Aira Force to Glencoyne & Seldom Seen

Car-free Days Out

A tranquil, quiet walk offering panoramic views of Ullswater lake.

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Take the UB1 or UB2 to Aira Force and head to Glencoyne along the Ullswater Way west in the direction of Glenridding. If it’s spring, you’ll catch a host of golden daffodils dancing in the spring breeze, along the shoreline. After around 1.5 miles, walk through the Glencoyne car park. After about 200m, turn right off the Ullswater Way and walk up the lane towards Glencoyne farm, and continue following the footpath signs up into the valley. A short, sharp ascent is worth every step for glorious views of the lake from above.

Once through the fell gate, return, turning left into the woodland and down the wooded path past Seldom Seen cottages – The cottages originally housed workers for the nearby Greenside lead mines, but are now utilised as holiday homes. Head back down the track to the Ullswater Way and the main road. 

When you arrive here, you can either return to Aira Force along the way you came or turn right onto the Ullswater Way until you get to the popular village of Glenridding, home to cafes, shops and pubs, where you can enjoy the rest of your day.

Tip: Don’t want to walk back? You can hop on the 508 or 509 bus service at the Glencoyne Bay stop to head back which takes you back to Aira Force. For more information, click here.

Book a local guide

If you’d like to head up high onto the fells, why not book an expert local guide. Our friends a Hiking Highs are a superb team of qualified Mountain Leaders who are a fountain of knowledge about the Lake District valleys & fells.

Aira Force to Glencoyne & Seldom Seen

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)

Want to plan your journey? Please check our current bus timetable and explore the route on OS Maps

Explore our other walking routes

Aira Force and Gowbarrow Circular

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)

Howtown to Glenridding (car-free!)

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)

Lowther Castle Loop

Time: 3.5 – 4 hours circular walk
Distance: 12km/7.5 miles
Bust Stop start and end: Lowther Castle (UB2 bus route)

Howtown & Hallin Fell Circular

Time approx: 2.5 hour circular walk
Length: 6.5km with 350m ascent
Bus stop start and end: Howtown (UB1 bus route)