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| Aira Force Waterfall near Ullswater is one of the best known waterfalls in the Lake District and it’s surprisingly easy to get too. Read on to find out everything you need to plan a day out here |
Aira Force Waterfall Walk near Ullswater
Aira Force is one of the Lake Districts best known waterfalls and it’s relatively easy to walk to this impressive waterfall with a 65ft drop. Aira Force waterfall is near the shores of Ullswater, close to Glenridding with lots of parking available and toilets and a cafe. Aira Force waterfall is set in ancient woodland and makes for an excellent walk, which can be as long or as short as you wish. Personally I like to view the waterfall from the below viewing platform and also walk over the bridge that runs over the top of Aira Force Waterfall.
Where is Aira Force Waterfall?
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| Aira Force Waterfall is near Ullswater on its north-western edge. It’s about a 5 minute drive from Glenridding and a 15 minute drive from Pooley Bridge. The Ullswater steamer boat also stops near Aira Force so you could get off the steamer here for a walk. There is a National Trust Car Park at Aira Force which will cost you a few quid for a few hours |
Aira Force Waterfall – FAQ:
How long does it take to walk to Aira Force Waterfall?
The quickest walk to Aira Force Waterfall is 20 minutes from the car park. You can extend your walk in multiple directions.
Is Aira Force Waterfall free?
You don’t pay to see Aira Force waterfall but if you arrive by car you will have to pay to park at the National Trust Car Park.
Is Aira Force Waterfall an easy walk?
The walk to the waterfall is quite short and easy – along well marked paths, but there is steps which can be steep in part and you have to be quite mobile to get to the waterfall.
Can you drive to Aira Force Waterfall?
Yes, and most people do. There is a National Trust car park, with toilets and its about 20 mins walk to Aira Force Waterfall. Note the car park does get busy in summer months so try and get there early
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| Aira Force is a really impressive Lake District waterfall with a 65ft drop and you can get great views from the bottom on the viewing platform, as well as walk right across the old stone bridge |
Aira Force Waterfall Walk Map:
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Here is the Aira Force Waterfall map of all the walking paths in the area. The left map shows the wider area around Aira Force, including the path to High Force and beyond if you want to extend your walk. The map on the right shows in more detail the more popular paths to Aira Force Waterfall itself. Save off this map image to help when you get there!
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My favourite Aira Force Waterfall walking route:
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I’ve highted in yellow the shorter walking route I prefer when visiting Aira Force for a leisurely walk, which can be done in about an hour. This is the route I’d take the kids on too. I like to do it in a clockwise direction, initially keeping close to Aira Force Beck on my right and then eventually heading down the 104 steps to the viewing platform to look up at Aira Force and get that amazing view and fresh air blast from the waterfall. I’ll then cross Aira Force Beck and head up the 76 steps and walk onto the stone bridge for a different perspective of Aira Force Waterfall. I’ll then retrace my steps slightly and then walk the higher path which leads to the 170 year-old Sitka Spruce, after that it’s onto Glade Bridge and then back to the car park.
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Aira Force Waterfall is impressive in all seasons and when visiting Aira Force you’ve got to view it from the bottom viewing platform and also the the stone bridge that goes over the top. On my preferred route above, you come down the 104 steps to the left on this photo and then cross the bridge bottom right and head up the 76 steps to the bridge over Aira Force.
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Extending your Aira Force walk – A LONGER ROUTE
If you want to do a longer walk at Aira Force, you can always head up the river to High Force and back, or an even longer route with great views is the walk up onto onto Gowbarrow Fell, which can be done in about 2-3 hours, it’s steep but will give stunning views over Ullswater. I’ve done a blog about that longer route which you can view via the button below:
HISTORY OF AIRA FORCE WATERFALL
Aira Force waterfall, located in the Lake District of England, is a stunning natural feature that has captivated visitors for centuries. The waterfall is situated in the Ullswater valley, one of the most picturesque regions in the Lake District National Park. Aira Force, with its dramatic drop of around 20 meters, has long been a point of interest due to its striking beauty and the surrounding lush woodland. The history of Aira Force dates back to the 18th century, with the area becoming a popular destination for tourists drawn to the area’s natural splendor. Over time, the waterfall has become an iconic landmark, often featured in writings and paintings, and remains a must-see for nature lovers.
The development of the Aira Force waterfall area into a popular tourist attraction began in the late 1700s when the land was part of the estates owned by the powerful and wealthy 1st Earl of Lonsdale. The Earl, who was known for his enthusiasm for improving his estates and creating aesthetically pleasing landscapes, commissioned the construction of a series of paths and viewing platforms that allowed visitors to safely admire the beauty of the waterfall. These developments helped establish Aira Force waterfall as a destination for those seeking the tranquil beauty of nature, and they also reflected the growing interest in the picturesque landscape movement that dominated England during the Romantic period.
In the 20th century, Aira Force waterfall became part of the National Trust, ensuring its preservation for future generations. Today, the waterfall remains one of the most visited natural attractions in the Lake District, drawing thousands of visitors each year. Its serene yet powerful presence continues to inspire poets, artists, and photographers, making it a symbol of the region’s natural beauty. The area around Aira Force also offers numerous walking trails, making it a central spot for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, ensuring that the waterfall remains as much a part of the Lake District’s identity today as it was when it first captured the imagination of visitors centuries ago.
I hope this blog post has made you want to visit Aira Force and helped you in planning your visit!
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