The Valley Today 

The charming Matterdale valley is at a height of about 300m (1,000ft) above sea level, and lies to the north of the beautiful Ullswater lake.  Most of the waters of the valley gather in the Aira Beck which tumbles over a series of waterfalls before plummeting over the well know landmark of Aira Force on its way to Ullswater.

The valley contains three hamlets - Dockray, Matterdale End and Ulcatrow – together with a number of scattered farmsteads and homes.  It boasts many walking routes of various levels from strolls along valley paths through the sheep and woods, to yomps around “The Dodds” and access to Helvellyn for the most intrepid.  The isolated Great Mell Fell at the northern end of the valley provides a unique viewpoint for the Northern fells and the Eden Valley and Penines to the East.