Gowbarrow Fell and Little Mell Fell

The walk, stage by stage

1. 1

   Start → Gowbarrow Fell (Wainwright summit) (2.9 km, 314 m)

   Climb of about 314 m over 2.9 km (around 11% average).

   Starting from the main parking area near Aira Force, follow the woodland trails past the spectacular waterfalls. As you break out of the tree line, pick up the ascending terrace path heading east above Ullswater, climbing steadily past the old shooting lodge ruins to reach the trig point at Airy Crag, the true summit of Gowbarrow Fell

   Waypoints

   Aira Force car park, Aira Force waterfalls, Yew Crag terrace, Shooting Lodge ruins, Airy Crag (Gowbarrow Fell summit trig point)

   Decision point

   The paths around Aira Force are heavily signposted. Once on the open fell, the terrace path is unmistakable, and the trig point marks the highest rocky outcrop perfectly

   Easy to get wrong

   An 11% average climb that is largely stepped and well-engineered near the waterfalls, but transitions to rougher, sometimes boggy moorland as you approach Airy Crag. The terrace paths provide incredible views of Ullswater but can feel exposed on windy days

   If you need to get off

   Turn around and retrace your steps down the terrace path safely back into the sheltered woodland of Aira Force

2. 2

   Gowbarrow Fell (Wainwright summit) → Little Mell Fell (5.4 km, 313 m)

   Climb of about 313 m over 5.4 km (around 6% average).

   From Airy Crag, head north-east across the grassy expanse to descend off Gowbarrow Fell. Navigate the mixture of lower fell tracks, woodland edges, and quiet country lanes toward Watermillock and the road pass known as The Hause. From the gate at The Hause, tackle the notoriously steep, direct grassy haul straight up to the summit trig point of Little Mell Fell

   Waypoints

   Airy Crag, Swinburn's Park / Watermillock Common boundary, The Hause (road pass), Little Mell Fell summit

   Decision point

   The road crossing at The Hause acts as an obvious boundary, and the gate marking the start of the Little Mell Fell path is easy to spot. From there, aim straight up the nose of the fell

   Easy to get wrong

   A long transition of 5.4 km. The walk between the fells involves navigating farm tracks and some tarmac sections. However, the real shock to the system is the final climb up Little Mell Fell from The Hause—it is a relentless, steep, calf-burning grass staircase that feels significantly steeper than the 6% stage average suggests

   If you need to get off

   Do not attempt the final climb from The Hause if your legs are feeling heavy; instead, you can wait at the road parking area or begin the low-level walk back toward Ullswater

   

3. Little Mell Fell → Finish (6.8 km, 78 m)

   Climb of about 78 m over 6.8 km (around 1% average).

   Descend carefully back down the steep grassy slopes to The Hause. From here, take the quiet country lanes and bridleways heading south-west, eventually picking up the Ullswater Way through the beautiful woodland of Swinburn's Park, which leads you all the way back to the Aira Force car park

   Waypoints

   The Hause, Watermillock quiet lanes, Swinburn's Park, Ullswater Way, Aira Force finish

   Decision point

   The Ullswater Way is famously well-waymarked. Look for the distinct wooden signposts guiding you safely through Swinburn's Park and back into the National Trust land

   Easy to get wrong

   The initial descent off Little Mell Fell is exceptionally steep on grass, requiring careful foot placement to avoid slipping. Once back at The Hause, the remaining 6.8 km is a long, rolling, low-level walk-out that requires endurance rather than technical skill, with only 78 m of undulating climb spread across the return

   If you need to get off

   You are on the lower valley network for the duration of the return. The lanes and well-marked Ullswater Way provide a safe, track-based exit the entire way back to the car