Improving the walkways at Aira Force

11 November 2021

Our plan to clear the tree fall

Following the tree fall at Aira Force in August 2021 we have been working with expert partners to investigate the exact cause and to undertake surveys to access the damage and stability of other trees in the gorge. We have got to the stage now where we can safely access the site to clear it, but due to the specialist nature of the works we need to appoint an expert contractor, and we will be doing so shortly. The clearance works are expected to take some weeks to achieve with late spring 2022 our best estimate as to when this will be completed. Once clearance works have been completed, further inspection will be required to identify subsequent steps to restore the site and make it safe for future use by the public. We are unsure at this stage as to when this work will be completed and the impact to the walkways project but will issue regular updates.

Aira Force does remain open and visitors will still be able to view the falls from the main footpath and while crossing the stone bridge at the top of the falls and enjoy the network of trails leading to wonderful spots like the glade, the pinetum, High Force gorge and High Cascades. Ensuring the safety of everyone concerned is our top priority, as well as making sure that Aira Force is safeguarded for future generations to enjoy. 

28 September 2021

Work comes to a halt

Over the last few weeks works on the walkways have had to come to a stop as in early August a tree fell from a bank and landed on the lower stone bridge, depositing earth onto the new viewing platform. Before the fall we were just about to put the finishing touches to the lower viewing platform and commence installing the aerial walkway in preparation for a grand opening in October. Unfortunately, the tree fall will delay the opening of the new walkways significantly. Even though this is a setback and frustrating for all concerned, our ranger team and contractors will be working hard to make up for lost time once we have approval to safely access the site. 

28 July 2021

A little help from the Rangers

It was full steam ahead last week as our ranger team removed all the existing walkway down to the bedrock in preparation for the installation of the aerial pathway. Our team was joined by the Langdale rangers and with the help of three power barrows 10 tonnes of material has now been removed! All materials will be repurposed for other jobs we have in progress around Aira Force and Ullswater. The handrails were also installed at the bottom viewing platform in time for the walkway panels to be installed, which have now arrived and are awaiting painting. 

21 June 2021

Strong foundations going in

Due to the delay in receiving the German manufactured steel graepel the last few weeks have been slightly quieter on the ground. However, the contractors have been putting the finishing touches to the base framework, with the steel struts now cemented in place. They have also been building up the revetment wall by the bottom waterfall bridge, an added protection for the old stone bridge which is an iconic part of our traditional waterfall view. They have even been able to use some of the original stone, making sure it’s a perfect fit with the surrounding features. 

24 May 2021

Delayed materials

In the last few weeks contractors have been on site far less than they were previously. These quiet weeks have been caused by a delay in materials. Some components of the viewing platform and walkways are coming from Germany and our initial 8-week lead time for these to arrive has been extended to around 12 weeks, this means our predicted completion date has moved to September. Even though it feels like a bit of a setback having to push our re-opening to later in the year, it is not all bad news. We have recently received the drawings for the proposed new retaining wall, an important job that the contractors can work on whilst we wait for the German components to arrive on site. The contractors are expected on site any day to commence this next section of the project. 

19 April 2021

Preparing for the new walkways

Contractors have been busy this last couple of weeks, working at the bottom of the main waterfall. They have been breaking up and removing the concrete of the original viewing platform in preparation for the new steel sections to take their place. And, while the contractors have been working away on site, fabrication of the new walkways has begun in the workshop. If you're visiting us this spring, look out for our Welcome Team who will be on hand and ready to answer any questions you might have as you enjoy the site during this exciting time. 

5 April 2021

Creating new views of the waterfall

As work progresses with the new walkways at Aira Force this spring, some sections of footpath will be closed to ensure the safety of visitors. A one-way system around the waterfall trails will ensure the site remains easy to navigate and we have been busy opening up new views along the trail to ensure that visitors still get to snap a great picture of the falls on their walk. 

8 March 2021

And we're off!

The Aira Force walkways project is underway! From the 1st March contractors have been on site, setting up for the work ahead and securing the pathways that will be affected by the project. Some sections of footpath will be closed during the duration of the work to ensure the safety of our visitors and that the contractors can work as efficiently as possible. The one-way system around the waterfall trails will ensure the site remains easy to navigate.