Hop on either the UB1, UB2, 508 or 509 to the Aira Force bus stop and treat yourself to two of the best things in this corner of the Lake District in a single day out.
Starting at Aira Force, follow the well-used path to one of the Lake District’s most spectacular waterfalls; the 65 foot cascade is well worth lingering at before you head on. Cross over the bridge and turn left onto the rough path alongside Aira Beck, following the beck upstream as the crowds thin out and the fell opens up around you. Follow the wall uphill to the summit of Gowbarrow Fell, with its great views down to Ullswater. Continue a short distance to Green Hill for an even better panorama – two summits for the price of one.
Then descend back to Aira Force by following the path around the eastern and southern sides of the fell. Don’t miss the stunning views of the lake from Yew Crag. Finish the day where you started, which feels even more impressive after the climb. Finish with a well-earned tea or coffee at the Aira Force tea room, before hopping straight back on the bus from just outside… an easy end to a great day out!
For a scenic addition to this walk, start the walk at Watermillock Church using the UB1. Walk a short distance up the hill and follow the signed Ullswater Way to the west through Swinburn Wood until it joins the path around the southern side of Gowbarrow Fell to Aira Force (about 2 hours).
At Aira Force, you can either continue the walk mentioned above or catch the UB1 at Aira Force.
Tired and hungry at the top of Aira Beck? You can make a short (½ mile) diversion to the Royal Hotel in the village of Dockray for food and drink. You can also start or finish your walk at the Royal Hotel. The 509 bus stops here, serving Keswick, Aira Force, Glenridding and Pooley Bridge. Show your bus ticket and save £2 on your food order at The Royal Hotel, Dockray.
Time approx: 1.5 – 2 hours circular walk
Length: 6km with 347m of ascent
Bus stop start and end: Aira Force (UB1, UB2, 508 or 509 bus)
Want to plan your journey? Please check our current bus timetable and explore the route on OS Maps
Time: 2 – 3 hours
Distance: 6.5 miles (approx. 10.6km)
Start: Howtown (UB1 bus route)
End: Glenridding (Ullswater Steamer return to Pooley Bridge or Howtown)
Time: 3.5 – 4 hours circular walk
Distance: 12km/7.5 miles
Bust Stop start and end: Lowther Castle (UB2 bus route)
Time approx: 2.5 hour circular walk
Length: 6.5km with 350m ascent
Bus stop start and end: Howtown (UB1 bus route)
Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
Distance: 7km with approx. 220m ascent
Bus stop start and end: Aira Force (UB1, UB2, 508 and 509 bus stop)