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Route Info: 2.5 miles (4km) | Easy | 140m ascent / descent | allow 1½hrs

Start: Royal Hotel, Dockray

Beginning at the hotel door, this short and rewarding walk follows Aira Beck through beautiful woodland to the dramatic waterfall at Aira Force, one of Ullswater’s most popular natural landmarks. With a series of cascades, well-maintained paths and several viewpoints along the way, it’s an ideal low-level outing and a perfect introduction to the area.

Highlights

• Aira Force waterfall and its surrounding cascades
• Peaceful woodland paths alongside Aira Beck
• Well-maintained trails throughout
• Optional café stop halfway round
• A chance to spot red squirrels

Open this map on Komoot



Route description

• Bear right from the hotel door, then diagonally left to carefully cross the lane, following signs to Aira Force and Millses Farm.
• After accompanying Aira Beck for a short distance and passing between cottages, continue straight on (ignoring the path left signed to Gowbarrow summit).
• Pass through a gate in a drystone wall marking the boundary of Gowbarrow Park, and continue descending on the clear path into woodland.
• Follow the path down towards High Cascades. Do not cross the wooden bridge here; instead, remain on the left bank, following signs toward Aira Force.
• Stay on the higher path, then take a short path down on your right to reach a viewpoint overlooking the cascades.
• Rejoin the main path and continue downstream with the beck on your right, soon reaching the upper stone bridge above Aira Force, where the waterfall plunges dramatically below you.
• Rejoin the main path once again as it climbs gently away from the river, keeping an eye out for red squirrels in the surrounding woodland.
• At a gate, bear right to remain within the wooded parkland, then follow the path as it descends toward the visitor centre and tea room.
• From the visitor centre, retrace your steps briefly, then keep left to take the path through woodland that leads up to Park Brow, a fine viewpoint over Ullswater.
• Continue along the main path, which includes a few short, steeper sections, then take a brief detour down steps on your right to view Aira Force from the lower stone bridge and viewing platform.
• Rejoin the main path via the steps and return towards the upper bridge, but just before reaching it, turn left to follow the path upstream along the beck.
• Continue for around 600m, passing High Force and smaller cascades, until you return to High Cascades.
• Cross the wooden bridge this time, with the beck now on your left, and follow the path out of the woodland.
• After around 600m, rejoin the outward route. Bear left through the gate and retrace your steps back to the hotel.

Safety & practical information

Terrain: Well-surfaced and well-maintained paths throughout, though some sections in the woodland are uneven, rocky or stepped. There are steep drops beside the gorge in places.

What to take: Sturdy footwear is recommended, particularly in wet conditions. A waterproof jacket is advisable, as spray from the falls and changeable weather can make conditions damp.

Other info: This is a popular area and can be busy, particularly around the main waterfall. Take care on steps and near exposed edges, especially after rain when paths may be slippery.

A wonderful fell, commanding views across Ullswater lake. 1-2 hours walk from the front door of the Royal, a perfect morning walk before Sunday Lunch.

Beginning its life high in the fells at 720m, Aira Beck passes through Dockray on its way into Lake Ullswater. As it surges down the valley, the turbulent waters pass a variety of pools, gorges and falls. One kilometre before entering the lake, the beck makes the 70 ft leap down a rocky and steep sided ravine at the falls known as Aira Force. The water falls approximately 22 metres (72 ft) to a rocky pool, from where the beck continues through a shallow valley to the lake.

In the summer, Aira Beck offers many clear pools for a quick dip.  The power of nature is perfectly demonstrated after heavy rain, when Aira Force really comes to life.

The path from The Royal at Dockray follows Aira Beck down the valley, via Aira Force. Continuing on for 1km, it reaches Lake Ullswater. From here, jump about Ullswater Steamers to reach Glenridding or Pooley Bridge.   A lovely circular walk loops up and over Gowbarrow and back to Dockray for a well deserved Cumbrian ale.

 

Helvellyn is the third-highest point both in England and in the Lake District, and one of the most scenic.  The scenery includes three deep glacial coves and two sharp-topped ridges on the eastern side (Striding Edge and Swirral Edge – both great challenges for able hikers, not to be understimated). Helvellyn was one of the earliest fells to prove popular with walkers and explorers; beginning especially in the later 18th century. Among the early visitors to Helvellyn were the poets Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Wordsworth.

Routes to Helvellyn begin from various locations. Glenridding is a common starting point, a longer route begins at Dockray and follows the mountain range taking in various summits on its way to Helvellyn.