Aysgarth Falls, the best waterfall walk in the Yorkshire Dales?

Aysgarth Falls is located right in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales

Aysgarth Falls location

Aysgarth Falls is located in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, nestled within the picturesque village of Aysgarth, North Yorkshire. The Aysgarth Falls location is approximately 7 miles west of the market town of Leyburn, which is easily accessible by road. To the north of Aysgarth Falls, you’ll find the charming town of Hawes, about 10 miles away, known for its local history and cheese-making tradition.

GETTING TO AYSGARTH FALLS BY CAR

To reach the Aysgarth Falls location by car, visitors can take the A6108 road from Leyburn, which leads directly to the village of Aysgarth and then to the falls themselves. Leyburn itself is around a 20 minute drive from the A1(M) Leming Bar Junction.  There is a car park near the falls, making it easy for those traveling by car to access the site.

BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT

For those using public transport, the nearest train station is in Leyburn, where you can catch a bus to Aysgarth. Local buses also connect nearby towns such as Hawes and Richmond to Aysgarth, making it convenient for visitors to reach the Aysgarth Falls location without a car.

Aysgarth Falls is perhaps the most impressive set of waterfalls in the whole of  Northern England – it’s a stunning place. Pictured here is Upper Aysgarth Falls.

Here you can see the location of the 3 Aysgarth Falls sections – which can be covered in a short walk. Make sure you visit all 3 and not just Aysgarth Upper Falls! The pin on the map shows the Aysgarth Falls Visitor Centre

HOW TO WALK TO Aysgarth Upper, Middle & Lower Falls

Here you can see the 3 sections of Aysgarth Falls, and I really do recommend you visit all 3. The path is on the northern edge of the River Ure  (top of the river on the map image) and the full walk is only about 1.3 miles and can be done in 30-45mins. Whenever I’m bringing anyone to the Aysgarth area or even passing through I’ll do this quick walk to see all the impressive waterfalls and I never tire of seeing them as they always look different depending on the season and water flow. To see all the Aysgarth waterfalls, start at the car park at the Aysgath Falls visitor centre. I like to walk to Upper Aysgarth Falls first (5 min walk west) then retrace my steps back to the visitor centre and then take the woodland path to Middle and then Lower Falls. All in all it’s only a 1.3 mile walk – but you’ll want to stop and admire all the waterfalls so give plenty of time. Personally I like to explore Lower Aysgarth Falls a bit more – see notes below on this.

START AT AYSGARTH FALLS VISITOR CENTRE

The best place to park and start your walk around Aysgarth Falls is the National Park visitor centre. You’ll find tourist info here as well as well-maintained toilets and a cafe – find out more, including opening times here: www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/places/aysgarth_falls_national_park_centre/

AYSGARTH FALLS PHOTOS:

AYSGARTH UPPER FALLS:

Some of you might recall the fight scene from the film ‘Robin Hood – Prince of Thieves’ staring Keven Costner – whch was filmed at Aysgarth Upper Falls!

AYSGATH MIDDLE FALLS:

From Aysgarth Upper Falls you can then retrace your steps and then head a little down stream of the River Ure to Aysgarth Middle Falls which has its own viewing platform.     AYSGATH LOWER FALLS:

A little further downstream is Aysgarth Lower Falls and this section of waterfalls is my favourite. The clearly marked footpath leads you to this superb vantage point.

At Aysgarth Lower Falls most only venture to the area in the photo above this one – however if you get back on the footpath and continue downstream a 100m or so, with a little scramble down and then head back up via the riverside rocks at river level you can get to the foot of Aysgarth Lower Falls and this vantage point is my favourite viewpoint along the entire stretch of Aysgarth Falls – and not many actually come to this point even on a busy day so you will probably have it all to yourself!

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AYSGARTH FALLS WALK – Photos of what TO EXPECT EN-ROUTE TO WEST BURTON:

At the start of this walk you’ll pass by the impressive St. Andrews Church, which has the largest church yard in England, covering four acres. This area has been a place of worship since the 10th century, with a church here since the 12th century, however it’s been extensively rebuilt since then! It’s worth a pop in if you have time.

On this walk you’ll pass quite close to Aysgarth Middle Falls, but on the opposite side to the pics shown further up the page. It’s further downstream though where you’ll come to this beautiful part of the River Ure pictured above with its small cascading falls. It’s a hidden gem and a great place to stop and enjoy the tranquillity of this slice of Yorkshire paradise.

Once you leave the River Edge around Hestholme Farm you’ll then head through a grassy farm field, cross the A684 at Hestholme Bridge, through a small woodland and then back through fields as shown above. You’ll pass through quite a few narrow holes in the stone walls and the footpaths are not clearly marked – only shown by footmarks on the grass – so keep referring back to the map above after Hestholme Farm as it’s easy to take a wrong turn!

You’ll soon arrive at the delightful village of West Burton which marks about 2/3rds of this walk being done. It’s one of my favourite villages in the whole of Yorkshire and there’s a pub here, a butchers and a tea room. Check opening times though if you are relying on these!

Literally a stones throw and few mins walk from the West Burton village green via a well marked and clear path is Cauldron Falls – a stunning little waterfall set in it’s own amipheatre like setting that is a must-see if you visit West Burton. It’s well worth spending a bit of time here and having a bite to eat and drink if you’ve brought supplies! It’s also a great place for wild swimming if your into that sort of thing!

 

Once you’ve visited Cauldron Falls – it’s back though West Burton village to admire the Yorkshire Stone houses and then onto the footpath. Just be mindful of the route as it takes you down the side of one of these houses. From here you’ll head back through fields all the way back to Aysgarth! It really is a beautiful walk and shows the Yorkshire Dales at it’s finest.

 

HISTORY OF AYSGARTH FALLS

Aysgarth Falls, in the North Yorkshire Dales, was formed over thousands of years by the erosive power of the River Ure. The cascading waterfalls flow over layers of limestone rock, which date back to ancient tropical seabeds from the Carboniferous period, around 300 million years ago. Over time, the relentless movement of water has carved out the stepped terraces that create Aysgarth Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls. The presence of limestone also contributes to the unique character of the falls, with mineral-rich waters shaping the rugged landscape. This geological formation makes Aysgarth Falls a fascinating destination for those interested in the natural history of the North Yorkshire Dales.

The history of Aysgarth Falls, North Yorkshire Dales, is deeply connected to the people and communities that have lived in the region for centuries. The falls have long been a source of inspiration and a popular stop for travelers exploring the Yorkshire Dales. In the 19th century, they became a favorite spot for Victorian tourists, who were drawn to the romantic beauty of the cascades and surrounding woodland. Poets, painters, and writers have all captured the charm of Aysgarth Falls, solidifying its reputation as one of the most picturesque locations in England. Today, visitors can still experience the same breathtaking views that have enchanted people for generations.

AYSGARTH FALLS – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: