Aysgarth Falls

Posted on March 17, 2021

by Cool Places Britain

Aysgarth Falls, in Yorkshire, is best known for its triple flight of waterfalls, carved out by the River Ure.

Don’t expect Niagara. These falls are gentler, but still exceptionally beautiful, with the Upper Falls perhaps the best of all. The sheer width of the river at this point is very impressive.

The waterfalls at Aysgarth have been a tourist attraction for over 200 years.

Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy visited while they waited for their coach horses to be changed and Turner sketched the falls on a tour of the north.

The falls became even better known in 1991 when the Upper and Middle Falls were featured in the film ‘Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.’

Getting there

Do not worry about missing the falls, as this is a major Wensleydale attraction and therefore well signposted.

There is a Yorkshire Dales National Park Centre with a large car park just off the A684 conveniently situated between the Upper and Middle Falls.

Be ware that it can be very busy. Most people stroll to the falls and back on the north bank, so you might want to stay on the other side of the river.

Walking

Only an hour to spend? Then walk through the leafy woodland known as the Freeholders’ Wood. Along this short one mile walk you will enjoy great views of the Lower and Middle Falls.

A longer 4-mile circular starts at the National Park Centre and explores all three. The route then heads north and crosses lovely farmland around the attractive village of Carperby.

This walk offers wider views across Wensleydale to the hills in the south.

Or you can follow in Turner’s footsteps and head south towards West Burton Falls. A very attractive 6-mile circular walk combines both Aysgarth Falls and West Burton Falls.

If you are up for a day hike, then we recommend a 14,5-mile circular walk towards Castle Bolton. This walk starts from Askrigg and takes in all three waterfalls at Aysgarth en route to Castle Bolton.

Here you can visit the imposing remains of Bolton Castle. The return is via ancient routes on the slopes of Carperby Moor.