Aira Force to Glenridding with Steamer Return

The Aira Force to Glenridding steamer is a fairly new addition to the timetable of the Ullswater Steamers. Separate from the main steamer route, the boats only operate between these two points, and only during the summer months, with sailings departing approximately once an hour. Alongside this new steamer route, a new path has been created between Aira Force and Glencoyne Farm that takes you approximately half way to Glenridding. This is a level path with no stiles, and as so is suitable for pushchairs. However, after Glencoyne Farm the path becomes uneven with steps in places and joins with the road at various points. If you do need to take a pushchair, you may find it easier to stick to the road, although you will need to watch for traffic, as there is no pavement.

Once at Glenridding, you can board a steamer back to Aira Force. In December 2015, Glenridding was decimated by flooding from storm Desmond, and subsequently suffered several additional floods in the weeks that followed. The town has quickly recovered, and there are a number of shops and cafés that you can explore. At Aira Force, the National Trust has a tea room serving hot and cold snacks, and, if you are still feeling energetic, you can then complete the Aira Force Loop.

Starting at Aira Force Car Park

The main car park for Aira Force is located on the A592 between Pooley Bridge and Glenridding opposite Ullswater, and is clearly signposted. As you enter the car park, you will see a toilet block on the left hand side, and a path leading up behind it. There is a signpost by the toilet block pointing the way to Glenridding, back out towards the lake, and this is path you need to take.

Joining the New Path

The path leads you past the toilet block towards the tea room. Head through the outdoor seating area to the gate on the other side, and go through the gate. This will take you onto a short path leading down to the road, where you will be able to see the gate for the new path directly opposite across the road. Go through this gate.

Following the New Path

The route is very easy to follow during this section of the walk, as the path is clear and well maintained. You will pass through a succession of gates (each one can be opened and pushchairs and wheelchairs can go through easily) and over wooden footbridges, through a mixture of woodland and shrubbery. Do be aware of wandering sheep if you have a dog. The path affords views of Ullswater and there are a couple of streams to paddle in.

The Gravel Car Park

You will eventually come to a gate that leads you out onto a gravel car park on the side of the road with a bus stop. Go straight through the car park and the path restarts at the other end. You will then find yourself walking along the edge of farmland with a stone wall on your left and a fence on your right. Continue walking straight.

The End of the New Path

You will reach another gate, leading onto a farm track, with Glencoyne Farm on your right in the distance. Cross over the track and go through the gate on the opposite side where the path continues for a short distance along the edge of a field, before reaching another gate. At the other side of this gate, the path abruptly ends at the road.

Cross over the road and the path leading down towards the lake is directly opposite, marked by a small wooden post. It is here that the path becomes uneven, and if you are using a pushchair, you may wish to complete your walk along the main road, being mindful of the traffic.

The Narrow, Uneven Path

The path meanders up and down with the lake on your left and the road on your right. It is uneven and steep in places thanks to tree roots and boulders. All-terrain pushchairs would need to be carried over various sections here. It does level out in places, before becoming uneven again. You will find yourself closer to the road at times, and closer to the lake at others with opportunities for paddling and picnicking on the shore. Keep heading straight.

Briefly Joining the Main Road

The path then stops at the road, where there is a layby opposite that is usually used for parking. You will need to walk along the road at this point for about 20 metres, to the other end of the layby, where the path restarts, marked by a small wooden post.

Stone Steps

Once again, the path leads you back to the lake shore, before heading towards the road. You will come to a fork in the road, with a path on the left and a set of stone steps on the right. You will need to take the steps up, and therefore all-terrain pushchairs will need to be carried here.

A Perfect Picnic Spot

The path continues on a gradual incline, over tree roots and up stone steps, so all-terrain pushchairs will struggle here. There are a number of benches on the way, including two on a small outcrop overlooking the lake, offering a perfect picnic spot. The Glenridding Sailing Centre and pier becomes visible.

Glenridding

After the outcrop with the benches, the path leads away from the lake, and re-joins the road at the boundary for Glenridding, as marked by the sign. Follow the road through the town. Here you will find cafés, restaurants, and shops. Continue along the main road past all of the shops and the hotel and guest house on the left. Just beyond the buildings there is a turning on the left hand side, clearly signposted for the Ullswater Steamers.

This leads you to the pier, where you can buy a ticket for a boat back to Aira Force. Adult tickets are £5.20, children 5-15 years are £2.60, dogs are £1, and under 5s travel free. Pushchairs need to be folded before boarding. Crossings take approximately 25-minutes and depart around once an hour during the summer months. This crossing is not available in the winter.

Return to Aira Force

Once the steamer arrives at Aira Force, there is a clear, single path from the pier, along the lake shore. There is a great spot here for paddling. The path then leads away from the lake alongside a stone wall. A gate at the top will bring you out onto the main road, directly opposite the entrance for the main Aira Force car park.