| Walk: | Helvellyn - changed to Aira Force | ||
| Start Point: | Glenridding / Aira Force car park | Grid Reference: | |
| Distance: | Not much | Ascent: | Negligible |
| Time: | An hour or so | ||
| Weather: | Gale force winds were forecast on the summits and there had been deluges of rain overnight | ||
| Comments: | Unfortunately due to high winds forecast 80mph on the tops and very heavy rain the walk was cancelled. However 4 people had a pleasant hour or so walking around Aira Force in completely different weather. | ||
Scroll down to see photos of the walk
The flooded car park entrance at Glenridding does not bode well for the day ahead.
Nor does the state of Glenridding beck
The information centre looks like it might be washed away!
And the water keeps on rising
Torrential rain obscures the fells as we make our way to Aira force waterfalls
Place Fell clears during a brief respite from the rain . . .
and we catch a glimpse of autumn colour as we look down on Ullswater
A glimpse of the falls through the trees
We make our way upstream on waterlogged paths
Then start heading down towards high force and the narrow gorges . . .
where the group stops to ponder over the possibilities for a hydo-electric scheme
Lower down we join the crowds . . .
to look down off the bridge . . .
at the water thundering through the gorge . . .
into the pool below
We move down to view the scene from the other direction
The narrow bridge reminds John of Striding Edge and what might have been!!
But with the weather showing no signs of improving we make an early start for home