Aira Force and Ullswater Viewpoints
Cumbria
Aira Force is the 65-foot waterfall that tumbles through ancient oak and beech woodland above the northern shore of Ullswater. The National Trust trails link the waterfall to Gowbarrow Park, with its 481m top and sweeping views down the length of Ullswater to the Helvellyn skyline. The walk is dog friendly through and through, with three pawprints on the Trust's own rating, water bowls in the car park, and a welcome at the tearoom.
Park at the main Aira Force NT car park on the A592 (free for members, charge otherwise) or at Park Brow or High Cascades car parks along the road. The site is grazed by sheep and has ground-nesting birds in the parkland above the falls, so dogs must be on a lead throughout. The waymarked routes range from half a mile to two miles with optional climbs up Gowbarrow for bigger views, on woodland steps, compacted path and open hill track. There is a dog friendly tearoom, a new visitor area with water bowls, and public toilets at the main car park.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 5.0 km (3.1 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 2 hr
- Walk Type
- Waterfall, Woodland, Lake
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- None
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- Dog friendly tearoom, shop, visitor area with dog water bowls, and public toilets at the main car park.
- Parking
- NT pay and display car park at Aira Force; free for members, fills before 11am on busy days.
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