Glenridding • Penrith • Cumbria • CA11 0PJ

Telephone: +44 (0)17684 82308 • Fax: +44 (0)17684 82867 mail@patterdalehallestate.com

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Self Catering
(English Tourism Council Rating)
Aira Force Circular Walk
Description:

Excellent short walk developed by the Victorians with great views from the top and bottom of a beautiful waterfall. Watch out for the red squirrels!

 Duration: ¾ to 1 hour average
Walk Starting Point: Aira Force car park
Travel Options:

Drive the 2½ miles from the Estate to Aira Force car park (pay & display, but free to National Trust members). It is also possible to catch a bus to Aira Force and back from the bus stop next to the Estate entrance. Timetable on the office or the bus stop itself. The more ambitious can walk along the fells to Aira Force, but we do not recommend walking along the road.

 Footwear: Boots/sturdy shoes
Difficulty: Easy (see below)
Distance: 1 mile / 1.6 km
Clothing:

Waterproofs during wet weather
Toilets/Refreshments: Toilets in Aira Force car park, refreshments at Aira Force Tea Rooms
Terrain:

Easy going but with some steep steps which can be avoided. Can be muddy in wet conditions and is a bit steep in places so be careful if you have children

Always check the weather forecast before your walk. Take plenty of water, especially on hot days!
1

Drive to Aira Force, situated on the A592 adjacent to the Keswick & Dockray junction, 2½ miles north along the lake road from Glenridding. Park in the National Trust pay & display car park (free for members). There are toilets and tearooms signposted next to the parking area.
2

There are many walks of varying length here, but this leaflet follows the 1mile circular route up to the waterfall and back. From your car, walk to the covered information boards at the far end of the car park - these are well worth a read if you’d like some more detailed information or advice on the different routes you can take. Follow the path signposted Aira Force Waterfall ½ mile . The path is gravelled and easy going for 300 metres or so before reaching a small gate and small bridge, after which it splits into two.
3 

OPTION 1 – a more gradual route with views from the top of the Force

Take the left fork for an easier, more gradual climb straight to the top of the force, bypassing the view from the bottom of the waterfall and, therefore, the 105 steps up to the top [Note: these are worth doing if you are up to it - see OPTION 2]. This path is still fairly steep in places. Follow it until you drop down onto the bridge spanning the waterfall from which you get a fantastic view looking straight down the fall. After the bridge follow the path straight on, rising up and skirting the tree line to give you superb views over the lake in both directions. The path soon drops down some steps and over a bridge before heading through a gap in a fence. Turn left here and walk straight along to meet back up with the path you originally came in on. This takes you back to the car park.

OPTION2 – a slightly more strenuous route with great views from the top and bottom of the force

Take the right fork which heads straight on and through a narrow gap in a fence. Cross the bridge and follow the path up some steps. In a few metres the path splits – take the left path and be careful – it is wide but has a steep drop off to the left. You will soon reach a bridge spanning the Aira Beck at the bottom of the waterfall – the classic postcard view straight up the fall to your right. You now have to walk up the 105 steps to the top of the fall. When the steps end, continue straight on towards the falls and drop down on to the bridge spanning the top of Aira Force. After the bridge follow the path straight on, rising up and skirting the tree line to give you superb views over the lake in both directions. The path soon drops down some steps and over a bridge before heading through a gap in a fence. Turn left here and walk straight along to meet back up with the path you originally came in on. This takes you back to the car park
Children welcome (a number following gives minimum age) Dogs accepted by arrangement Ground floor bedroom(s) Television in lounge/Television room Garage or off-street parking (the no. following gives no. of spaces) Establishment accepts major credit cards Linen hire service available Gas/electricity or other fuel supply is by coin meter or meter reading Clothes washing machine and drying facilities Open all year
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