Overview.

Aira Force is a showcase for the power and beauty of nature.

An 18th-century pleasure ground, Aira Force was the backdrop for William Wordsworth’s poem ‘Somnambulist’ – a Gothic tale of love and tragedy. There are so many woodland trails to discover in this landscape of contrasts. Quiet glades give way to dramatic waterfalls, with Aira Beck thundering down a 65ft drop past ferns and rocks. If you walk to the summit of Gowbarrow, you will be rewarded with panoramic views over Ullswater.

The Walk (1.5 miles)

The walk is well signed along both sides of the Aira Beck.

Leaving the car park, head north past the visitor centre on the well-established paths.  There are many well signed paths you can take, along the way.  After having a brief detour to the bridge (Video 1:50), I headed up the western side of Aira Beck, coming to Aira Force (Video 3:15).  Continuing along the path, passing some really picturesque scenes along the way, eventually arriving at High Cascade Bridge and High Force Waterfall (Video 4:10).

You can choose many routes for your return journey; I took the path down the east side of Aira Beck, which gave a different perspective of the walk.

Equipment used:

Jacket – Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket

Footwear – Merrell Accentor Sport GTX

Trousers – Montane BMC Terra Pants

Waterproof Trousers – Mountain Hardwear Epic Pant

Socks – 1000 mile wool fusion double layer

Head Torch – Lifesystems Intensity 220 Head Torch

Backpack – Hi Gear Active22

Bladder – Camelbak 2.5L Hydration Reservoir

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