United Kingdom · Lake District, England
Aira Force
A dramatic double bridge crossing frames this Lake District favorite, which William Wordsworth is said to have visited often, inspiring lines about the valley daffodils nearby. Old-growth conifers planted by an 18th-century landowner still shade the gorge trail.
A dramatic double bridge crossing frames this Lake District favorite, which William Wordsworth is said to have visited often, inspiring lines about the valley daffodils nearby. Old-growth conifers planted by an 18th-century landowner still shade the gorge trail.
Aira Force drops 20 metres (66 ft) on the Aira Beck, inside Lake District National Park. It is a plunge-type fall, and the nearest base for a visit is Glenridding, with MAN the closest airport. Access to the main viewpoint is rated easy.
Wetter shoulder seasons keep Aira Beck at its fullest through the wooded gorge.
What you can do here
Hiking
From ten-minute boardwalks to multi-day approaches through cloud forest.
Photography
Light angles, moonbows, spray management and the hours that actually work.
When to go
Wetter shoulder seasons keep Aira Beck at its fullest through the wooded gorge.
Entry: National Trust car park fee
Getting there
- Base townGlenridding
- AirportMAN
- CountryUnited Kingdom
- RegionLake District, England, Europe
- AccessEasy — a short walk or roadside viewpoint
On the map
54.5744, -2.9436
Quick answers
How tall is Aira Force?
Aira Force drops 20 metres (66 feet). It is a plunge-type waterfall on the Aira Beck.
When is the best time to visit Aira Force?
Peak flow is March to May and October to November. Wetter shoulder seasons keep Aira Beck at its fullest through the wooded gorge.
What can you do at Aira Force?
Beyond the viewpoints: hiking and photography. Access to the main viewpoint is rated easy — a short walk or roadside viewpoint.
How do you get to Aira Force?
The usual base is Glenridding, and the closest airport is MAN. A short walk or roadside viewpoint from there. National Trust car park fee.
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