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Waterfall · Keswick, Inglaterra
Aira Force
The waterfall of about 20 metres in a wooded gorge near Ullswater, 20 km from Keswick, with stone bridges above and below and National Trust trails.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Aira Force
Aira Force is a waterfall on Aira Beck, which drops about 20 metres into a narrow stone gorge near the north shore of Ullswater, roughly 20 km from Keswick. The area around it was turned into a landscaped garden in the 19th century by the Howard family, who planted exotic trees such as cedars and firs and built paths and stone bridges.
The trails start from the National Trust car park and climb through the wood to two bridges: one at the top of the fall, where you can look down at the water, and another below, in front of the waterfall, where on sunny days a rainbow forms in the spray. Following the stream, a path leads to other smaller falls, like High Force. The basic loop is about 2 km.
Wordsworth visited the place several times, and it was on the banks of Ullswater, nearby, that he and his sister saw the daffodils that inspired his best-known poem. From the waterfall, the Ullswater Steamers pleasure boat departs from Aira Force pier for Glenridding and Pooley Bridge in season.
The paths have steps and slippery sections when wet. After heavy rain the waterfall is more voluminous.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 to 1.5 hours for the circuit of the two bridges and the wood.
Best time
After a few days of rain, when the fall is fuller, and on sunny days for the rainbow at the lower bridge. In autumn, the colours of the wood. The car park gets full in summer.
How to get there
It's on the A592, on the north shore of Ullswater, about 20 km from Keswick, a 30-minute drive. Bus 508 from Penrith to Glenridding stops at the car park, and the Ullswater boat calls at Aira Force pier in season.
Tip
Combine it with a boat stretch on Ullswater, leaving from Aira Force pier. For photos of the fall with a rainbow, go to the lower bridge on a sunny day.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Aira Force
Where is Aira Force?
Near the north shore of Ullswater, about 20 km from Keswick.
Is the trail difficult?
It's short, about 2 km, but has steps and slippery sections when wet.
Can it be combined with a boat trip?
Yes, the Ullswater boat stops at Aira Force pier in season.