Aysgarth Falls

• The nation’s favourite waterfalls
• Great views across to Castle Bolton
• Easy walking through pretty woodland

Aysgarth Falls is an impressive stretch of the River Ure in mid Wensleydale. The Ure passes over 3 ‘ledges’ and certainly, when I took the walk after a period of heavy rain, Aysgarth Falls looks mighty impressive and very powerful. Powerful water is great to look at, almost mesmeric, and I believe this is the best place in the Yorkshire Dales to enjoy this. Viewing platforms are ok but I enjoy getting as close to the water as possible and there is a stretch of rock below the lower falls where anyone can sit right on the water’s edge. The famous scene in Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves was filmed on the upper falls which lie just upstream of the road bridge and it is worth paying the nominal, voluntary fee to get close to where the action takes place. The National Park have sympathetically landscaped the area by the falls with a wide path leading through the attractive woods (suitable for wheelchair/pushchair users) above the falls and there is still a sense of wildness about the area which has attracted so much attention over the yeas. This is also James Herriot country and I extended my walk above the river and through the village of Carperby (where the Herriot’s honeymooned) adding a few miles but considerable interest to the walk. The views of Castle Bolton may well entice walkers to go that extra (“) miles but I have preferred to keep the castle separate from Aysgarth Falls. The castle Bolton walk is referenced Dxxx.

Recommend: Aysgarth Falls is best visited after rains to enjoy it to the full but a summer’s day loitering on the banks is still worthwhile.

Download GPX file

© Crown copyright 2010 Ordnance Survey. Image produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service. Image reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey and Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland.

OS Map:	O/S 1.25,000. OL30 Yorkshire Dales Northern & Central Areas
Start Point:	011884. To the east of Aysgarth turn towards the river and park on the right before the church. I prefer this to the official National Park Car Park so the upper falls and church can be visited en route.
Terrain:	The path through the woods near the falls is wheelchair/pushchair friendly. The remainder of the walk is on the quiet road or good paths.
Eating & Drinking:	There is a couple of good cafes at both parking areas for starting the walk. The Wheatsheaf at Carperby may also tempt in this traditional Dales village.
Similar Walks Nearby:	The Prettiest village in the Dales? Penhill Beacon from West Witton The Lands of Castle Bolton
Places to Stay:	Wheatsheaf Inn, Carperley Bolton Arms, Redmire, Wensleydale