This Aysgarth Falls family friendly walk, is a gentle woodland-and-waterfall circuit through one of Wensleydale’s most iconic landscapes

Aysgarth Falls Key Stops

A) Church Bank Car Park

B) Upper Falls Viewpoint

C) Yore Bridge

D) Visitor Centre & Middle Falls

E) Freeholders’ Wood

F) Lower Falls

G) St Joseph’s Wood & Hollins House Loop

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Walk Summary

A beautifully varied 4 km / 2.5 mile circular walk linking the Upper, Middle and Lower Falls of Aysgarth. Expect easy woodland trails, riverside viewpoints, a short overgrown section for added adventure, and plenty of chances to stop and enjoy the roar of the River Ure. Perfect for families, first‑timers, and anyone wanting a relaxed Yorkshire Dales day out.

Places to Stay Nearby

Route Breakdown

1) Church Bank → Upper Falls → Yore Bridge

Start at the Church Bank car park, just beside the Aysgarth Falls Hotel. Before you set off, take a moment to look across to St Andrew’s Church — one of the largest parish churches in the Dales.

Turn right out of the car park and stroll downhill. As the road bends, the Upper Falls appear through the trees on your left, with Yore Mill standing proudly on your right. Continue to Yore Bridge, where the river narrows and the sound of the falls deepens.

If you want an early highlight, take the short detour left to the Upper Falls viewpoint — it’s worth it.

2) Yore Bridge → Visitor Centre → Middle Falls

Return to the main path and follow the signs uphill towards the Yorkshire Dales National Park Visitor Centre. Walk through the car park and exit at the far end, crossing the road to pick up the well‑marked trail to the Middle and Lower Falls.

Within minutes you’ll reach a set of steps on your right. Drop down to the Middle Falls viewing platform — a wide, powerful cascade framed by woodland.

3) Middle Falls → Freeholders’ Wood → Lower Falls

Back on the main path, continue through Freeholders’ Wood, a peaceful stretch of ancient woodland with easy, well‑maintained trails.

Soon you’ll reach another set of steps leading down to the Lower Falls — broad, rocky shelves where the River Ure fans out into a dramatic series of ledges. It’s one of the best viewpoints on the walk.

4) Lower Falls → St Joseph’s Wood → Hollins House

Climb back up the steps and retrace your path for a short distance. Look for a sharp right turn — almost a U‑turn — into St Joseph’s Wood. This quieter section leads through woodland and out into open fields, gradually rising towards Hollins House.

Pass the farm buildings and bear left briefly on the stone track. Then turn right to follow a footpath along the edge of a large grassy field.

At the far end, you’ll reach a gate and signpost. Ignore the gate (that’s the longer “black route”) and instead turn sharply left, crossing the field towards Freeholders’ Wood.

5) Hollins House → Railway Tunnel → Return to Freeholders’ Wood

Follow the path to a stone track and another footpath sign. This leads into a small wooded section that can be slightly overgrown — nothing tricky, just a bit wild.

The path opens into another field. Head for the bottom-left corner, where you’ll pass under a small railway tunnel and re-enter St Joseph’s Wood.

Turn right after the tunnel and follow the woodland path back into Freeholders’ Wood, joining the waymarked red route.

6) Freeholders’ Wood → Visitor Centre → Yore Bridge → Church Bank

Exit the woods onto the familiar road. Cross over, turn right, then left to return to the Visitor Centre.

From here, simply retrace your steps back to Yore Bridge, walk up Church Bank, and finish at the car park where your loop began.

Walk Details

Distance: 4 km (approx. 2.5 miles) Duration: 1.5–2 hours at a relaxed pace Difficulty: Easy Terrain: Woodland paths, steps, short overgrown section, fields Start/Finish: Church Bank Car Park, Aysgarth Facilities: Toilets, café, info centre at Visitor Centre Dog-Friendly: Yes — keep dogs close near livestock and steep drops

Pick a place to Rest Up

Tips for the Best Day Out

• Go early or late for quieter viewpoints at the falls
• After rain the waterfalls are at their most dramatic
• Wear decent footwear — woodland paths can be muddy
• Bring snacks — there are plenty of scenic stopping points
• Check signage — the red and black routes overlap in places

Walk Summary

This Aysgarth Falls loop is a perfect family-friendly adventure: three spectacular waterfalls, peaceful woodland, easy navigation, and just enough variety to keep everyone engaged. With viewpoints at every turn and a gentle mix of riverside, woodland, and field paths, it’s one of the most rewarding short walks in the Yorkshire Dales.

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