Lake District Hiking Wainwrights - Aira Force, Gowbarrow, Little Mell Fell, Great Mell Fell
On 9th March 2025, I embarked on a hike encompassing several notable features in the Lake District: Aira Force, Gowbarrow Fell, Little Mell Fell, and Great Mell Fell. The journey offered a blend of cascading waterfalls, panoramic fell views, and serene landscapes, each with its unique character and challenges.
Aira Force
Aira Force is a renowned waterfall located near the northern shore of Ullswater, within the civil parish of Matterdale in Cumbria. The waterfall stands at approximately 70 feet (21.3 metres). The surrounding area is managed by the National Trust, which has provided facilities such as car parking, graded paths, and viewing platforms to enhance the visitor experience.
The waterfall has been celebrated in literature, notably inspiring William Wordsworth's poem "The Somnambulist." The site's combination of natural beauty and literary significance makes it a compelling destination for visitors to the Lake District.
Gowbarrow Fell
Gowbarrow Fell is situated to the north of Ullswater, adjacent to Aira Beck and its notable waterfall, Aira Force. The fell rises to an elevation of 1,578 feet (481 metres). The summit, known as Airy Crag, features an Ordnance Survey triangulation pillar. From this vantage point, one can observe views of the Mell Fells, Blencathra, and the northern parts of the Helvellyn range.
Wainwright described the summit as "drab" but acknowledged that better views of Ullswater could be obtained from the southern summit, Green Hill. Despite the modest appraisal of the summit, the fell's proximity to Aira Force and its historical significance as part of Gowbarrow Park add to its appeal.
Little Mell Fell
Little Mell Fell is located near the village of Watermillock, standing apart from the main range of the Eastern Fells. It reaches an elevation of 1,657 feet (505 metres). The fell presents a smooth, rounded profile, largely devoid of rocky outcrops, which distinguishes it from many other fells in the region.
Wainwright noted that Little Mell Fell "is of no interest to walkers, although its smooth, rounded dome is prominent in views from many parts of the district.". While the ascent is relatively short, the summit offers a trig point and panoramic views, making it a worthwhile excursion for those seeking a brief but rewarding climb.
Great Mell Fell
Great Mell Fell lies to the east of its smaller counterpart, Little Mell Fell, and stands at 1,760 feet (536 metres). The fell is characterized by its smooth, rounded shape and is composed of the Mell Fell Conglomerate, a unique geological feature in the Lake District. The summit is marked by a small cairn atop a low mound, believed to be a Bronze Age burial site.
Wainwright observed that Great Mell Fell "is a lonely and rather dreary hill, seldom visited". Despite this, the fell's isolated position provides extensive views, including Blencathra and the Dodds to the west, and the Far Eastern and Eastern Fells to the south. The ascent, though steep in parts, is straightforward, offering a sense of solitude and tranquillity.