Aira Force and the summit up Gowbarrow Fell: route map, distance and time
481 m · Lake District E · OS grid NY407218
Gowbarrow Fell is a low, heathery fell above the north shore of Ullswater, with Aira Force on its flank and a trig pillar on top.
Walk up past the falls, then climb the open slope to the trig pillar. Return by the terrace path above Ullswater.
Aira Force and the summit at a glance
| Distance | 1.8 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 283 m |
| Time up | 0h 50m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 1h 10m, down the same way |
| Grade | Easy |
| Start | Aira Force National Trust car park |
| Start grid reference | NY 399 205 |
| Summit grid reference | NY407218 |
Aira Force and the summit map
The start (green) and the summit (blue). Peakify has no GPX track for this route yet, so follow the description and your map.
Height profile and getting to the start
Near the start
From OpenStreetMap, within 2 km. Check opening times before you rely on them.
How long Aira Force and the summit takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 0h 40m | 1h 0m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 0h 50m | 1h 10m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 1h 0m | 1h 30m |
Times leave out stops. Coming down the same way, the table counts the ascent once; steep descents on rough ground can be as slow as the climb.
- Today: sunrise 07:06, sunset 16:44. Start by 14:34 to be down before dark, allowing 1h 10m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 07:08, sunset 16:42. Start by 14:32 to be down before dark, allowing 1h 10m for the walk and an hour for stops.
Gowbarrow Fell summit weather for this route
-
Marginal Today Wednesday 28 October
Moderate rain, up to 10°C at the summit, feeling as cold as 1°C, summit wind 34 mph gusting 42 mph, 100% chance of rain. Rated Marginal. Sunrise 07:06, sunset 16:44.
-
Marginal Tomorrow Thursday 29 October
Light drizzle, up to 10°C at the summit, feeling as cold as 5°C, summit wind 18 mph gusting 23 mph, 94% chance of rain. Rated Marginal. Sunrise 07:08, sunset 16:42.
Best day of the next seven for Aira Force and the summit: Saturday 31 October, with summit gusts around 12 mph and a 4% chance of rain.
Hour-by-hour Gowbarrow Fell forecast
Before you go, also check: MWIS Lake District forecast · Met Office mountain forecast.
What to take today
- A warm layer, hat and gloves: it feels like 1°C on top.
- Waterproof jacket and overtrousers: 100% chance of rain.
- A windproof layer, and poles for balance in gusts to 42 mph.
- Map and compass, and the skills to use them. A phone is a backup, not a plan.
- A head torch, food, water, a charged phone and a small first aid kit.
About Gowbarrow Fell
Gowbarrow Fell is a low, heathery fell above the north shore of Ullswater, with Aira Force on its flank and a trig pillar on top. More about Gowbarrow Fell, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Wainwright, Birkett.
Extend the walk: tops near the summit
- Little Mell Fell (505 m), 2.7 km north-east
Challenges that include Gowbarrow Fell
In an emergency
Call 999, ask for the police and then mountain rescue. Give your location (the start is at NY 399 205, the summit at NY407218), what happened and how many are in your group. If you have no signal for a call, a text to 999 works once you have registered your phone with emergencySMS: text "register" to 999 before you go.
Aira Force and the summit: questions and answers
How far is Aira Force and the summit?
Aira Force and the summit is 1.8 km one way to the summit of Gowbarrow Fell, with 283 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 3.6 km.
How long does Aira Force and the summit take?
About 0h 50m to the summit of Gowbarrow Fell and 1h 10m there and back by Naismith's rule (5 km/h plus 10 minutes per 100 m of ascent), before stops. A relaxed group takes nearer 1h 30m for the round trip.
Where do you park for Aira Force and the summit?
Aira Force and the summit starts from Aira Force National Trust car park. The grid reference is NY 399 205.
Is Aira Force and the summit suitable for beginners?
Yes. Peakify grades it Easy: a fit beginner can walk it on a clear day. Take a map, warm layers and waterproofs all the same.
What time should I start Aira Force and the summit today?
By 14:34 at the latest. Sunset on Gowbarrow Fell today is 16:44, Aira Force and the summit takes about 1h 10m there and back, and that leaves an hour for stops. Start earlier in winter or if the forecast turns.
Is there a GPX for Aira Force and the summit?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).