Gowbarrow Fell & Little Mell Fell circular walk

Friday 28th October 2022

Gowbarrow Fell & Little Mell Fell circular walk.

The forecast for today was poor in the morning but brightening up by mid-day. So, we had a more leisurely drive over to the Lakes with a much later start than usual. The later start included a breakfast at the Mainsgill Farm Shop which is usually closed at the time I fly by, but today was ideal for a stop there and we weren't disappointed. A bit pricey, but really nice.

The plan worked well, as we enjoyed a mainly dry day with plenty of sunshine which was an unexpected bonus as we are nearly into November. Aira Force was impressive, especially due to the recent rainfall and Aira Beck was in full spate - plenty of photos were taken on the path to the equally impressive High Force.

As height was gained on the path to Gowbarrow Fell and later Little Mell Fell, the day became breezier throughout, but nothing could spoil the stunning panoramic views of Ullswater and the surrounding Fells. The walk back to Aira Force was through the lovely woodland of Swinburns Park and then a favourite path of mine which is on the southern flank of Gowbarrow Fell which continues to offer impressive views along Ullswater.

Another lovely day out.

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Distance: 9.2 miles

Duration: 4:45 hours

Ascent: 2676 ft

Difficulty: Moderate

Accompanied By: Paul

Weather: Mild & Breezy, Sunny Intervals

Wainwrights Visited

Gowbarrow Fell Little Mell Fell

3D outline of route

Parking

Parked up at Park Brow just off the A5091 and not far from the main Aira Force car park. It's a National Trust one, so be prepared to pay £8.50 for a day's parking - The machine was broken last time I was here - But as Paul commented at the time "I'm not surprised someone rammed it at those prices" - But we did agree, it's the National Trust - and they are the good guys really.

Setting off in the direction of the falls.

Aira Falls from the Upper Bridge - Pretty impressive due to the recent rainfall.

You can't get to the lower bridge at the moment due to a significant tree fall, this is the upper bridge.

Aira Force - William Wordsworth 18th Century inspiration

A bit further up Aira Beck, we reach High Force - As impressive as ever.

Gradually leaving the beck behind we head towards higher ground on the main path with Gowbarrow Fell and Green Hill to our right.

A right turn onto the path that leads directly up to the top of Gowbarrow Fell.

Looking back in the direction of Common Fell and Hart Side.

After a short ascent we reach the summit trig point of Gowbarrow Fell - the previous summit cairn is long gone.

A little bit boggy in places, but nothing to worry about.

Looking back to Gowbarrow Fell.

Lunch time was spent at a sheltered spot just in the trees, before we nipped up and down Little Mell Mell. A 15-minute ascent with a few small stops to rest for a handful of seconds. Barely a fell, but still gets you puffing and panting a little.

Another summit trig point (Little Mell Fell) - I fancied descending via a different route for once, rather than the same old 'out and back' and for 5 minutes I headed eastwards hoping to pick up a path that would traverse the side in a clockwise direction. But the further I walked, no such path appeared, so I reluctantly headed back to the summit and admitted defeat to Paul who had patiently waited for me.

A slightly 'off-path' route down was taken, but we soon re-joined the main Up/Down path. Don't think there's much to this fell - surprised why AW considered it worthy of his attention. But because of that attention, it will have many thousands of visitors every year.

A short stroll down the lane in the direction of Ullswater before turning right and heading back towards Aira Force.

Swinburns Park. A series of three Herdwick Stones celebrate the role that shepherding plays in the cultural heritage of the Ullswater Valley. The Herdwick sheep is the native breed of the Lake District, thought to have been brought over with the Vikings over 1000 years ago. This is the first of the stones we spotted - Tyan.

The lovely peaceful paths through the Swinburns Park.

After a while, we emerge from the woodland and Ullswater comes into view.

Graffiti in the Lakes! Never seen that before.

Oh yes, we were meant to be looking out for these - Ooops, to much chatter - Anyway here's Yan and "Two out of Three ain't bad" as Mr Meatloaf would have said.

The last stretch of the walk is round the Southern side of Gowbarrow Fell. A single file walk with sumptuous views of Ullswater and surrounding fells.

Hallin Fell is central here.

As we approach the outcrop of Yew Crag, the wind whips up and our luck with the weather finally runs out today as it's time to don our waterproof over-trousers.

The rain shower passes as quickly as it arrived as we walk above Dalamain House & Gardens

One last glance of Aira Force before heading back to the car. Most of the time was spent trying to decide where we would enjoy our post walk drink & bar meal. Glenridding and the Travellers Rest was the winner.