Gowbarrow Fell

Gowbarrow Fell:

Distance:

2.5 miles

Parking

Parking for this Wainwright is dependant on which route you take, on this occasion we parked in a small layby in Dockray. There is space for approximately 5 cars and the nearest postcode is CA11 0JY.

Alternatively you could park at High Cascades car park for Aira Force and head to Gowbarrow from there.

Why we love this walk?

This will be the children’s 15th Wainwright!

Gowbarrow can be found close to Aira Force in Penrith, Cumbria. There are many different routes that you are able to take however, when we have such little legs on our walks, we always try and find the simplest, easiest way to the top. This 2.5 mile walk may be short in distance but the incline really gets those legs working!

We love this walk for the incredible views of Ullswater and surrounding fells when you reach the top. The incline is worth it when you reach that trig point.

For more details please head to the bottom of this page and view our Strava map.

Follow the sign for Aira Force

Gowbarrow Summit is well signposted

Follow the path up to the trig

The Route:

Having parked at Dockray, with the lay-by on your right hand side, head over the small bridge and walk a very brief section on the road. Please be careful on this short section of road as cars tend to drive relatively fast along here. Having crossed the bridge you will soon reach the public footpath on your right hand side, go down this footpath and here marks the start of the walk.

There are signposts for Aira Force at the start of this walk, follow these. These signs will soon change to Gowbarrow Summit. The path is well marked and easy to follow.

As you begin the incline up to the summit make sure the wall is on your left hand side. You follow the steep path for approximately 0.6 miles until the path levels out slightly. At this point you should be able to see the trig in the distance, the path is well marked up to the trig.

Return the same way that you came up.

Alternatively some walkers prefer to park at High Cascades National Trust Car Park. Here you follow the route down to the top of Aira Force where you will soon see signs for Gowbarrow.

This is a lovely 2.5 mile family hike that really gets the heart rate up!