Aysgarth Falls Walk
Enjoy a woodland walk to the spectacular Aysgarth Falls in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. There are three tiers to the falls which make for a wonderful spectacle, particularly in wet weather. The upper and middle falls were featured in the film 'Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves'.
This circular walk starts on the northern side of the River Ure by the Aysgarth Falls National Park Centre where there is a good sized car park. The centre is a great place to find information about the walks in Aysgarth and Carperby. There is also a cafe for refreshments. You can see it by clicking on the street view link below.
After leaving the car park you can pick up a woodland trail through St Joseph's Wood and out into the countryside, where there are great views of the surrounding area. The walk then descends to the river where there are nice viewpoints near the falls.
The area is a nature reserve so look out for some lovely flora and fauna on your walk. In the spring and summer you can see wildlflowers and bluebells in the woods. Also look out for wild birds, squirrels and deer.
You can return to the car park or extend your walk by crossing the Yore Bridge and following another footpath on the southern side of the river. You'll pass the old Yore Mill and Craft Shop which has some nice gifts.
To continue your walking in the area you can head 1.5 miles south and visit the delightful West Burton Falls. The Cauldron Falls (as they are otherwise known) are located very near to the picturesque village and are well worth a visit.
The Herriot Way long distance footpath also starts in the village. The circular route takes you through areas of the Yorkshire Dales associated with the vet and author James Herriot.
Also nearby is the village of Castle Bolton where you can visit the 14th century Bolton Castle.
Head east along the river on our Wensleydale Walk and you can visit Redmire Force and the vilage of Wensley, which gives its name to the dale of Wensleydale.
Postcode
DL8 3TH - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsAysgarth Falls Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Aysgarth Falls Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Aysgarth Falls OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Aysgarth Falls Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Explore the Area with Google Street View 
Pubs/Cafes
After your walk head to the Aysgarth Falls Hotel (Postcode: DL8 3SR). The pub is ideally located in Aysgarth, just to the south of the river and the falls. Here you'll find a nice pub with a good menu and selection of ales. You can also book accommodation here if you need to stay over.
Just over a mile to the north of the falls you will find The Wheatsheaf Inn in Carperby (Postcode: DL8 4DF). This traditional, 19th-century, stone-and-brick country pub also has rooms.
You could also head to the Visitor Centre where you'll find the Coppice Cafe. The conveniently located cafe serves a great selection of drinks and meals largely made with locally-sourced ingredients.
Dog Walking
This is a dog friendly walk and you'll probably see quite a few other dog owners as you make your way along the path.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
Also in the area is the delightful Aysgarth Edwardian Rock Garden. Though small these lovely gardens are well worth visiting if you have time after your visit to the falls. The Grade II listed Rock Garden is free to enter and contains a mountain stream and a south facing lawned area with mixed borders that provides views of adjacent fields and trees. The gardens are located at a postcode of DL8 3AH with lay-by parking available at the site.
Also in the village is the Grade II listed St Andrew's Church. The medieval church is noted for its fine rood screen dating from around 1506 which was originally installed in Jervaulx Abbey and moved here after the Dissolution of the monasteries. There's also high quality Victorian stained glass windows to see here too. The church is located near the falls on the south side of the River Ure at a postcode of DL8 3SR. It's a popular place to stop at for people doing this walk.
A little further to the west there's a lovely circular walk to try around Semer Water. The beautiful lake is notable as the second largest natural lake in North Yorkshire, England after Malham Tarn. Near here there's also the worthy village of Bainbridge. The village includes views of the River Bain and a 15th century hotel which is one of the oldest in Yorkshire.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Yorkshire Dales Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Aysgarth Upper falls. Upper force. Just above the bridge. Really peaty water, it has been raining in the last couple of days. It takes a while for the water to seep through the soil up on the moors and get this colour.
Aysgarth Middle Falls
Aysgarth Lower Falls. Taken from limestone rocks below the lower falls, this view gives a good impression of the series of steps down which the Ure tumbles.
National Park Information Centre at Aysgarth Falls. Originally built as railway cottages, this building now houses an information centre, offices and an excellent cafe. To the right are the dry composting toilets.
Summer below the Falls. Scene along the River Ure on a warm summer's day downstream of the Lower Aysgarth Falls.
Yore Mill at the falls. The mill has had an interesting history, starting life in the 18th Century as a cotton mill, then later as a woollen mill, corn mill and sawmill. The red flannel cloth for the shirts of Garibaldi's army is said to have been made here.
Aysgarth Rock Garden. Located near the falls this pretty garden is a worthy addition to your outing.
St Andrews Church viewed above Aysgarth Middle Falls. It has the largest churchyard in England and is worth stopping at to see the wonderful rood screen.