Looking for a Lake District walk with a waterfall that is nice and easy from your car? Here’s 3 ideas for you to try! Due to their beauty and easy locations, all of these can get busy so consider this when planning your day.

1. Aira Force, Ullswater, near Pooley Bridge. This stunning Lake District waterfall is situated in National Trust grounds with a series of good paths around some lovely woodland, and a chance of seeing red squirrels! There is a National Trust car park at the entrance, just off the main road, along with toilet and café facilities depending on your time of visit. For a quick visit you can reach the waterfall and back via a little loop easily within a leisurely hour. There are some steep sections of the paths which need care especially when wet, and there are steps involved in the ups and downs!

2. Skelwith Force, Skelwith Bridge, near Ambleside. In case you haven’t already noticed the connection, “force” means waterfall, coming from the old Norse word “Foss”. This waterfall is just off the main road and situated ever so conveniently next to Chesters, one of the very best cafés in the Lake District. You can park at Skelwith Bridge (limited) for literally a minute walk to the falls! Or even better, park at Elterwater (village) and walk down the very accessible path past the lake (also Elterwater) before reaching the waterfall. This route is about 1.5 miles one way, and you can either go back the same way, make a loop, or make use of the regular bus service! There’s also the Britannia Inn pub in Elterwater and Talbot bar at Skelwith Bridge for those that prefer a pint at the end (or middle) of the walk! Note: there is access down to the falls but great care must be taken, the exposed rock can be very slippery and there are no barriers. Equally you can admire from the main path without going onto the exposed part!

3. Stock Ghyll Force, Ambleside. A short walk from Ambleside, this is a great option for something from a town base with all the shops, cafes and pubs that go with it! From Ambleside the path goes from the back of the Salutation Hotel and is well marked up through some lovely woodland. The little trail follows the falls and there are various viewing points. The paths can get muddy and steep, so pick your footwear carefully!

3 Easy Lake District Waterfall Walks

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