Aira Force & Gowbarrow Fell
one of the most beautiful spots in the Lake District
Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0JS
Is there anywhere that does the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness better than the English Lake District? The Lakes in autumn are a spine tingling exhibition of fiery treetops and bronze leafed bracken. There’s no better time walk in the footsteps of William Wordsworth at the National Trust’s Aira Force to discover the beautiful waterfall which inspired his poem The Somnambulist.
- Children Welcome
- Multiple Dogs Allowed
- Parking
- Refreshments
- Rural Walks
Good to know
Overview
Visitors to Aira Force will find there is nothing more delightful than a dewy autumn morning spent exploring this deservedly well-loved site. Take an easy stroll through the landscaped gardens to spot red squirrels scampering across the lawns on their way to one of the feeding stations, before continuing further along the path as it twists and turns its way through the woods. You’ll be awed by the magnificent waterfall which gives the site its name.
Aira Force is without a doubt one of the most incredibly beautiful spots in the Lake District. While the waterfall viewing platform is currently closed following tree fall during winter storms, there are plenty of great vantage points along the footpath. The waterfall does get busy at peak times, but climb a little higher through the leafy woods to emerge onto the hillside of Gowbarrow Fell – and the crowds instantly disappear.
Like all fell walks, navigation and the right footwear is essential if you decide to tackle Gowbarrow. That being said, this diminutive hill is a great choice for beginners who want a relatively straight forward fell walk without any technical scrambling. The enchanting views of Ullswater earn this fell a place among the most scenic of all Lake District walks, and you’ll bag a Wainwright to boot.
Dogs will need to be kept under close control on the fell side, as you’re likely to come across livestock grazing, but they will absolutely love all of the woodland sniffs and splashing in the stream. Once you’re back at the start, stop at the dog friendly Aira Force tea room for a hot chocolate and a tasty treat. You’ve earned it!
For The Dogs
Bring leads, water and poop bags.
Opening Hours
Daylight hours recommended.
Parking
Park at Aira Force car park, Penrith, CA11 0JS.
The Area
You’ll get an amazing view of Ullswater from the slopes of Gowbarrow, but for a bit of a different Lakeland experience, board one of the dog friendly Ullswater Steamers to enjoy the views from a more unusual perspective. Board at Glenridding for an around the lake cruise, or disembark at Howtown to enjoy a stunning six mile ramble along the shore back to the start. If you bag Gowbarrow and get the Wainwright bug, Walla Crag and Loughrigg Fell are perfect next summits to help build up your fell walking confidence. Alternatively, drive down to Tarn Hows in the south Lakes, where an easy stroll along the shore can be extended a little with a detour to Tom Gill waterfall, or a lot with a hike up to Black Crag – another Wainwright.
For more walks, pubs and places to stay, see our guide to dog friendly Cumbria & the Lake District.
