Standing by a waterfall, watching the endlessly falling whitewater and listening to that rushing, roaring, thundering sound, in awe of its power, is an uplifting experience. And it’s beneficial, too.
The air around waterfalls has the highest concentration of negative ions found in nature. These are atmospheric molecules charged with electricity, and exposure to them can ease stress, regulate mood and even reduce depression.
Watching the unceasing cascade down is mesmerising, as is the ‘white noise’ sound, used in sleep apps for its soothing and relaxing properties. Although the water flow may not be at its fiercest in the summer months, it’s the best time to be spritzed with that fresh, cooling spray – and to enter the world behind the waterfall and gaze out through that misty curtain.
North England
Thundering 65ft down a craggy rock face is Aira Force in Cumbria, formed by Aira Beck (stream) making its way down the fells to
