The best walks and hikes around Matterdale

Yes, the area is well-suited for families. The valley offers gentle walks through fields and woodlands. A particularly good option is the Aira Force & Aira Beck loop, a short and easy path that follows the river and showcases the famous waterfall without a major climb.

The Aira Beck river is the main watercourse in the valley, featuring a series of cascades. The most famous is Aira Force, a dramatic waterfall plunging into a gorge. You can explore it and the surrounding ancient woodland at the highly-regarded National Trust site, which serves as a starting point for many trails.

Yes, Matterdale is generally a dog-friendly area for hiking. However, you will be walking through farmland with sheep and other livestock, so it is crucial to keep your dog on a lead, especially during lambing season. Also be mindful of ground-nesting birds on the open fells.

The main car park for many popular routes is the National Trust car park at Aira Force. This is a large, well-maintained facility with toilets and it provides direct access to trails for Gowbarrow Fell and the waterfalls. For other routes, there may be limited lay-by parking, so arriving early is recommended.

For experienced hikers, Matterdale provides access to some of the Lake District's most formidable fells. A major undertaking is the long and strenuous ascent to Helvellyn from Aira Force, which involves significant elevation gain and rewards with incredible high-level scenery. This route requires a high level of fitness and navigation skills.

There is an extensive network of footpaths to explore, with nearly 100 curated hiking routes available on komoot. These range from easy valley walks to difficult mountain ascents, ensuring options for all fitness levels.

The trails around Matterdale are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Hikers often praise the variety of scenery, from the stunning waterfalls and ancient woodlands around Aira Beck to the panoramic views over Ullswater from the fell tops.

Yes, many routes are circular. For fantastic views over Ullswater lake, the Aira Force – Gowbarrow Fell summit loop is a great moderate option. It combines the beauty of the waterfalls with a rewarding climb to a summit viewpoint.

The high-level hikes, such as those across Matterdale Common towards 'The Dodds', involve open and exposed terrain. You can expect grassy ridges, boggy sections, and steep, rocky paths. These routes offer a sense of remoteness but require good footwear and preparedness for changeable weather.

Accessing Matterdale's trailheads directly by public transport can be challenging as it's a rural valley. The main bus services run along the A592 road near Ullswater. From there, you would have a considerable walk to reach trailheads like those at Aira Force. Using a car is generally more practical for this area.

While the immediate valley is quiet, there are options nearby. The National Trust site at Aira Force has a tea house, which is perfect for a post-walk refreshment. For a traditional pub experience, you would typically need to drive a short distance towards the villages surrounding Ullswater.

Moderate hikes in Matterdale typically involve significant elevation gain, uneven paths, and last for several hours. A good example is the Great Dodd & Clough Head loop, which is over 8 miles and includes over 500 meters of ascent on open fells, requiring a good level of fitness.