Aysgarth Falls Circular Walk

The Aysgarth Falls Circular Walk is a wonderful stroll along the English countryside. There are some steady gradients along this path, so it is recommended that you wear appropriate footwear while walking. There are also two road crossings at the beginning and end, so be mindful of this and take care to watch for traffic.

This walk has many unique aspects and you can spend a lot of time exploring all of the different areas. Wandering through the woodlands and immersing yourself in nature, marvelling at the multiple cascading waterfalls, walking along the River Ure and exploring Bolton Castle are just some of the amazing things to experience along this path.

Beginning at the car park, pass the visitor centre on your right and head towards the pavement. Follow along this path as it turns into a fenced walkway and then head right on the main road (still following the fenced walkway). You will come up to a crossing point that is designated for walkers and you will cross this road and head through the gate where you will enter Freeholder’s Wood. Racing a path junction, you will follow the left-hand sign that reads Castle Bolton. Continue to follow this path into the woodlands which are the Local Nature Reserve, owned by the National Park Authority.

During the spring months, this area is filled with vibrant anemones and primroses and is home to many deer. Continue along the path and at the very end of the Freehold’s Wood, you will maneuver a gate and enter St Joseph’s Wood, a woodland full of young trees. You will walk through the woodland centre and reach a T-junction, where you will reach a stone arch that has a rail underpass.

Head left here and continue under the railway arch. Joining the vehicle track, you will come across a fence and a pasture. Head straight across the pasture and go to the path that leads you to the right of a single sycamore tree that is in a field. You will come across a gate in a stone wall and reach an area full of hawthorn trees. Following the grass path, you will see stunning moorland views as well as Bolton Castle. Continuing along, you will head right to the stone access drive and then head through the gate, through another pasture, heading towards the driveway. With your back to the gate, follow along to the next gate, and, instead of going through the second gate, follow along the path through the field and take a share right where the sign marked Aysgarth Falls sits. Going through a gate, you will follow the path, and you will come across two farm gates. Enter the left-hand gate and walk along the stone track, heading right between Hollins House and the stone outbuildings.

At the end of these buildings, head left and join the path, passing through three bridle gates and a grass pasture. Head across the pasture and go down the hill. Take in the beautiful sights that come into view. Head through another gate and enter the woodlands, heading straight until you reach another T-junction, where you will turn left. Walk down the steps and through the gate, down another flight of stairs, and then head right.

You will begin to hear the rushing waters of Lower Force Waterfall, follow the fence and then you will come across the captivating sight of the waterfall. When you are finished gazing at the waterfall, head past the falls and go right up the stone steps that are marked with a sign reading Return Path. You will wander through the trees and come to a T-junction, where you will head left and go through the wooden gate as you wind through the trees. Coming to a viewing platform, you will see the beauty of Middle Force Waterfall. When you are finished here, continue along the main path and turn left through the second gate that you come across. Cross the road, and you will pass the visitors centre and arrive back at the car park where you began, as this is a circuit walk.

To visit High Force Waterfall, the biggest of the three, head towards the woodland footpath at the far end of the car park at the end of your walk. A small donation fee applies for this part. Turn left and follow the pathway that will take you down a steep hill. Head through the gate and follow the path along the River Ure and find the payment stand. You will find the falls here.

Other Great Walks in Yorkshire Dales National Park

Check out our trail guides to Malham Tarn, Pen-y-Ghent, Malham Cove, Kisdon Force, Grimwith Reservoir, and the Whernside Walk. Or see all of our Yorkshire Dales walks.