Beautiful Aira Force
You have no idea how delighted I was to be able to visit Aira Force! The forecast wasn’t great and, as we approached the English Lake District, a swirl of damp cloaked the mountains. But a waterfall’s no good without the water, is it? And in Autumn, the canopy of leaves radiates! Driving through a tunnel of flame and gold, the senses are filled with wonder.
I had planned to walk to the falls from the nearby village of Glenridding, our base for the evening, but the road south from Pooley Bridge bypassed them. Carpe diem had never seemed so appropriate. A pocket of opportunity, as the drizzle ceased momentarily.
The National Trust car park
The car park was not as deserted as I might have expected, though the picnic tables were definitely unoccupied. There were just enough people to exchange smiles with, in a ‘good to be alive’ sort of way. A celebration of our good fortune.
Those coins get everywhere!
Treading carefully on the damp leaves underfoot, I could hear already the gurgle of water. The stream chuckled merrily on its way to the lake. Not far to go! But for me, it was upwards by a series of steps, pausing often to admire my beautiful surroundings.
Onwards and upwards!
I was eager for my first sighting of the waterfall. Suddenly, through the trees, I caught a glimpse of its magnificense.
So alluring!
But first a little more bracken
And a few more steps
And we’ve reached the bridge
The sound of rushing water has reached a crescendo. Steps lead down to the bridge and I cannot stop myself from descending. I lean over and gaze in worshipful awe. From beneath me, the falls tear away to join the calm of the lake.
Leaping joyfully down to Ullswater
Leaving the lower bridge behind, I head on up to the top of the falls, the water my constant companion. That and the moss and leaves. It’s possible to continue up to Gowbarrow Fell and the trig point for views all along the lake, but on a murky day like this the visibility would be poor. And I’m so loath to leave the water behind.
My constant companion
Chirruping water
And my other companion
The air feels increasingly damp and we decide to retrace our steps and cross over the upper bridge. The descent on the other side of the falls is down yet more steps, but they are well spaced, and not too slippy in stout shoes.
We can now look back at the full 65 foot height of the falls, which I found very difficult to photograph. My little camera has its limits, and I most certainly do. I have too much ‘white light’ in the shot. I tried different angles but it didn’t help. I’m sorry!
But I was much taken with this aged log
A certain person was getting rather impatient. I suspect you might be ready for a seat somewhere too. I spotted a lovely one but it was a bit damp.
What do you think?
He’s wondering when we’re going to get to cake!
I think we’ve had enough exercise, don’t you? I hope you enjoyed it, despite all those steps. This link will give you clearer guidance on how to negotiate the various paths, and National Trust can help you to get here.
Many thanks to so many of you who have again contributed to making my Monday walks a great place to be. Shall we get the kettle on, ready for a good read? If you’d like to join me you’ll be made very welcome. Full details are on my Jo’s Monday walk page. Just click on the logo above.
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Introducing Phoebe, in the lovely South of France, with not a drop of rain in sight. Please say hello :
Coast Walk : the Cap d’Antibes
Tobermory says Scotland to me, but this one’s equally beautiful. Thanks, Violet Sky!
Sounds like a good book? And you’ll enjoy Anabel’s company, in Scotland!
Amy has something pretty spectacular for you this week :
The cutest giraffes! Thanks for taking us to the zoo, Jackie :
The Living Desert, Palm Springs CA
Photos do not come any more beautiful than this first one! Many thanks, Lucile :
Sally D’s Mobile Photography Challenge : Nature
Jesh always has an interesting take on life. And there’s an apple cake recipe too!
I know you’ll all be waiting for Part 2 of Rotterdam. I was! Bring on the windmills, Elena!
Denzil finds some strange things in the Belgian countryside :
Outrelouxhe : Just because… I like the name
If you’re seeking entertainment you can’t do better than join Badfish!
And as I’ve pointed out before, Tobias has a very different take on life :
Wonderful variety again this week so thank you all very much. It’s going to be a wild one, I think, so hang onto your hats! Have a happy one and I’ll see you all soon.
restlessjo 
Jo, another wonderful walkabout. Wet and wild! Lush and lovely. Makes me want to go there…now!
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If anyone tells you it’s not a beautiful world, BF, just smile 🙂 🙂
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Here’s my walk for this week Jo. Lots of WA wildflowers. https://theeternaltraveller.wordpress.com/2015/11/16/a-walk-in-the-park/
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Many thanks to you darlin’. I’ll be over shortly. 🙂
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Some lovely walks this week, here is my entry for next week, hope its not too late: http://studentinsnowdonia.com/2015/07/30/flashback-walks-tryfan-15112014/
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No worries- it’s fine. I have a long way still to go till mine is written. Thanks a lot! 🙂
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What a gorgeous autumn post Jo I am coming back later to enjoy scuffling through all those beautiful leaves and catching up with your other posts. I’ve missed being around, but I was thinking of you when I did this walk in NZ. https://pommepal.wordpress.com/2015/11/14/new-zealand-highlights/
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I’ve thought of you too, Pauline. Has your wonderful month come to an end? I know you’ll have come back with a big sackful of lovely memories. 🙂 Thanks for thinking of me.
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We only had 3 weeks this time Jo and it flew by. 10 days and we’ll be on the road again.
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🙂 🙂
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What a beautiful walk Jo – the autumnal colours are so pretty and I can almost smell the damp bracken and hear the rushing water. Wouldn’t mind a spot of cooler weather – it’s rather hot here at present but mustn’t complain as we do live near the sea and benefit from the afternoon breeze! Have loved looking through your photos and reminiscing about English autumn days. Have a lovely weekend 🙂
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And to you, Rosemay! I’ve just this second come from your fairytale castle. 🙂 🙂
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Thanks Jo – glad you enjoyed the visit! 🙂
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Waterfalls are lovely during or after the rain. Thanks for such pretty autumn walk.
My contribution this week is from Richmond. http://wp.me/p4X4U3-D9
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Hi Ruth 🙂 I enjoyed it enormously. Thanks for yours 🙂
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Great photos Jo, of some wonderful scenery. Just reading the post has left me tired out, looking at all those waterfalls 🙂
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It’s such a lovely part of the world. Water and mountains are such a great combination and I always find waterfalls irresistible. Worth the effort 🙂 🙂
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Well worth it, especially with the photos to enjoy later 🙂
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How lovely – and what a coincidence that I’ve just posted a photo of a waterfall on my blog too! I’ve never visited the Lake District (I know!) crazy that someone from England hasn’t visited such a beautiful part of the country. Great photos, Jo.
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Thanks Susan 🙂 There are lovely bits of England (and Scotland 🙂 ) I haven’t made it to yet. But I haven’t quite finished my travels (I hope 🙂 )
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un luogo magico! sono veramente convinta che lì abitino gli Elfi e le fate, e magari ti hanno fatto dispetto e si nascondevano perché tu non riuscissi a fotografarli, gelosi che hai fatto immagini strepitose del loro habitast
🙂
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You have to look very hard to find them, Ventis 🙂 They are very shy 🙂
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I’m a bit late joining in with this walk, but it was definitely worth it! Although it was a dreary day (here in the UK we have to go on our walks regardless, don’t we?) it looks lovely – so much to see with little paths, steps, bridges and of course the fabulous waterfall.
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You know what they say, Elaine. Much better late than never 🙂 Thank you for making the effort. I’ve had a thoroughly traumatic morning, locking us out of the car with the keys still inside and quite a long way from home. 😦 Survived to tell the tale, fortunately. 🙂
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The weather definitely seems to have cooperated for the day. The colors were bright and it really is a little slice of paradise! Those stacked coins are really interesting, Jo! What an appealing walk this was. 🙂
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If I can follow water, up or down a hill, I’m happy, Debbie 🙂 Have a lovely holiday!
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Fabulous walk Jo!
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Thanks a lot, Nicole 🙂
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Glad the rain wasn’t too heavy and you could get this beautiful walk in! Nice waterfall :).
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Thanks, Corey! 🙂 It made me very happy.
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What would our beautiful Lake District be without fog and rain? Such a glorious, November walk this Jo…and such a wonderful waterfall. There’s something quite magical about them isn’t there? I am now breathing deeply…thank you lovely lady 🙂 xx
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Hi sweetheart! 🙂 So exciting, aren’t they? I was thrilled with this one. Perfect birthday present! 🙂
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