In the last week of the summer holidays we spent a few days in the Lake District. Unfortunately we weren’t blessed with the best weather, but that didn’t stop us getting outdoors and enjoying a couple of nice walks and a bike ride (which I may write about later).
One of the walks we did was along the banks of Ullswater, from Glencoyne car park to Aira Force. Luke and I had visited Aira Force once before and we thought the boys would like it, plus with all the rain we thought they would look fantastic.
It was pouring down with rain, so we thought the easiest plan would be to park in the Aira Force car park. There are toilets, a tearoom and visitor centre here, so it’s a good place to start. However, it seemed that the world and his wife had had the same idea. We tried a couple of other car parks, but they too were full. We ended up parking in Glencoyne car park, which is where we had started our Helvellyn hike from several years ago.
We followed the path from Glencoyne to Aira Force
We picked up the path in the far corner of the car park (to the right as you drive in), it’s very easy to follow and you can’t really go wrong.
There are lovely views of Ullswater as you follow the path
Once we reached the Aira Force carpark, we headed up into the woods and started the ascent up to the waterfall. The paths are well marked, but they are steep in places and very rocky. It was a bit slippy as it was so wet when we went, but the boys managed well, in fact they enjoyed the walk.
The paths were steep in places, but it’s a great place for a family outdoor adventure
Aira Force was looking amazing after the rain. This photo doesn’t convey just how powerful the water was
Many people just go as far as Aira Force, but we carried on a bit further to High Force. Here we had a quick breather and some rather soggy sandwiches before heading back.
On the way back we climbed down the stairs to the Aira Force viewing platform, before crossing over the bridge and heading back a slightly different route. We ended up back at the car park and headed once more back along the path to Glencoyne.
The moody skies didn’t let up, but we still had fun
If you fancy giving this route a go, my Strava route is here
Looking for more Lake District Content?
Family Friendly Lake District Walks
Great Langdale Walk
Lake Windermere Walk
Low Wray
Cumbria Way Walk
Easy Ambleside Walk
