Summary:
This easy walk through a picturesque gorge is a good choice in wet weather, when the waterfalls are at their most dramatic.

The path climbs gently through a wooded ravine, Aira Beck (stream) below you to the right. In a little under 0.5 mile, steps lead down to a footbridge at the base of Aira Force. This picturesque waterfall is very popular, and you will no doubt be sharing the spectacle with many others.

Return up the steps to continue following the same path up the gorge. A little further on, a second footbridge to the right leads over the top of Aira Force. After making this detour, rejoin the main path once again, always keeping the beck to your right. You will be relieved to hear that as you move further up the ravine towards the second waterfall, High Force, the crowds start to thin.

The path eventually bears left, following a stone wall to the left, and soon you reach the top of High Force. Turn left to pass through a gap in the stone wall and cross the field straight ahead to a gate. Keep to the right of the small, rocky crag as you cross, and be sure to pause to admire the view over Ullswater. At the gate turn right to follow the road into the village of Dockray.

Shortly after the Royal Hotel, turn right where a footpath sign points to Aira Force. The way is easy to follow along a well-defined track. At one point you pass through a gate, the way pointed ahead with an orange arrow. Further along, the track bears right, with another sign confirming the way back to Aira Force.

Along the track, there are plenty of good views to enjoy: Place Fell ahead, Gowbarrow Fell to the left and glimpses of Ullswater with its mountain backdrop. Eventually you rejoin Aira Beck – keep to the higher path, with the stream below you to the right, as this way offers some lovely views over Ullswater. Where the gravel path ends in a clearing, continue ahead, crossing a stile in the process. As the walk comes to an end, the path descends down to the beck. Cross the footbridge and continue ahead to the car park.

Directions: Exit junction 40 of the M6, take the A66 west for 1 mile, then the A592 along the north shore of Ullswater for 9 miles. A signed National Trust car park is to the right of the road, just before the junction with the A5091.

Trailhead: The way to the waterfalls is clearly signed at the far end of the car park.

Length: 3 miles / 4.8 km

Trail Type: Loop

Elevation Change: 425 ft / 130 m

Duration: 1.5 hours

Trail Condition: Well-defined paths through the gorge and from Dockray village back to Aira Beck. One section of quiet road.

Features: Waterfalls, distant lake views.

Climate: Cool and wet year round.

Accommodation: Glenridding, 2.5 miles further west on the A592, and neighboring Patterdale have hotels, B&Bs and places to camp. More accommodation and campsites are clearly signed along the A592.

Trail Notes: Aira Force is very popular. If you want to enjoy the waterfalls in relative peace, it would be a good idea to set out early and avoid weekends.