Aira Force facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Aira Force |
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The waterfall in 2012
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| Lua error in Module:Infobox_mapframe at line 185: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). | |
| Location | Matterdale, Cumbria |
| OS grid | NY401203 |
| Total height | 70 feet/21.3 metres |
Aira Force is a beautiful waterfall located in the famous English Lake District. You can find it in the area of Matterdale, within the county of Cumbria. The land around this stunning waterfall is looked after by the National Trust, a charity that protects special places.
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Discovering Aira Force
The water that creates Aira Force comes from a stream called Aira Beck. This stream starts high up on a hill called Stybarrow Dodd, about 720 meters (2,362 feet) above sea level. It flows along for about eight kilometers (5 miles). Before it reaches Ullswater, one of the Lake District's biggest lakes, the beck takes a dramatic 20-meter (66-foot) leap! This big drop is what we know as Aira Force. The water falls about 22 meters (72 feet) into a rocky pool below. From there, the stream continues its journey to the lake.
What Does "Aira Force" Mean?
The name "Aira" comes from an old language called Old Norse. In Old Norse, eyrr means "gravel bank" and á means "river." So, "Aira" means "the river at the gravel bank." This refers to a gravelly spot where the river meets Ullswater.
The word "Force" also comes from Old Norse, where fors means "waterfall." This word is still used for waterfalls in many parts of northern England. So, "Aira Force" literally means "the waterfall on the gravel-bank river."
Visiting Aira Force
Aira Force is on land owned by the National Trust. They bought the area, called Gowbarrow Park, in 1906. Since then, they have made it easier for people to visit. They've added things like car parks, paths that are easy to walk on, and special viewing spots. This has made Aira Force one of the most popular waterfalls in the Lake District!
The National Trust also provides public toilets and a café. The site is open for visitors all year round. You can even walk to the waterfall from the nearby village of Dockray.
The Wish Tree
As you walk along the path near the waterfall, you might spot something interesting: a "Wish Tree"! This isn't a living tree, but a large fallen tree trunk. Visitors hammer coins into the wood using stones they find nearby. It's a fun tradition many people enjoy.
Arriving by Boat
In 2015, a company called Ullswater 'Steamers' opened a special dock near Aira Force. This means you can now reach the waterfall by taking a boat trip across Ullswater from Glenridding. There's also a new footpath that connects Aira Force to Glencoyne Bay, making it even easier to explore the area.
The Bridges of Aira Force
There are two special bridges at Aira Force. One small arched bridge crosses the stream right at the top of the falls, giving you amazing views down into the ravine. Another bridge is located at the bottom of the falls.
These bridges were built a long time ago to honor two members of the Spring family. Cecil Spring Rice was an important British ambassador during the First World War. Stephen Spring Rice was a senior government worker.
The bridges are quite unique! The lower bridge is made of stones placed vertically, which is unusual for this part of Cumbria. The higher bridge, however, uses horizontal stones, which is more typical of the local building style.
Aira Force in Poetry
The famous Lake Poet William Wordsworth loved the area around Aira Force. He visited many times! It's believed that he was inspired to write his famous poem "Daffodils," which starts with "I wandered lonely as a cloud," after seeing daffodils growing near where Aira Beck flows into Ullswater.
Aira Force itself is mentioned in three of Wordsworth's poems. The most well-known mention is in his poem "The Somnambulist," where he writes:
- Wild stream of Aira, hold thy course,
- Nor fear memorial lays,
- Where clouds that spread in solemn shade,
- Are edged with golden rays!
- Dear art thou to the light of heaven,
- Though minister of sorrow;
- Sweet is thy voice at pensive even.
- And thou, in lovers' hearts forgiven,
- Shalt take thy place with Yarrow!
Another poet, Letitia Elizabeth Landon, also wrote a poem about Aira Force. Her poem tells a legend that a hermit once lived beneath the waterfall.
See Also
