National Trust - Aira Force and Ullswater Reviews Summary

Scenery and Walks

Pros:

• "Absolutely stunning. Beautiful walks all around, each path leads you to another part of the falls."
• "A stunning walk that follows the waterfalls up from Ullswater. The waters are gin clear."
• "Absolutely stunning, breathtaking views of the waterfalls."
• "A highly recommended walk which is fairly easy to navigate and has some fantastic views."
• "A really beautiful walk. For someone like myself that isn't too fond of strenuous hiking and prefers scenic routes, this walk was a nice mixture of both."
• "Once you walk up the steep but inspiring paths to the force of the waterfalls you'll open up your eyes to beauty at every turn."
• "The walk around the forest is picture perfect and being next to the stream is super calming."

Cons:

• "But even in February it was incredibly busy, too busy to really enjoy."
• "The trails could have been signposted a bit better as we ended up on a shorter trail than we wanted."
• "Definitely not suitable for a buggy, so if you have small children make sure you can carry them or they can walk."
• "Gentle walk on cinder paths to the waterfall but can't take a wheelchair easily."
• "Not really a place for people with pushchairs, or the disabled, as there are quite a few steps and rocky footpaths."
• "Some may find the walk challenging if they're not good with heights as there's some rocky steps with no handrails and drops to one side."
• "Nice walk and lovely scenery, however if you want to follow the short walk route its hard work to know where you are going as there are that many off piste turns and paths and there are no signs to show which walk you are on."

Facilities

Pros:

• "The parking area was well-organized and easily accessible, contributing to a seamless visit."
• "Very pleasant and helpful staff and a lovely location."
• "Tearoom not to be missed, has outside sitting area, good coffee and cakes."
• "There is a cafe and toilet facilities."
• "The little cafe near the carpark was really nice and reasonably priced for coffee & food."
• "The National trust cafe at the start / end of the trail offers refreshments and wonderful cream teas."
• "A well maintained large car park, clean toilets, a small gift shop and a lovely clean cafe, offering delicious food and beverages."

Cons:

• "Disappointed that due to a tree falling near to the waterfall, a large proportion of the waterfall walk was closed."
• "The NT Shop/Cafe was closed but you could get a snack and a drink from the kiosk."
• "I also stood there a while before being told by the lady they were closed, and again I found her tone very cold and unempathetic, almost gleeful that she had the power to turn people away."
• "The tea room was very pricey & the cake was dry, so i'd pack your own."
• "Cafe was very busy too so we ended up going elsewhere."
• "Parking is super expensive & cafe closes too early like 4ish."
• "The main carpark and café (national trust) was an absolute disgrace."

Parking

Pros:

• "Parking is free for National Trust members, but make sure you've got your card as you need to scan it for a ticket at the prepayment machines."
• "Parking is free for National Trust members, too."
• "Free Parking for NT members (Bonus)."
• "Several car parks to choose from that are all free to park in if a member of the National Trust."
• "Free to park for disabled blue badge users, or about £4 an hour otherwise."
• "Parking free to NT members, great cafe."
• "Expensive parking can be avoided by joining the National Trust, cycling, walking or arriving by bus."

Cons:

• "Please be warned it is minimum £6 for 2 hours to park and only accepts cash so make sure you have enough change."
• "Parking costs are expensive though at Aira Force, £5 for 2 hours seemed a lot!"
• "Parking is the usual Lakes in summer affair - i.e. good luck finding a space."
• "Not all the paths were open due to storm damage."
• "Car parking is expensive (£7) but access to the falls itself is free of charge."
• "Car parking prices are outrageous."
• "Its really expensive to park here. It's £5 for 2 hours and £7 for 4 hours."

Accessibility

Pros:

• "There is a path which leads down from the car park and through a weighted gate. This part is wheelchair friendly."
• "Definitely worth a stop if you are driving close by."
• "This place is marvelous. You really feel closer to nature here with all of the pathways carving through the hillsides."
• "The hiking trails and paths were clearly marked and easy to follow."
• "An outstanding place to visit, the water fall is amazing, especially if it's been raining."
• "Visited on a raining day with 24mph winds. The waterfall trail was very beautiful. There seemed to be a lot of water to the point of flooding some viewing platforms."
• "Well maintained path ways, good Car Park with clean toilets and tea room serving delicious cream teas and soup with magic bloomer bread."

Cons:

• "The waterfall itself is a trifle underwhelming it has to be said though. It's a lovely piece of nature but you don't get the impression it is that uncommon."
• "Good waterfalls and well-marked routes for local walks. There are well-placed bridges to view the falls however lots of steps not suitable for anyone with limited mobility."
• "Parking near the falls can be challenging."
• "Could be slippy under the foot if it was wet especially on steps."
• "Some steep steps and can be muddy in places so be careful."
• "Very beautiful and worth a visit however parking was expensive (£5 for two hours!) and you can't pay by card or any other means other than gold and silver coins."
• "Parking charges are expensive but you soon forget about this when you see the stunning views on offer."