Date: Tuesday 27th December 2022
Company: Myself and Ann-Marie
Distance: 6.8km, Ascent: 350m
Time: 2Hrs 5Mins
The weather forecast for today was grim. As visiting waterfalls is usually best when there is, or has been, plentiful rain, I thought today would be a good day to visit Aira Force, with a subsequent ascent of Gowbarrow Fell. We therefore drove to the National Trust Aira Force car park.
On arrival at the car park, I had to pay seven pounds fifty for four hours parking
. When
I later saw how much work the National Trust are putting into path
maintenance on this fell, I felt less reluctant at having paid so much.Route:
National Trust Aira Force car park:
From the car park we set off along one of the tracks leading towards Aira Force.
Track leading towards Aira Force:
Having paid so much primarily to see the waterfall, it was somewhat disappointing to find the track leading to the best viewpoint closed, allegedly because of fallen trees - there were no fallen trees on or near the track. I therefore had to make do with taking a photograph from level with the top of the waterfall instead of from near its base.
Aira Force:
We then progressed to stand on a bridge above Aira Force which provides great views looking down onto the waterfall.
Looking down from bridge above Aira Force:
From Aira Force, we progressed along the left bank towards the High Cascade falls.
High Cascade falls:
We then crossed via a bridge and made our way towards the track leading up Gowbarrow Fell.
High Cascade falls:
The ascent track runs alongside a dry stone wall.
Ascent of Gowbarrow Fell:
As we gained height, the rain became heavier and the wind stronger.
Icy track en-route to the summit:
On reaching the summit we stopped to take a few photos before returning back the way we had ascended. It was not pleasant at the summit so no point hanging around.
At the summit of Gowbarrow Fell:
We reached the car 2Hrs 5Mins after setting off. We could easily have shaved five minutes off our time so could have paid for two hours parking instead of four hours. The walk was however more pleasant without having unnecessary time pressure plus the National Trust charge six pounds for two hours so are maximising income from all visitors. A friend who lives in the Lakes pointed out today that the National Trust are not discriminatory as they excessively charge locals and visitors alike!