Gowbarrow Fell

Gowbarrow Fell is a low fell in the English Lake District, standing north of Ullswater. It is part of the Eastern Fells and bounded by Aira Beck and its waterfall Aira Force. The fell was once part of a medieval hunting-park called Gowbarrow Park, owned by the lords of Greystoke. In 1906, the National Trust bought the fell along with 750 acres of the park. The fell is wedge-shaped, about 2 km by 1.5 km, with its highest point at Airy Crag, 481 m above sea level. Gowbarrow Fell is worth the journey for its varied landscapes and rich history. The fell connects to other high points like Great Meldrum and Little Meldrum, forming ridges that stretch towards Ullswater. Aira Force, one of the most photogenic waterfalls in the Lake District, drops 140 m between Dockray and the lake. The fell’s southern slopes are wooded, providing a picturesque backdrop for views over the lake. The summit, Airy Crag, offers views of the Mell Fells, Blencathra, and parts of the Helvellyn range. Green Hill, the southern summit, gives better views of Ullswater itself. Visitors to Gowbarrow Fell find a network of paths leading up and around the fell. The main National Trust car park on the A592 road provides easy access to Aira Force, where stone bridges mark the start and end of the falls. A public footpath from Dockray village offers the shortest route to the summit, about 1 mile away. Another path from Ulcat Row leads north to the fell, while tracks from The Hause and Kirkstile provide eastern approaches. The summit plateau is a broad expanse of heather and bog, with rocky knolls rising above. From Green Hill, walkers can enjoy clear views of Ullswater and the surrounding fells.