Gowbarrow Fell [Aira Force] - National Park Guided Walk

Gowbarrow Fell [Aira Force] - National Park Guided Walk

A 5 hour volunteer-led walk taking in Gowbarrow Fell, a Wainwright fell. Some of the footpaths are steep and rocky and may be muddy.

By Lake District National Park Authority

Date and time

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 10:00 - 15:00 GMT+1

Location

Aira Force Car Park - Welcome Building

Welcome Building Aira Force Ullswater CA11 0JS United Kingdom

About this event

  • Event lasts 5 hours

Start point: The Welcome Building, Aira Force, Ullswater.

Length: 7km (4.5 miles) with 412m (1,351ft) of ascent

Time: 5 hours (approx.)

Walk grade: 5 (see grade description below)

This lovely walk begins by passing through woodland with towering specimen conifers, and memorable waterfalls. After watching the water cascade over High Force the walk continues and emerges from the confines of the gorge onto open fell side. A fairly steep ascent leads to the summit of Gowbarrow Fell which provides expansive views over Ullswater.

On leaving the summit, the walk continues around the eastern flank of Gowbarrow Fell. A good path takes us to a superb vantage point which offers wide stretching views over Ullswater lake and beyond. A steep descent then follows, which leads back into the woodland of Aira Force and the end of the walk.

Paths are generally good, but in several places the path becomes narrower with steep drops and there are several flights of steps to negotiate. Once out onto the open fell, the path is clear but can be muddy in places and partially obscured by bracken. The descent can be tricky and slippery in places.

Grade 5 walks are our most challenging full day walks which involve going onto the fell summits. These walks require a good level of fitness and full walking kit appropriate for the weather conditions. Some people may find walking poles useful. You may encounter sustained climbs up some steeper sections. The surfaces can be rough and uneven, with rocky or muddy sections, irregular steps, stiles or narrow gates and gaps.

Participants will need to dress appropriately for the terrain and weather. Weather permitting, we will be stopping for a short break on route so please bring refreshments if you wish.

Your confirmation email will include full details - please read it carefully.


Organised by

Lake District National Park Authority

Grade descriptions

All our walks are graded from 1 to 5, to ensure you can choose the walk that’s right for you. But what does each number mean? The grades are based on a combination of factors including: terrain, accessibility (gates, stiles, path width), gradient, length, duration, total ascent and highest point.

Families are welcome on all of our walks, but not all are pushchair friendly so please read the route descriptions.

Grade 1

Walk length: 3 – 7 km (1.8 – 4.5 miles)

Approximate duration: 1.5 to 2.5 hours

Grade 1 walks are easy and accessible walks that go at a leisurely pace and follow generally flat or rolling paths with gentle hills. The paths are wide, firm and have no barriers to access such as steep sections, steps or stiles. The walks are suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs.

See all Grade 1 walks

Grade 2

Walk length: 3 – 5 km (1.8 – 3.1 miles)

Approximate duration: 2 to 2.5 hours

Grade 2 walks are around villages and are focussed on a tour of historical and other points of interest. They may include some short ascents and descents. The path surface might be pavements, earth, grass or stone and – while generally firm – it may have some loose or uneven sections, or be soft underfoot after rain. You may also encounter steps, gates and narrow sections. Most of our grade 2 walks are very suitable for families, and some are pushchair friendly (please check route descriptions).

See all Grade 2 walks

Grade 3

Walk length: 4 – 8.7 km (2.5 – 5.5 miles)

Approximate duration: 2.5 to 5 hours

Grade 3 walks may include some moderate ascents and descents. The path surface might be earth, grass or stone and – while generally firm – it will have some loose or uneven sections, or be soft underfoot after rain. You will also encounter steps, gates or stiles and narrow sections. Most of our grade 3 walks are suitable for families.

See all Grade 3 walks

Grade 4

Walk length: 6 – 12.5 km (3.7 – 7.8 miles)

Approximate duration: 4 to 6 hours

Grade 4 walks are generally full day walks that include hilly ground and require a reasonable level of fitness. You might encounter climbs up some steeper sections. The surfaces may be rough and uneven, with rocky or muddy sections, and you may also find yourself walking up irregular steps, over stiles or through narrow gates and gaps.

See all Grade 4 walks

Grade 5

Walk length: 7 – 13 km (4 – 8 miles)

Approximate duration: 4 to 6 hours

Grade 5 walks are our most challenging full day walks which involve going onto the fell summits. These walks require a good level of fitness and full walking kit appropriate for the weather conditions. Some people may find walking poles useful. You may encounter sustained climbs up some steeper sections. The surfaces can be rough and uneven, with rocky or muddy sections, irregular steps, stiles or narrow gates and gaps.

See all Grade 5 walks

Locations

We have guided walks across the Lake District National Park, from Keswick, Ullswater, Thirlmere and Buttermere in the Northern Lakes, to Windermere, Coniston, Grasmere, Ambleside, Hawkshead, Eskdale and Ravenglass in the Southern Lakes.

Donate to the National Park

All our walks are free to book. If you wish to make a donation to give back to the National Park, you can do so via the Lake District Foundation.