A new virtual reality (VR) experience at Aira Force is bringing fell-top and waterfall views to those unable to visit in person.

Visitors can head to the welcome building in the main car park and use a VR headset supplied by Recreo VR.

The experience provides a virtual journey up to the falls and beyond to Gowbarrow summit.

The 65-foot waterfall at Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park (Image: James Beck) Katie Douglass, the National Trust’s welcome manager at Aira Force, said: "While sitting in the welcome building, you can be transported to some of the incredible viewpoints around Aira Force.

"We know that not everyone who visits can get to these locations because the nature of the landscape means there are steep climbs and uneven paths.

"The virtual reality experience was commissioned to help increase access to this amazing place for more people on site and in the community.

Views over Ullswater from the Aira Force and Gowbarrow trail (Image: Rebecca Senior) "I invite anyone who’s curious about it to pop by the welcome building, and we’ll guide you through how to use it.

"It’s suitable for all ages and requires no previous know-how."

Once the headset is switched on, users can choose from four routes.

Two lead up from Aira Green to the peak of Gowbarrow Fell, and two head back down, each with different viewpoints and sections of the trails.

Visitors can head to the welcome building in the main car park and use a VR headset (Image: Stewart Smith) As part of the project, Recreo VR are providing virtual reality headsets to care organisations and charities.

This allows elderly care home residents and individuals with limited mobility to experience National Trust sites from their own homes.

Alex Lancaster, co-founder and director at Recreo VR, said: "Recreo VR and the National Trust have formed a partnership to capture the essence of National Trust places through 360-degree recordings.

"By working together, we aim to bring the beauty and historical significance of these places directly to individuals who can’t get there themselves.

"Capturing the footage at Aira Force was invigorating, and it’s exciting to know that the footage can help enhance people’s experience of this iconic place in the Lake District."

Aira Force is open daily and will have four special early evenings this winter with lights and festive decorations.