Aysgarth Falls Walk: The Ultimate Visitor’s Guide

Aysgarth Falls are some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the northwest of England. Located in the town of Aysgarth in the serene Yorkshire Dales National Park, you’ll find three falls, collectively known as Aysgarth Falls. These include the most popular Middle Falls and also the nearby Lower Falls and Upper Falls. By doing the circular Aysgarth Falls Walk, you’ll get to explore all three of these gorgeous waterfalls. In this guide, we’re going to tell you everything you need to know about visiting these falls. We’ll include information about the Aysgarth Falls Walk and other walks that visit the falls. Additionally, we’ll talk about accommodation near the falls, including details about Aysgarth Lodges and Aysgarth Falls Hotel.

We hope you find this guide helpful. For information about other great walks in North Yorkshire, read our guides about Simon’s Seat, Malham Cove and Buckden Pike (coming soon).

What Is Aysgarth Falls?

Aysgarth Falls is a triple set of cascades, formed by the River Ure, in the Yorkshire Dales. These waterfalls are quite popular. Indeed, they’ve been entertaining visitors for hundreds of years. As a result, you’ll find decent infrastructure around the falls, including nearby accommodation options such as Aysgarth Lodges and Aysgarth Falls Hotel. With closeby accommodation, visiting the falls on a weekend trip is easy to do from anywhere in the UK!

Of course, Beck and I are all about hiking. So, in this guide, we’re going to focus on the circular Aysgarth Falls Walk that we did and then talk about some other walks that involve visiting the falls. Of course, you don’t need to do this circular walk to visit each of the three falls. Many visitors simply walk to each waterfall along the river as short out and backs. With that said, some visitors just visit the main Middle Falls alone. But, if you want to explore the three falls plus more of the lovely surrounding woods, then we recommend the circular walk.

Aysgarth Falls Walk: Trail Details

• Type: Loop
• Distance: 4.75km (2.95 miles)
• Time: 1.5–2 hours
• Accumulated elevation gain: 70m
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trailhead: Aysgarth Falls National Park Visitor Centre Car Park
• Map: Wikiloc

Aysgarth Falls Walk Elevation Profile

Here’s the elevation profile for this circular Aysgarth Falls Walk.

Aysgarth Falls Walk: Trail Description

In this trail description, we’re going to tell you about the highlights of the Aysgarth Falls Walk, which is also known as the Aysgarth Falls Circular Walk. As mentioned, this loop route is an extension of a walk, which would just simply visit the waterfalls alone. By doing the loop walk, you’ll enjoy the whole shebang – sensational Aysgarth woods and waterfalls.

Getting to the Trailhead For the Aysgarth Falls Walk

To access this walk, simply head to the Aysgarth Falls National Park Visitor Centre Car Park. It’s a pay and display car park run by Yorkshire Dales National Park, which is the national park authority in the area. From this car park, it’s easy to access the main Middle Falls.

The Legendary Aysgarth Falls

Most visitors will simply visit the Middle Falls, which is just a stone’s throw away from the car park. The Middle Falls is a serene cascade, which gushes widely over an even rock platform.

From the Middle Falls, you can commence the circular walk. Usually, you’d head in an easterly direction, downstream towards the Lower Falls. But, personally, Beck and I headed in the opposite direction, upstream, to reach the Upper Falls. We had visited quite early to avoid the crowds. So, after visiting the Middle Falls, we did a quick out and back to the Upper Falls, to enjoy it before the rush (instead of at the end of the walk as most people usually do).

The Upper Falls are an equally impressive cascade, that falls over another even and wide riverbed platform. From the Upper Falls, we retraced our steps, back past the Middle Falls, and headed to the Lower Falls.

Perhaps, the Lower Falls are the most impressive of the waterfalls here. The Lower Falls features a series of tiered cascades, which seem even more voluminous and powerful than the Middle and Upper Falls. As mentioned, many people miss seeing this part of Aysgarth Falls. Indeed, seeing the Lower Falls is an absolute must.

After departing the Lower Falls and continuing the circular walk, you’ll briefly follow the river downstream. Soon, the trail turns left, away from the River Ure and towards the woods. You’ll then head further north passing through woodland and farmland. Eventually, you’ll join a track called Low Lane. Soon after, you’ll arrive at a trail junction. Take a left, to head back towards the car park, thereby completing the loop element of the trail. The remaining part of the walk meanders through quiet and quaint woodlands.

Other Aysgarth Falls Walks

We hope you enjoy doing the circular Aysgarth Falls Walk. By doing this walk, you’ll enjoy the splendid waterfalls and also the surrounding woodlands. As well as this circular walk, there are other Aysgarth Falls walks to choose from. Below, we’ll look at the most popular route alternatives.

• Castle Bolton Circular Walk: this is another loop walk, which visits the falls and also takes in Bolton Castle.
• West Burton Falls Circular Walk: this is another circular route option. Other than seeing the Aysgarth Falls, you’ll also visit Cauldron Falls in West Burton. Personally, Beck and I did a separate circular walk to visit Cauldron Falls – find out more about it here (coming soon).
• West Witton to Aysgarth Falls and West Burton: this is the longest of the walks. You’ll start and end this circular walk in West Witton, visiting Aysgarth Falls and also Cauldron Falls.

How to Get to Aysgarth Falls

The easiest and quickest way to access Aysgarth Falls is to drive there yourself. As mentioned, you’ll park at the visitor centre car park.

If you don’t have your own set of wheels, we recommend hiring a car using Rentalcars.com. You’ll find a wide variety of cars on Rental Cars, which are very easy to book online.

It’s also possible to use public transport to get to Aysgarth. Buses alight at this bus stop in Aysgarth. From there, it’s roughly a 1km walk to reach the falls. We recommend using Google Maps to plan your journey. Although, personally, we don’t recommend using public transport to get to Aysgarth as you’ll have a fairly slow and tedious journey to get there. Certainly, it’s best to drive to Aysgarth yourself.

Where to Stay at Aysgarth Falls

In terms of accommodation, you’ll find some excellent hotels near Aysgarth Falls. The best accommodation options include Aysgarth Lodges and Aysgarth Falls Hotel. Let’s look at these options below.

Aysgarth Lodges

The best accommodation in the area has got to be the modern and luxurious Aysgarth Lodges. Located near the falls, you’ll find these charming lodges set in the peaceful and soothing countryside. Aysgarth Lodges is well-known for featuring sensational hot tubs. So, after you’ve explored the falls, you can head back to these fine lodges and soak in the warmth of the hot tubs. Aysgarth Lodges also feature a well-equipped kitchen.

Aysgarth Falls Hotel

Another great accommodation option is Aysgarth Falls Hotel. This quaint country inn is also located really close to the falls. At the country inn, you’ll find a highly-rated restaurant, serving up hearty English meals. The rooms at the hotel are traditionally decorated and are just oozing charm. Indeed, you’ll have a fantastic stay here.

Other Walks in the Yorkshire Dales National Park

If you’re wanting to explore more of the English countryside in Yorkshire, then you’ll have to do other walks in the national park. Below, we’ve listed other excellent walks in the Dales (guides coming soon).

• Three Peaks Challenge: the ultimate walking challenge in the Dales, which takes in the Yorkshire three peaks – Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside.
• Ingleborough Walk: a circular walk, starting in Ingleton, which explores just one of the Yorkshire peaks.
• Whernside and Ribblehead Circular Walk: another fantastic loop walk, which explores just one of the three peaks.
• Buckden Pike: one of the most popular walks in the Dales, which provides sweeping views of the Yorkshire three peaks.
• Ilkley Moor: taking place just inside the parameters of the national park is the circular walk around Ilkley Moor.
• Malham Cove: one of the star attractions of the Dales, which can be explored along a long loop walk, which also takes in Malham Tarn, Gordale Scar and Janet’s Foss.
• Nine Standards Rigg: explore the summit of Hartley Fell by checking out the Nine Standards Riggs monument.
• Burnsall to Grassington: this classic walk explores two gorgeous towns in the Dales, whilst taking in all of the breathtaking nature in between (including seeing Linton Falls).
• Grassington Moor Leadmining Trail: a fascinating historical trail, located just outside of Grassington.
• Brimham Moor: an outstanding National Trust attraction, that’s best enjoyed on a short circular walk through the moorland.
• Conistone Pie and Dib Circular Walk: a lovely circular walk taking in the rocky landscape surrounding the small town of Conistone.
• Great Whernside Walk: an adventurous trail, which explores the less-known Great Whernside.
• Grimwith Reservoir Walk: an easy walk around a well-known reservoir.

Waterfalls in the Yorkshire Dales National Park

Of course, there are many waterfalls in the Yorkshire Dales. Here’s a list of other awesome Yorkshire Dales waterfalls to explore.

• Cauldron Falls: located in the nearby town of West Burton. As mentioned, you can combine a walk to see both Aysgarth Falls and Cauldron Falls.
• Muker Meadows Circular Walk: you’ll explore many waterfalls on this walk, including the brilliant upper and lower East Gill Force.
• Cautley Spout: England’s highest waterfall above ground, can be seen on a walk around Howgill Fell.
• Bolton Abbey Waterfall: after reaching the summit of Simon’s Seat, you can scope out the lesser-known Bolton Abbey Waterfall.
• Hardraw Force (Hardraw Falls): as well as Aysgarth Falls, Hardraw Force is another famous waterfall in Robin Hood Prince of Thieves. Yes, Aysgarth Falls was a filming scene in this classic film!
• Hull Pot: an excellent waterfall, which can be seen on a circular walk exploring one of the peaks – Pen-y-ghent.
• Ingleton Waterfalls Trail: of course, there are many waterfalls to see along the Ingleton Falls Trail.

FAQs

Below, you’ll find the most frequently asked questions about Aysgarth Falls.

What Does Aysgarth Mean?

Using Old Norse, it’s likely that two words (eiki, meaning oak, and, skarð, meaning open space of cleft) were combined to make the word Aysgarth. It’s likely that the word Aysgarth refers to the valley formed by the River Ure.

What Is the Aysgarth Falls Postcode?

DL8 3TH is the postcode for the Aysgarth Falls National Park Visitor Centre Car Park.

​​​​​​​How Long Is the Walk to Aysgarth Falls?

The walk to the main Middle Falls, from the car park, is around 150 metres or so. Whilst, the circular walk discussed in this guide is around 4.75km.

Which River Forms Aysgarth Falls?

River Ure.

Which Waterfall at Aysgarth Falls Is in Robin Hood Prince of Thieves?

All of them! The Lower, Middle and Upper Falls are all seen in Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, starring Kevin Costner. That’s why Aysgarth Falls is also referred to as Robin Hood Aysgarth Falls.

Do You Have to Pay to See Aysgarth Falls?

No, there’s no entry fee to see the falls. But, the car park is a display and pay car park. The parking fees are usually £3 for two hours or £5 for over two hours, if you arrive after 6am and leave before midnight. Otherwise, it’s £6 for 24-hour parking which allows for overnight parking.

How Far Is Aysgarth Falls From Leyburn?

Leyburn is around 12km east of the falls with the drive time being around 15–20 minutes.

Are There Other Things to Do Near Aysgarth Falls?

Near the falls, you’ll find attractions such as Yore Mill, Yore Bridge and St. Andrew’s Church.

Is Aysgarth Falls Good to Visit With Kids?

Yes, absolutely. The falls are easy to access and the walk itself should be tolerable for most kiddies. But, of course, only you will know the suitability for your children!

Hiking Essentials

These are our five hiking gear essentials for this walk.

• Merrell Moab Mid Gore-Tex Hiking Boots: these hiking boots are super comfortable and lightweight.
• The North Face Venture Jacket: a fantastic windproof/waterproof jacket.
• Osprey Skarab 30L Day Backpack: a great backpack for hiking, which has plenty of space to store your gear.
• The North Face TKA Glacier Fleece Jacket: an excellent warmth:weight ratio fleece jacket that’ll help keep you warm.
• Columbia Convertible Trousers: a value for money pair of water-resistant convertible trousers.

For a longer hiking gear list, read our 66 Travel Items You Must Travel With. For a list of everything else you’d need for travelling, read our Packing Checklist.

Have you got any questions about visiting Aysgarth Falls in Yorkshire Dales? Did you stay at either Aysgarth Lodges or Aysgath Falls Hotel? Please let us know in the comments below.