Our last visit to Aira Force Waterfall near Ullswater in the Lake District was not very successful photo wise….as it was both tipping it down with rain and howling a gale! Happily on our return yesterday, the weather was a lot kinder. We decided to park in the lake shore village of Glenridding and take the steamer the short 20 minute journey to the newly erected Aira Force Pier. The steamers themselves have been pleasure cruising along and around Ullswater for 150 years, and weather permitting , operate 363 days of the year.
We bought return tickets from Glenridding Pier House for £8 each and sat and waited with a nice warming brew. There is a coffee shop and gift shop in the pier house as well as lots of local information. Presently our steamer, The Lady Dorothy , arrived to take us to Aira Force.
We sat out on deck and admired the passing scenery. Ullswater is the Lake District’s second largest lake and the daffodils that grow on the bank at Glencoyne Bay are said to have inspired Wordsworth’s poem ‘Daffodils’. The mighty Helvellyn mountain range provided a magnificent backdrop and the waters were tranquil and deep.
Aira Force Waterfall tumbles a lengthy 65ft and can be reached via a stroll through pretty woodland. There are wooden walkways, gravel footpaths and ornate stone bridges. We looked out for the many different trees on the tree trail and Hugo enjoyed dipping in and out of the babbling brook. 🙂
The name Aira comes from the Old Norse ‘ river at the gravel bank’ and Force is a derivation of the Old Norse word ‘ fors’ meaning Waterfall. So Aira Force is apparently a waterfall on the gravel-bank river. Head further into the woodland to discover the less dramatic High Force.
There is a National Trust shop and tea room on site. We had a spot of lunch and another walk before heading back to catch the steamer. 🙂
Thanks for joining me in the lovely Lakes. 🙂
sunshine and celandines 
Lovely pics. We did that trip about 8 years ago 🙂
Thanks. We have been on the steamer before with our old dog Jake. Won’t tire of Ullswater, it is beautiful.x
It is and the dogs do seem to like the steamers 🙂
Fantastic pictures!! How strange we were both in the same area. I was slogging it out on the fells above Ullswater while you were relaxing and taking in the sights at lower level! My swim in Ullswater last year almost caused me to lose my underwater camera, the wake of the steamers is immense. Thankfully it was a happy ending. Love the pictures of Hugo, he seems so happy. I hope his joints are feeling better? xx
You don’t see me slogging it out on the fells very often. But Wil and Hugo wouldn’t mind! We did see a wild swimmer in Ullswater, all wet suited up. Hugo is fighting fit these days.:) x
Lovely . Looks like you had a great time.
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Its a gorgeous area to visit Carol. Yes we did! X
Stunning day out, I love the soggy doggy picture and yes please for cake.
Thank you! Always Yes Please for Cake! Hugo was waiting for Wil to throw a stick into that pool. A fave game of his. 🙂
Looks lovely , even though we lived in Settle we didn’t go to the lakes very often, we spent more time at Morecambe. Great photos and Hugo looks to be having fun in the water.
Amanda xx
I have family up there so extra exscuses to visit. Xx
What a perfect day – boat trips, waterfalls and place to eat along the way 🙂
Yes it was lovely. Recommended! X
Looks like a great day out. Lovely pics 😊
Thank you! The steamers are iconic and a piece of history, still relevent and useful today. Xx
Gorgeous pictures as ever, Sharon! Looks like a great day out.
Thanks Emma, it was.x 🙂
I love seeing your adventures and beautiful photos Sharon. I hope you do not mind but I nominated you for the blogger recognition award. you can see my post at https://wordpress.com/post/mywhimsicalfancyblog.wordpress.com/863
Have a wonderful week. I can’t wait to see your next adventure!
It was a drizzly Autumn day when we were last here too, but still so beautiful. 🙂 🙂
Its a stunning place to visit. I’m lucky, my Mum lives in Askham near Lowther, so not to far from Ullswater. X
Lovely pictures. We’re hopefully going to do this walk soon. xx
Oh fab.I love Ullswater and Aira Force.x
They could double as our holiday snaps! We’re just back from camping in the Lakes and walked to Aira force too 🙂 Lovely photographs!
Thank you. 🙂 Glad you had a good time there
Its a stunning area.
Ullswater is my favourite Lake, Shazza. I never seem to have much luck with the weather when I go there and because I travel everywhere on public transport I sadly don’t have the option of jumping back into a car when the heavens open! I remember once spending about three hours on the steamer, waiting for the rain to stop! Still, I can think of worse ways to spend a morning. The views are gorgeous, but not as much as Hugo! 🙂
Ullswater is not to far from where my Mum lives so I have been quite a lot over the years. It is a beautiful lake, but I agree about the weather. We were exceptionally lucky on this visit! I too don’t drive and I do tend to rely on my other half, who luckilly loves finding new places to visit etc too. I know I am very fortunate. So well done on getting to so many fab places. X
Ps Hugo is gorgeous. He thanks you for the compliment. 😊