Canisfamiliaris

Starting point: NT car park, Aira Force (NY 400199) Distance: 4.2 miles Ascent: 1287' Date: Sunday 20th February 2011

A walk to the summit of Gowbarrow Fell. It was one of those days when you wonder why you took the camera out of the bag (or even put it in the bag!

Route: Start at the NT car park at Aira Force and walk alongside Aira Beck on the 'tourist' path to a footbridge. Cross Aira Beck and continue upwards until a stile takes you out on to the open fell. Follow the well-trodden path slanting up the fell until the memorial seat is reached. Take time here to enjoy the views of Ullswater before contouring the fell, eventually reaching the ruin of an old shooting lodge. Do not cross Collierhagg Beck, but head up the valley along a newly-made 'soil inversion path on the west bank before ascending to the summit of the fell on a rocky platform. Now head south across the undulating fell to Green Hill, where, once again there is a superb view of Ullswater and the surround of mountains (but not today!). Head down a green track back to the starting point, but do visit Aira Force on the way. When in spate, it is a spectacular sight.

ullswater