Aysgarth Falls

Aysgarth Falls is a set of three cascades on the River Ure, spread along roughly two kilometres near the villages of Aysgarth and Carperby in Wensleydale, inside the Yorkshire Dales National Park (North Yorkshire, England). The river drops over broad limestone ledges framed by woodland and farm fields.

What will you see at Aysgarth Falls?

The cascades come in sequence as Upper Force, Middle Force and Lower Force. None is tall, but each is wide and stepped. After heavy rain or snowmelt the water thunders across the whole width of the rock; in drier spells the pale limestone shelves show and the flow splits into quieter channels.

• Upper Force is easiest to view from Yore Bridge beside the old Yore Mill, which now houses a tea room and a craft shop.
• Middle Force and Lower Force lie downstream among the trees, reached by paths through St Joseph's Wood.

The falls featured in the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, so some visitors recognise them from the screen.

How long is the walk?

A popular loop from Aysgarth passes all three falls in about 1.5 hours and covers around 5 km. A longer circuit that takes in Carperby is about 6.5 km and needs roughly 2 hours 20 minutes. If you only want the highlights, an hour at an easy pace is enough. Paths run through woods and meadows and can turn muddy after rain, so wear shoes with decent grip.

Keen walkers can follow the Ure from Wensley to Aysgarth, around 13.5 km one way.

Where do you park, and what does it cost?

Entry to the falls is free, but the car parks beside the site are pay and display. The largest sits by the Aysgarth Falls National Park Centre, which also has toilets and visitor information. Tariffs change from year to year, and a few hours' stay costs several pounds, so check the machine or the national park website for the current rate. There is more parking near Middle and Lower Force. Many visitors leave the car in Aysgarth village and walk down.

When should you visit?

The falls look best after wet weather, typically autumn, winter and spring, when the river runs high. Summer brings greener scenery but busier paths at weekends and on holidays, so arrive in the morning. When the water is very high, keep back from the rock edges, which are slippery.

Frequently asked questions

Do you have to pay to see Aysgarth Falls? No, the falls are open to everyone. You pay only to park in the official car parks.

How much time should you allow? From one hour for a short stroll to about two and a half hours for a full loop from Carperby or Aysgarth.

Are there toilets and somewhere to eat nearby? Yes. Toilets are at the National Park Centre, and a tea room operates by Yore Mill close to the upper falls.

Which fall is the best? Upper Force is the easiest to reach and can be seen from the bridge. Middle and Lower Force are prettier in their woodland setting and need a short walk.