Dockray: Waterfalls, Paths and Rural History

Dockray brings together impressive paths, water and an unusually diverse local history. The settlement group developed around an inn that once served as a horse-changing station for stagecoaches. The history of the place therefore begins not only with the landscape, but also with an earlier transport connection. Anyone looking for a holiday apartment or holiday cottage in Dockray will find a destination where nature experiences and historical discoveries can be combined.

Waterfalls and paths for different day plans

One defining destination is Aira Force. From the main car park, you can reach the waterfall at a steady pace in around 20 to 30 minutes via marked paths. The route leads to two stone bridges over the gorge and waterfall. In addition, there are marked walking routes at Aira Force ranging from 0.5 to 2 miles in length. These different distance options help you tailor the outing to your day plan without having to commit to a single route length.

The Aira Force Waterfall Walk also has a clearly named starting point: the path begins at the Royal Hotel in Dockray. For another, shorter walking idea, the route from The Royal to the summit of Gowbarrow and back is listed as 3.5 km. A gate near the Green Shed also provides access to Watermillock Common and the start of the first ridge walk. Native squirrels still thrive at Aira Force – a small natural detail you can look out for during your stay.

Historical traces around Dockray

The historic path from Dockray to Ullswater began at Park Gate and ran through the Greystoke estate. Matterdale Church offers another link to the local history. It lies halfway between Dockray, Matterdale End and Ulcat Row. The church dates from the 16th century and has served the local community since 1573.

Dockray is also home to Hollins Farmhouse and Barn, a Grade II listed farmhouse with barn. East of the village lie the former Dockray Cornmill and its mill leat between Aira Beck and Riddings Beck. The mill is also known as “New Mill”. A reference from 1675 calls it “Old Mills”; this indicates that it was built before 1675. The site was chosen so that it could use the power of Aira Beck while avoiding flooding. A wooden leat on stone retaining walls fed an overshot waterwheel.

Art and local discoveries

Dockray is also connected with contemporary artistic work in the area: three artists are based here, and artworks by artists living in Dockray are exhibited at the Royal Hotel. Gina Farncombe offers studio visits by appointment. The studio is located directly behind the bridge from The Royal Hotel Dockray. This allows you to add a cultural visit to a day of walking, provided you arrange the appointment in advance.

The Royal at Dockray itself is a family-run, traditional country hotel. When planning your trip, you can take into account the natural attractions, walking routes, historic buildings and art offerings mentioned in Dockray. If you are looking for a holiday apartment or holiday cottage in Dockray, your further selection will depend on your personal travel plans. Specific facilities or availability should always be checked with the current listing.

Further destinations for your travel planning

If you would like to compare Dockray with other places, you can also view Ambleside, Brigham, St Bees, Stanwix, Glenridding, Holmrook, Troutbeck and Arnside. This allows you to combine your search for suitable accommodation with your personal preferences for nature, history and excursions.

For the higher-level travel overview: Cumbria.