GOWBARROW from AIRA FORCE

Start Point: National Trust Car Park (NY401201)

Distance: 6.8 Km (4.25 miles)
Ascent: 375 meters
Time: 2.5hrs.

Directions:
Take the path from the Aira Force Car Park passing through the wrought iron gate before taking the left-hand path which ascends to the left of the Aira Beck. The path continues uphill then descends to the bridge (NY400205) over the waterfall (15 minutes). Cross the bridge and turn left and continue to climb with the beck on the left to High Force (NY401209), thence through a gate leading to an area sparsely populated with trees leading to the open fell.

Continue on the footpath to a fingerpost (NY399216) just before a gate in a drystone wall. Turn right onto the Permissive Path to Gowbarrow. The path leads to a drystone wall which is crossed by means of a wooden laddder style. The path continues to climb alongside a stone wall bordering a small plantation. When the ground levels off, continue alongside the drystone wall until a path leads off to the right and the summit of Gowbarrow which is marked with an OS Trig Point (NY408218). On a clear day there are panoramic views taking in the Pennines, Blencathra, Helvellyn, High Street and the fells beyond.

Descend West from Gowbarrow dropping down below the summit to walk beneath the crags on the Ullswater side (NY407217). Once under the crags a narrow path will seen heading eastwards across the fell. This track descends steeply initially then follows a ditch with a large plantation ahead and to the left. You may believe you have strayed from the path but persist this path looks like a sheep track and is indistinct in places! Continue on this path until it descends to the ruins of a building beside a more well-marked path (NY415218).

Turn right and follow the path up hill to a footbridge at the head of a steep grassy gully (NY414214). Cross the bridge and follow the path as it contours around the side of the hill before gently descending to Memorial View (NY413206) which is situated above Gowbarrow Crags. The path, running parallel to Ullswater, continues to descend to Lyulph's Tower. Continue along the path a short distance until a fork is reached. Take the left fork which crosses a style and joins one of the footpaths to/from Aira Force. The path descends to a footbridge over the Aira Beck (NY401203). Cross the footbridge and follow the path back to the National Trust Car Park.

These directions are provided for guidance only. This walk should not be attempted without a compass and a suitable map (OS Landranger 90 or OS Explorer OL5).

© Copyright 2004 Ambles Rambles & Scrambles