The Lake Districts Niagra falls... (Aira Force (Ullswater))

Member Name: blissman70

Product:	Aira Force (Ullswater)
Date:	19/12/08 (277 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Beautiful scenery and fantastic walks

Disadvantages: not for people with walking difficulties.

I enjoy getting away form it all when ever I can and I usually head of to the Lake District for a bit of a breather... Whilst there I like to explore the many sights that the beautiful place has to offer as I seem to find something new each time I visit.

One of the many breathtaking experiences and most beautiful views is Aira Force, near Ullswater, with it's subtle, yet seemingly mesmerising waterfall.


* WHAT IS IT..?

Aira Force is a Waterfall with a great many tranquil walks surrounding the beautiful Fall.
It has been a beauty spot since 1906 and is now owned and run by the National Trust and offers some spectacular views surrounding the footpaths leading around Aira Beck and High Force Water.


* WHERE IS IT..?

It is found along the A592 on the Western side of Ullswater, (CA11 0JS for all you Sat.Nav. People). It is approximately 7 miles from Penrith and a pleasurable 13 mile drive from Windermere over the very scenic Kirkstone Pass.


* GETTING THERE...

By car... along A592
By bus... #108 from Penrith

Other ways are by hiking or cycling and for those people the OS reference is 90:NY401203 Aira Force.

* PARKING...

The car park is a pay is a pay and display with many parking places, although these will quickly fill up in busy periods. National trust members park for free but must display cards.
An alternative car park is at Glencoyne Bay.

The actual spot is open all year round but the car park is locked over night.


* WHATS ON OFFER...

It offers many relaxing picnic spots throughout the area, although there is a café just off the car park as you approach, offering refreshments of all kind.

Toilets can be found at the beginning of the car park and are fully accessible.

Although Wheelchair users can not gain access to the 'fall', as the terrain will not allow it, there is access to Ullswater itself, but please be careful when crossing the main road, (although visibility is good along the road there are some 'idiots' who somehow gained a licence).

Dogs are allowed around the walks but it is advisable to keep them on a lead and as always, for the benefit of every one, please clear up any business you dog may leave behind...thank you (there's nothing worse than getting 'dog doings' in the tread of your trusted Regatta boots...)

The walks around Aira Force waterfall cover most of the 13,000 acres of land, including Fells and vast amount of woodlands, giving so much walking pleasure it is simply impossible to walk around in one day and appreciate the beauty of what it has to offer.


* THE EXPERIENCE...

From the car park you walk through the little archway at the far end and begin your ascent towards the falls along the snaked and rather rugged footpaths.
* The actual footpaths have been splendidly maintained by the National Trust and are mainly easy to walk along, although there are sections were slight difficulties may arise if you have a push chair.

As you walk through the peaceful woodlands, gradually ascending with every step, pausing to look over what looks like a bristling brook, visible in the valley below, listening to the birds whistling in the trees, you will feel a sense of relaxation.

*There are a few little viewing areas where you can stand and admire the scenery, taking you away from the path slightly so as to allow others to walk on by, but some of the views you get from these places are well worth taking in.

As you ascend further you come to many more lovely surprises and a vast amount of pathways forking off from the one you are on.
When you stumble upon a stone built bridge which crosses the waterfall take time out to have a look over the side at the cascading water thundering by beneath your feet, (*As the power of the water will vary due to rainfall on the fells for a more powerful scene I find the best time to go is in the autumn time and the various colours of the falling leaves do add to the beauty of the place).

From the bridge you can continue upwards, following the path of the river snaking down the hillside, or you can descend round the fall, heading to the bottom of the white foaming sprays of water, still enjoying the scenery as you go.

Looking up at the 'fall' is quite fascinating as you seem to become mesmerised at the force of nature pushing her way passed the solid rock face, thundering to the ground just a few metres from where you stand, feeling the water spraying in your face, the cold splash breaking the hypnotic state your mind may enter as you take in the view, (although it is no Victoria falls it is still a beautiful and very memorable sight to see).

From the base of the fall there are a set of steep steps to bring you back onto the main track, unless you take the longer way round which is a little gentler on the muscles.

As I stated earlier there are many places to stop and take in a well deserved rest bite, with many well positioned benches to take the weight off your tired legs... there is one place in particular which is half way along the track as you descend from the stone Bridge, it is a single bench situated just off the edge of the stream, with a lovely little wooden bridge allowing you access, although another footpath does come from behind the bench so other access is obviously from other places.
It is a splendid position to rest, have a picnic or simply let your kids run wild a little bit as there is adequate open space around the bench for them to enjoy them selves with out too much danger...( but do make the kids aware of the dangers of streams).. My two little cherubs enjoy the usual tossing stones in the water from the bridge or seeing whose stick goes under the bridge first, (although this game can lead to arguments and I have had to ban the stick game once or twice..??).


In all Aira Force is a beautiful place to spend the day and is well worth the drive along side the beautiful Ullswater to get there.
It is a place you can get lost in, (almost literally so take care) and you will want to visit over and over again, simply to try that path that you found the last time but didn't have the time to follow it.
Although some places can be a little dangerous looking the National Trust have done everything they can to keep the natural beauty of the place whilst making it safe for visitors like you and I... but with a little common sense accidents will be avoided.


* CAUTIONS...

1) The actual walks can be tricky and are defiantly not suitable for wheelchair and those with serious walking difficulties, even pushchairs will have difficulties in spots and it is advisable to keep a good control of children as some areas do have steep drops.

2) Although most paths lead around in a circle it is advisable to have a map of the area as there are so many different walks in several directions.

3) Do try and take a picnic, including drinks, as the on site café is rather over priced indeed, (as I discover much to my disbelief)...

But other than that simply take your time and enjoy the beauty of Aira Force and what it has to offer...

Summary: An inexpensive and healthy day out for the whole family