Aira Force

Ullswater is the second largest and arguably the most beautiful lake in England. The approach from Kirkstone Pass brings you to the small village of Glenridding. Since the closure of the nearby Greenside lead mine, the village is heavily reliant on the tourist industry. The area is very popular with hikers, particularly as a starting point for the challenging Helvellyn Ridge, incorporating Striding Edge and Swirral Edge.

 

Approximately two miles from Glenridding is Aira Force, possibly the most frequently visited waterfall in the Lake District.

Aira Force, thundering between the two packhorse bridges

 Aira Beck, the source of the falls, originates high on the slopes of Stybarrow Dodd. When it reaches the upper packhorse bridge it cascades 70 feet over moss strewn rocks, sending spray high into the air.
 Standing on the lower bridge makes for a great photo opportunity on a sunny day, when a rainbow is often visible in the spray. Not on this occasion however, it being a very overcast day.
Many visitors start the circular route from the National Trust car park located on the A592. Most are content to walk just as far as the stone bridges, enjoying the woodland paths on each side of the tumbling waters.

We chose a different starting point for our walk. Turning left onto the A5091 just before entrance to the falls there is a small, free car park, near the village of Dockray.





 We accessed the falls near to the top bridge and made our way up towards High Force. 
The view from here was simply beautiful.

 Heavy rain in the days before our visit meant Aira Beck was in full flow and the noise was deafening!

I  was hoping to realise one of my ambitions, namely to see a wild red squirrel. No luck on this occasion unfortunately, however this little robin gave us a beautiful serenade.

We crossed over the bridge and headed down the opposite side of the falls. There were very few people up here although I'm sure in the summer months that will definitely not be the case!

In the 1780's the Howard family of nearby Greystoke Castle owned a hunting lodge near to Aira Force and landscaped the area below the waterfall, planting over two hundred specimens of trees.

 

 

 
There is a mysterious story attached to the area which you can read about here...

I hope you've enjoyed the photos & thanks for visiting!