Dockray: Walking and Local History

Dockray combines local history with specific walking destinations. The settlement grew up around an inn that served as a horse-changing station for stagecoaches. The Royal at Dockray is a family-run, traditional country hotel. Walking destinations include Aira Force and the summit of Gowbarrow.

Walking and Nature

The Aira Force Waterfall Walk starts at the Royal Hotel in Dockray. The marked walking trails at Aira Force range from 0.5 to 2 miles. From the main car park, marked paths lead to two stone bridges over the gorge and waterfall in about 20 to 30 minutes at a steady pace. Native red squirrels still thrive at Aira Force; the wildlife adds another natural dimension to views of the waterfall and gorge.

The walk from The Royal to the summit of Gowbarrow and back is 3.5 km long. This means different planning details sit alongside one another: the total round-trip distance at Gowbarrow, a range of trail lengths at Aira Force, and the approximate time it takes to reach the bridges. Near the Green Shed, a gate gives access to Watermillock Common and the start of the first ridge walk.

History and Architecture

Dockray’s history is also linked to paths and water. The historic route from Dockray to Ullswater began at Park Gate and ran through the Greystoke estate. East of the village lies the former Dockray Cornmill, with its millrace between Aira Beck and Riddings Beck. The Cornmill is also known as “New Mill.” A reference from 1675 calls the earlier mill “Old Mills”; it therefore already existed before that year. A wooden water channel (leat) on stone retaining walls fed an overshot waterwheel. “Overshot” describes water being supplied from above; the leat was the channel that carried it to the wheel.

Matterdale Church lies halfway between Dockray, Matterdale End and Ulcat Row. It is a 16th-century church and has served the local community since 1573. Another historic building in Dockray is Hollins Farmhouse and Barn, a Grade II listed farmhouse and barn. The village’s history thus spans transport routes and milling technology, as well as religious use and listed agricultural buildings.

Hotel and Art

Art is also part of a stay in Dockray. Gina Farncombe offers studio visits by appointment; her studio is just behind the bridge from The Royal Hotel Dockray. If you are making a special trip for this, confirm your appointment in advance. Artwork by artists based in Dockray is exhibited at the Royal Hotel. A studio visit and an exhibition are separate opportunities: if you specifically want to see the works at the hotel, ask in advance what is currently on display, as exhibition arrangements may change.

Discover more destinations: Stainburn, Ulverston, Cartmel, Preston Patrick, Kirkoswald, Silecroft, Longtown, Greystoke

For the higher-level travel overview: Cumbria.