Aira Force and Gowbarrow Fell Walk

Walk Description:

This 4 mile loop is jam-packed with so much to enjoy. Starting at the National Trust car park on the A591, we will begin by heading through a pleasure garden filled with over half a million native and ornamental trees that were planted by the Howards Family in the late 1700s.

From here we will pick up Aira Beck that will accompany us as we steadily ascend on a sometimes gnarly footpath alongside. Passing a series of waterfalls, it is Aira Force itself, a 70ft fall that will be one of the main spectacles of the walk. This is often a busy spot, and with good reason, but later on in the walk we will escape the crowds and enjoy the wide open space around Gowbarrow Fell.

After taking all the photos we need, we will continue on along the footpath, upwards into open common land, before turning east to tackle the steepest ascent for the day to Airy Fell and Gowbarrow Fell at 481m. This is where the views will work their magic, and should the weather be clear, our circular route around Collier Crag will allow us to enjoy one of the most incredible panoramas over Ullswater in the eastern Lakes.

The contouring path here is steady under foot and we will make quick progress looping back around to the car park.

There will be the option for walk attendees to grab lunch together at the National Trust cafe on site, so please do join us if you can!

Places are always limited on our walks, so do book on as soon as you can!

Walk length: 

Approx. 4 miles (2.5-3 hours) 

Date and time:

Sunday 5th March 2023 | Start at 10:30am - meet around 10:15am 

Start/finish location: 

Aira Force and Ullswater National Trust Car Park, Penrith CA11 0JS

Please use Google Maps to assist with your arrival. 

This is a Pay and Display car park for those who are not National Trust members.

Getting to the car park: 

If coming through Dockray, follow the road downhill to the shores of Ullswater. At the junction, take the left. The car park will be on your left shortly after.

If coming from Glenridding, head north east along the A592. The car park will be on your left after the road junction to the A5091 (don't take this road, keep straight on!)

If coming from Watermillock, follow the A592 south west. The car park will be on your right before the turning to the A5091.

Toilet stops:

There are no toilets on this walk. However, there are public toilets available at the car park.

Media:

By signing up to a walk with us you are giving us permission to take photos for promotional use across our website and social media pages. If you specifically do not want media taken with you in it, please do feel able to get in touch. We encourage you to take photos during your walk but ask you to be sensitive to other members. Also, we'd love to have a copy of any you are particularly proud of so we share them too!

Weather:

All of our walks are weather dependant. The weather can play a major role in our enjoyment of a day's walking and in some cases can present a real danger. We always review the weather forecast in detail the days before and will send you an email and text if we have to change any plans. This is however only likely if we feel heading out will put us at real risk. Please check the forecast for yourself and come prepared for whatever the weather! You should come fully kitted out for a full day's hike in the walking area.

Accidents and Incidents:

Abbie and our walk leaders are all qualified first aiders and will always carry an appropriate first aid kit. We will have always created a risk assessment before your event takes place to mitigate any issues that might arise.

Honesty is essential to staying safe. Should you be involved in an accident or become injured during the walk it is important that you notify Abbie or other walk leaders as soon as possible so that appropriate action can be taken. Should you feel unwell or require first aid please let them know. Please use the booking form and the paper disclaimer you will be given on the day as an opportunity to raise anything sich as previous medical issues or injuries that may affect your experience. Abbie is also a qualified and insured Mountain Leader.

By joining this event you understand that:  walking in nature in an outdoor area brings with it a level of risk. You will need to take responsibility for your own actions, health and involvement during the walk and will be expected to exercise judgement based on your fitness levels as to whether you can complete the walk. You will also be expected to abide by any safety instructions and decisions made by Abbie and her team and have a duty to exercise judgement regarding your own personal safety and that of other members of the group. If you choose to ignore safety instructions we cannot be held responsible for the consequences.

By joining this walk you are also acknowledging that you have read our Safeguarding Policy and agree to it.

Any queries please get in touch.

Food and Drink:

We will not be providing any food or drink on this walk except emergency rations. Please ensure you have adequate food and drink for the day. If you have any questions or need any help/advice with what food to bring, please feel able to get in touch.

Dogs:

Well behaved dogs are welcome on this event but they must be kept on a lead at all times and able to work well with other dogs. Please email at time of booking to confirm that you are bringing a dog: admin@spendmoretimeinthewild.co.uk

No Drug and Alcohol Policy:

Spend More Time In The WILD has been set up in order to inspire and motivate followers to head outside for the benefit of mental and physical health. We are committed to providing a safe, healthy and secure space for anyone walking out a journey of freedom from addiction and substance abuse and as such have a strict no drug or alcohol policy on our walks and camping events.

Cancellations:

By Us: In the rare case that we have to cancel an event, you will be notified by email and offered a full refund.

By You: We require 30 days cancellation notice prior to your scheduled arrival, otherwise we will charge you cancellation fee as below.

- 75% of your total amount will be charged if you notify us about your cancellation or any changes by 30 days to 7 days before your scheduled arrival.

- 100% of your total amount will be charged if you do not notify us about your cancellation or any changes within 7 days.

If you have any questions regarding the walk or booking, please get in touch via the 'contact' page. You will be supplied with a contact number for emergency use on the day of the walk in your booking package.