Aira Force

Aira Force is one of the best-known waterfalls in the Lake District, set beside Matterdale End in Cumbria, a short walk uphill from the shore of Ullswater. Its main drop is roughly 20 m (about 65 ft), and the water plunges into a narrow wooded ravine. The land is cared for by the National Trust and can be visited all year.

What will you see at Aira Force?

Aira Beck tumbles through a deep gorge here. A stone bridge crosses right above the lip, so you can watch the stream gather itself before the fall. A second bridge sits lower down, close to the base, where spray hangs in the air after rain. Beneath the gorge there is an arboretum of conifers, while the path upstream leads to the smaller cascades known as High Force.

Why are there so many paths and bridges?

Gowbarrow Park, where the falls lie, once belonged to the Howard family of Greystoke, who laid it out as a pleasure ground with bridges, walkways and planted trees. Around the turn of the 20th century the estate was threatened with housing plots. In 1906 a public appeal, backed by figures such as Octavia Hill and Canon Rawnsley, helped the National Trust buy it. The place is also tied to the Wordsworths: Dorothy's 1802 journal describes daffodils beside the lake near Gowbarrow, and William later wrote his famous poem on the theme.

How do you get to Aira Force?

The falls lie off the A5091 above Ullswater, near Dockray and Watermillock. Most visitors start from the National Trust car park by the entrance. Parking is charged, though members park after registering their vehicle; check the Trust's website for current rates. From the car park it is a 15 to 20 minute walk on maintained paths.

Which walks start here?

The short waterfall loop covers about 2 km and takes around an hour, with a climb of roughly 140 m. The longer route over Gowbarrow Fell (481 m) is about 6.5 to 7 km and takes two to three hours, rewarding you with views across Ullswater and the surrounding fells. Paths near the falls are steep and rocky in places, so not every section suits pushchairs or wheelchairs.

When is the best time to visit?

The falls look their best after rain. Summer weekends and school holidays are busy. Daffodils bloom in the park in spring, and the arboretum turns colourful in autumn. Wear sturdy shoes, since stones near the bridges can be slippery.

Frequently asked questions

Do you have to pay to visit Aira Force? Access to the grounds is open to all; the charge applies to the National Trust car park. Members park after registering their car.

How long should you allow? About an hour covers the falls and the short loop. Add Gowbarrow Fell and plan for two to three hours.

Can you bring a dog? Rules for dogs, including keeping them on a lead near steep rock, are published on the National Trust website.

How high is the waterfall? The main drop is about 20 metres.