Near Watermillock, above Ullswater, Cumbria
Gowbarrow Fell
Viewpoint
Place photograph
7.6
Wildland
Half day
Time
Check
Cost
Dramatic
Feel
Why it's Wildland
7.6A fell above Ullswater where a walk can link the lake’s broad views with Aira Force and smaller woodland waterfalls.
Gowbarrow earns its place for the combination of a fell-top perspective over Ullswater and a waterfall walk in the same landscape. The ascent is described by visitors as steep, and the surrounding National Trust countryside is steep and rugged, so this is more than a casual lakeside stroll.
Dramatic · Wild · Big-sky
Find your way
Open mapNear Watermillock, above Ullswater, Cumbria
Opening map…
Know this place a little better?
The experience
Allow a half day for a fell walk with views over Ullswater and the option to include Aira Force. The terrain can be steep and rugged; check conditions and choose a route that suits your ability.
Things to do
See Aira Force
Visit the principal waterfall on the Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park site.
Climb for Ullswater views
Walk towards Gowbarrow Fell for elevated views over Ullswater. The terrain is described as steep and rugged.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 1–2 hours; route length and timing depend on the chosen section.
Quick Escape: Aira Force and a taste of the fell
- 01
Start from the National Trust Aira Force car park, after checking current access and parking information.
- 02
Walk towards Aira Force and spend time at the waterfall.
- 03
If conditions, time and fitness allow, continue uphill for a short taste of the Gowbarrow landscape; turn back before the terrain becomes too demanding.
Half day · Half day; a video source describes a six-mile circular route, but verify the route and conditions before relying on that distance.
Make a half day of it: Aira Force and Gowbarrow Fell
- 01
Begin at Aira Force and follow a suitable walking route through the woodland towards the main waterfall.
- 02
Continue uphill towards Gowbarrow Fell if you are prepared for steep, rugged ground.
- 03
Pause for views over Ullswater, then return by a route checked in advance.
- 04
Finish at the National Trust tea-room if it is open.
When to go
· Check conditions and daylight; no specific best time is established by the supplied sources.
The supplied sources do not substantiate a seasonal recommendation.
The fell can be windy, according to review tags in the source row. The National Trust describes much of the countryside as steep and rugged. Check the forecast and route conditions before setting out.
The route
- distance
- A supplied video describes a six-mile circular route; verify the route and distance on a current map.
- duration
- Not verified in the supplied sources.
- difficulty
- Steep and rugged in parts; visitor review tags also mention hard walking.
- route shape
- Circular route described by a supplied video; verify details before setting out.
- start point
- Aira Force car park is a listed starting option; verify current access and parking.
- parking start
- The National Trust lists an Aira Force car park and nearby alternatives. Check current charges and availability.
- shorter alternative
- Visit Aira Force without continuing onto the fell; check current routes and access details.
- Aira Force waterfall
- Smaller woodland waterfalls described in a supplied route video
- Views over Ullswater from the fell
Worth pairing with
Aira Force
The waterfall is part of the National Trust’s Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park site and can be paired with a walk on the fell.
What to look for
Look for the changing view over Ullswater as you gain height, then notice the smaller waterfalls among the woodland on the Aira Force approach.
Best time to go
Check local conditions before visiting; the supplied sources do not establish a best season.
The supplied sources do not identify a best time of day. Check current conditions and daylight before walking.
How long to spend
Half day
Perfect for
Walkers · Photographers · Families
Before you go
Address
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
The National Trust lists the countryside at Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park as open from dawn to dusk. Check current access and route conditions before setting out.
Check before visiting
Parking
The National Trust lists an Aira Force car park and other nearby car parks. Current charges and availability should be checked before travel.
Check before visiting
Toilets
A small toilet block, including an accessible toilet, is listed at the main Aira Force car park. Check current provision before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
The National Trust lists a tea-room serving drinks, snacks and ice cream. Check current opening times before visiting.
Check before visiting
Dogs
The National Trust says dogs are welcome on leads and must remain on leads throughout the visit.
Accessibility
The National Trust says accessible parking and an accessible toilet are available, but the waterfall is not wheelchair-accessible and much of the countryside is steep and rugged. Check the access guide for route-specific details.
Check before visiting
Cost
Check source
Check before visiting
Water
Waterfall and Ullswater nearby. No swimming or paddling permission is evidenced.
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Gowbarrow Fell
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
