Gowbarrow Fell (Wainwright summit)

Gowbarrow Fell (Wainwright summit)

Gowbarrow Fell rises above the northern side of Ullswater in the Lake District’s Eastern Fells. This record is the 481.2 m Wainwright and Birkett top, marked by the trig pillar on Airy Crag. Aira Force and the wooded gorge below make a contrasting approach to the open, rocky fell.

Finding the right summit

The Database of British and Irish Hills distinguishes the Wainwright trig top from the natural summit about 105 m to its south. Rocks beside the trig stand higher than its ground position, and the separate southern natural top is recorded as slightly higher again. Both summits round to 481.2 m. Visiting the trig does not establish a visit to the natural summit.

The trig top has 9 m of prominence. The separate southern summit’s 100.1 m prominence belongs to that other record. The distance between the points is not a measured walking detour.

Aira Force and the eastern-flank circuit

Start and finish at the main National Trust Aira Force car park, NY400200. Follow the gorge paths upstream past Aira Force and High Force to High Cascades, then climb the wall-side path towards Gowbarrow. Take the short branch up to the trig and retrace that spur to continue around the eastern flank. The return passes the old shooting-lodge ruins and the Memorial Seat viewpoint before dropping back through the woodland and Glade to the car park.

The National Trust gives 7.2 km and one and a half to three hours for this complete circuit. Its route page does not state an ascent total. The lower waterfall bridge and viewing platform are an optional detour in the directions. Follow the current signs around the gorge.

Aira Force, the trig and Green Hill

WalkLakes describes a different complete circuit from the same car park. Follow Aira Beck and the wall-side approach to the trig, then turn south across the fell towards the cairn on Green Hill. Descend through bracken and crags to rejoin the waterfall paths and return to the car park.

This version is 5.9 km with 347 m of ascent. Its southern path is rougher, wet in places and sometimes faint, with junctions that need careful navigation. These figures belong to the Green Hill return and should not be combined with the longer eastern-flank circuit. No extra detour to the separate natural summit is described here.

Terrain, views and safety

Expect woodland paths, rough stone steps, open grass and heather, rocky ground and muddy sections. The gorge has narrow stretches and steep drops; wet stone, loose gravel and waterfall spray can make footing slippery. Higher ground is exposed to changing weather, and bracken can obscure parts of the path. Carry a map and compass, suitable clothing, a torch and a whistle.

The trig has views towards the Mell Fells and the Helvellyn range in clear weather. Green Hill and the eastern-flank viewpoints offer broader views along Ullswater. Keep away from crag edges and remain on established paths through the gorge. Dogs must stay on leads because the area has livestock and wildlife.

Parking, transport and facilities

The main Aira Force car park is beside the A592, at NY400200. High Cascades, NY397211, and Park Brow, NY397206, are alternative National Trust car parks on the A5091; starting there changes the route distance. Parking is charged, with free parking for National Trust members who register their membership. The main car park can be busy, especially around the middle of the day.

Stagecoach 508 serves the main Aira Force entrance. The 509 serves Aira Force Park Brow and is advertised daily from 23 March to 1 November 2026, with journey-specific timetable restrictions. Check the current timetable for both journeys. Glenridding to Aira Force is an additional lakeside walk rather than part of either car-park circuit.

At the 17 October 2026 source check, Ullswater ‘Steamers’ said Aira Force sailings were suspended until further notice, with reopening expected in 2027. Check the operator’s service updates before planning boat access.

Toilets, including an accessible toilet, a tea-room and drinking-water refill taps are available by the main car park. The refill taps are switched off during cold weather. The accessible toilet uses a RADAR key; ask the National Trust team if you need to borrow one. Check opening times for refreshments. The accessible lower-level facilities do not make the waterfall and fell paths suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.

Geology, history and name

The British Geological Survey includes the Gowbarrow area within the Birker Fell Andesite Formation, part of the Ordovician Borrowdale Volcanic Group. These ancient volcanic rocks include substantial successions of andesite lava sheets.

Gowbarrow was a deer park associated with the Howard family, whose landscaping shaped the woodland and waterfall grounds. The National Trust acquired Aira Force and surrounding parkland in 1906. Lyulph’s Tower, the former hunting lodge seen near the route, remains private.

The name is commonly interpreted as “windy hill” from Old Norse, an interpretation used by walking writer Christopher Somerville.