trust car parks giving you options for your Ullswater adventure. Make sure to scan your membership card or pay for parking, as the money goes back into looking after this beautiful place.
Aira Force car park - best for access to the waterfalls and facilities. During busy times the car park usually fills up by 11am, so arriving early is recommended.
Glencoyne Bay - offers access to lakeside picnics, watersports and a longer trail to visit the Aira Force waterfalls.
High Cascades - best for accessing the high fells or enjoying the 1.5 mile round trip to the waterfalls at Aira Force.
Park Brow - good for accessing the high fells, with a shorter 0.5 mile round trip to Aira Force.
Get here car-free
Start your day in Glenridding and arrive by Ullswater ‘Steamers’, then stroll back along the lakeshore through Glencoyne Park. Please book directly through Ullswater ‘Steamers’.
Arrive by bus using the 508 service that runs between Penrith and Patterdale, stopping directly outside Aira Force car park and tea-room.
Top walking routes
Ullswater offers everything from gentle woodland strolls to fell top hikes. Trails run from the lakeshore to Gowbarrow summit. Wear sturdy footwear and bring the right equipment for longer walks.
There are some fantastic picnic spots at Aira Force. If it's dry, roll out a rug by the lake at Aira Green, on the Glade, or find a spot at one of our picnic benches near the Welcome building. Pick up some hot or cold food and drinks from the tea-room or takeaway unit. If you bring your own reusable cup to the Aira Force tea-room you'll get 25p off your hot drink.
Space to for wild play
Winding paths through the woods, bridges over becks, stepping stones to hop between, trees to make dens below and a grassy glade all offer space for imaginative play. For families the La’al Adventure Box offers games, nature trail and wellies to ensure you have a great adventure whatever the weather. (Available in the main Aira Force car park in school holidays from February to October.)
Wildlife and trees
Spot a rare red squirrel
The numbers of these shy and elusive creatures have dropped over the years and Aira Force is one of the few remaining places in England where native red squirrels still thrive. Stay alert and see if you can spot a rare red squirrel on your walk. The best time is early in the day or late afternoon when there are fewer people around. National Trust at Aira Force is working with Penrith and District Red Squirrel Group to create the habitat that helps the red squirrels to thrive.
Look out for champion trees
Take your time to explore the woodland glades, following the trail around the Aira Force waterfall and enjoying the fascinating collection of trees as you go. See striking ancient and veteran trees, including stately oaks and alder on the Patterdale and Glenamara Park walk.
Mushroom spotting at Aira Force
Mushrooms thrive in damp conditions, and with the woodlands at Aira Force being next to a waterfall and a stream, the woodlands are the perfect place to spot them. Please don’t touch or eat the mushrooms. If you do touch them, make sure you wash your hands.
The amethyst deceiver is a small brightly coloured mushroom that grows in both deciduous and coniferous forests. The cap is 1–6cm in diameter and is a deep purplish lilac colour when moist and fades as the mushroom dries out. The stem is the same colour as the cap and is fibrous, hollow and fairly tough. It appears in later summer to early winter and has been coined ‘the deceiver’ as its bright amethyst colouration fades with age and weathering, often making it difficult to identify.
Yellow stagshorn is a jelly fungus that has a bright orange/yellow colour with a gelatinous texture and is slimy to the touch. It is relatively large for a jelly fungus, growing to about 10cm in height. It is widespread usually growing on decaying conifer wood, typically stumps and roots. It fruits throughout the year but is most seen in autumn.
The hairy curtain crust is a fungus that varies much in colour, often making it quite difficult to identify. It has rippled edges and is commonly quite hairy when fruitbodies are young, but these do become smoother with age. It is common and widespread throughout Britain but is considered a truly international fungus as it is deemed native to many countries across the world. It grows on dead hardwood trees and fallen branches, particularly oak and beech.
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Water sports
Ullswater offers fantastic opportunities for paddle sports. While the water can look tempting on a calm summer day, Lake District weather can easily change. You should always be aware of the weather and its impact on the water. Check out the local weather forecast and the Lake District National Park's guide to getting on the water for access information and safety videos.
Canoe and kayak lock-up points
For those visitors that wish to arrive at Aira Force in their own boat there are lock-up points available. On the side of the boardwalk at Aira Green (where the Ullswater Steamers pier is) you will find some anchor points for securing your canoe or kayak to when you arrive at Aira Force. You will need to bring your own lock, but then you can head out to explore Aira Force and Gowbarrow park leaving your vessel safely behind.
Kayaking and canoeing from Glencoyne Bay
Park at Glencoyne car park and launch your vessel just across the road at Glencoyne Bay. The pebbled beach and relatively shallow lake edge makes it an ideal place to set off on an adventure.
Paddle boarding
If you’re looking for a peaceful and picturesque sport to do, below an impressive Lake District sunset, paddle boarding on Ullswater is the way to end an active day.
Venture further
Explore the wider countryside in Ullswater to avoid the busy spots. The Ullswater Way is a 22 mile walking route that goes around the lake. Taking you through spectacular landscape rich in history and cultural heritage. It is divided into 4 sections, each served by the Ullswater Steamers. There are steamer piers at Aira Force, Glenridding, Pooley Bridge and Howtown.
Discover more at Aira Force and Ullswater
Find out how to get to Aira Force and Ullswater, where to park, the things to see and do and more.
Aira Force is a three pawprint rated place, and well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome here. There are water bowls around the car park and tea-room area. Please read the Canine Code to make sure everyone has an enjoyable day.
Stop for refreshments at Aira Force tea-room for a delightful selection of hot and cold drinks, cakes and sandwiches. Perfect for refuelling during your Ullswater Way walk or waterfall adventure.
Booking is essential for coach parties. Please see Aira Force’s guidance on coach parking and access, then get your group booked in for a great day out.
Celebrate the Lake District’s trees with us – ancient trees, veteran trees, trees on nature trails for families to enjoy. Here are some of our favourites.
Plan a visit to one of the special countryside places in our care and discover the benefits of being in the great outdoors. Pack your walking boots and get ready to explore woodlands, valleys and rivers.
Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.
Explore the Lake District's majestic mountains – among them Scafell Pike, the tallest in England – ancient woodland, hidden waterfalls, rugged coastline and, of course, its many lakes. You might even spot a red squirrel, roe deer or bird of prey.
