Aira Force Walk: A Lake District Waterfall and Camping Guide
· Updated
Aira Force is a 65-foot (20m) waterfall on the northern shore of Ullswater in the Lake District, and the walk to it takes about 20 minutes each way from the car park. It is one of the easiest big waterfalls in England to reach, cared for by the National Trust, open dawn to dusk, and dog friendly on a lead. If you want the short version: park at the National Trust car park on the A592, follow Aira Beck uphill, and cross the Victorian stone bridge at the top for the classic view down the falls.
This guide covers the walk itself, where to park and what it costs, the longer Gowbarrow Fell circuit, and the nearest places to pitch up. It is part of our wider guide to camping in the UK's national parks, from Camping Sites in Britain, where you can find and compare campsites across the Lake District and beyond.
The Aira Force walk in brief
The core walk is a short there-and-back of roughly half a mile to the falls, taking about 20 minutes each way at a gentle pace. From the car park you pass the welcome building and picnic area, then follow Aira Beck up through woodland to the foot of the waterfall. Two arched stone bridges, built by the Victorians, sit above and below the main drop and give you the two best viewpoints.
The path is well made but climbs steadily, with steps and uneven stone in places. It is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs, and it gets slippery after rain, so wear shoes with proper grip. Allow an hour for the round trip if you stop for photographs, which you will.
| Detail | Aira Force short walk |
|---|---|
| Distance | About 1 mile there and back |
| Time | Around 20 minutes each way |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate, some steps and steep sections |
| Waterfall height | 65 feet (20m) |
| Dogs | Welcome on a lead at all times |
| Surface | Stone path, steps, bridges; slippery when wet |
Parking and getting there
The main National Trust car park sits on the A592 beside Ullswater, postcode CA11 0JS. It is pay and display and free for National Trust members who display a valid card. As of 2026 the published charges are £7 for two hours, £8.50 for four hours and £10 for the day. There are toilets and a tea-room on site, with the tea-room open 10:00 to 17:00.
If you would rather not drive, the Stagecoach 508 bus runs from Penrith to Aira Force in about 30 minutes, with extra weekend services in the busier months. Penrith has a mainline railway station on the West Coast Main Line, which makes Aira Force one of the more accessible Lakeland waterfalls without a car. The A592 lakeside road is also a spectacular drive in its own right, and features in our pick of the best scenic drives to campsites.
The longer walk: Gowbarrow Fell circular
For a proper half-day out, extend the falls into the Gowbarrow Fell circular, a loop of roughly 4.5 miles that takes two to three hours. From the top of the waterfall you keep climbing beside the beck, cross onto open fell, and follow the path up to the summit of Gowbarrow at 481m. The reward is a wide panorama over Ullswater and the surrounding fells.
The route then curves back down past Lyulph's Tower, a hunting lodge on the lower slopes, and returns to the car park. It is a moderate walk with real ascent and some exposed, boggy ground, so take a map, waterproofs and a warm layer even on a bright day. Lake District weather turns fast, and the summit can be cold and clagged in when the car park is sunny.
The arboretum, the wildlife and the daffodils
Aira Force is more than the waterfall. In the 1840s the Howard family planted an arboretum here, and it now holds around half a dozen champion trees along with firs, spruces and a fine collection of conifers gathered from around the world. The ancient woodland is also one of the better places in the Lakes to spot red squirrels, so keep quiet and watch the branches.
The area has a literary claim too. It was on the shore of Ullswater at nearby Glencoyne, in April 1802, that William and Dorothy Wordsworth saw the drifts of wild daffodils that inspired William's most famous poem. Come in early spring and you can still see them along the lake. The woodland walking here pairs well with our guide to the best campsites for exploring ancient woodlands.
Nearest campsites to Aira Force
The best base for Aira Force is the southern end of Ullswater around Pooley Bridge and Glenridding, all within a short drive of the car park. Three sites stand out:
- Gillside Caravan and Camping, Glenridding, a working farm site tucked under Helvellyn, popular with walkers heading up the high fells.
- Waterside House Campsite, Pooley Bridge, right on the lake shore with its own jetty, boat hire and lovely water views.
- Park Foot Holiday Park, Pooley Bridge, a larger family site with direct access onto Ullswater and plenty of on-site amenities.
All three put you within about 15 minutes' drive of Aira Force and within reach of the Ullswater Steamers, which run between Pooley Bridge, Howtown and Glenridding. To browse and compare pitches across the region, see our listings for campsites in the Lake District and Cumbria. If you are travelling with children, our guide to top family activities in the Lake District is a good companion to a day at the falls.
When to visit
Aira Force is at its most dramatic after heavy rain, when the beck is in spate and the falls thunder, which in the Lake District means autumn and winter are often the most spectacular. Spring brings the daffodils and fresh woodland green, and it is quieter than the summer peak. Summer weekends and school holidays fill the car park early, so arrive before 10:00 or after 15:00 if you want space and calm.
Whatever the season, pack waterproofs and grippy footwear. The spray, the shade and the wet stone keep the paths damp long after the rain stops, and the whole point of coming is to see the water at full flow.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the walk to Aira Force?
The short walk from the car park to the waterfall is about half a mile, roughly 20 minutes each way at a gentle pace. Allow an hour for the round trip with photo stops. The full Gowbarrow Fell circular is about 4.5 miles and takes two to three hours.
How much does it cost to park at Aira Force?
The National Trust car park at CA11 0JS is pay and display, currently £7 for two hours, £8.50 for four hours and £10 all day (2026). National Trust members park free with a valid card.
Are dogs allowed at Aira Force?
Yes. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead at all times because of the livestock, wildlife and steep, busy paths. There is a tea-room and toilets at the car park.
Can you get to Aira Force by public transport?
Yes. The Stagecoach 508 bus runs from Penrith to Aira Force in about 30 minutes, with extra weekend services in the busier months. Penrith is on the West Coast Main Line, so you can reach the falls by train and bus.
Is the Aira Force walk suitable for young children?
The short walk suits most families, but it has steps, steep sections and unfenced drops near the falls, so keep children close. It is not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs. The Gowbarrow circular is better for older, sure-footed children.
What is the best time of year to see Aira Force?
After heavy rain, when the falls are in full spate, which in the Lake District often means autumn and winter. Spring brings the wild daffodils along Ullswater. Summer is busiest, so arrive early or late for a quieter visit.
The short version
Aira Force is a brilliant, easy waterfall walk: park at CA11 0JS, follow the beck up for 20 minutes, and cross the Victorian bridges for the view. Add Gowbarrow Fell if you want a proper hill day, base yourself around Ullswater, and go after rain for the best show.
Ready to plan the trip? Browse Lake District and Cumbria campsites or read more on camping in the UK's national parks.
