Aysgarth Falls
North Yorkshire
The River Ure drops over three sets of broad limestone shelves at Aysgarth, creating upper, middle and lower falls that sit in a wooded gorge of mature oak in the heart of Wensleydale. This 7 km circular from the National Park Visitor Centre follows the river downstream through Freeholders' Wood, passing each set of falls in turn as the gorge deepens and the trees close in overhead. The upper falls are the most dramatic, thundering across wide rock ledges, while the middle and lower falls are more intimate, framed by moss-covered boulders and autumn colour. The return leg climbs gently onto field paths above the valley with views across Wensleydale before dropping back to the car park.
This is a dog friendly walk that rewards well-behaved dogs with rich sensory experience. The woodland paths carry deep river-damp scent, soft leaf litter underfoot, and the constant sound of moving water. Dogs must be kept on leads throughout, both because the riverside paths run close to the top of the falls where the drops are serious, and because livestock graze the return fields above the valley. Calmer stretches below the upper falls offer safe water access in dry conditions. The 76 m of climbing is gentle and spread evenly, making this manageable for older dogs or those less comfortable on steep ground. The Coppice Cafe at the visitor centre is dog-welcoming and makes it easy to round off the outing.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 7.0 km (4.3 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 45 min
- Walk Type
- Waterfall, Woodland, River
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Coppice Cafe and toilets at visitor centre; Mill Race Tea Shop in Aysgarth village; Aysgarth Falls Hotel pub
- Parking
- Aysgarth Falls National Park Centre Car Park, Church Bank, Aysgarth, DL8 3TH. Pay and display; £3 up to 2 hours, £5 over 2 hours; cash and card
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aysgarth Falls dog friendly?
Aysgarth Falls is a great choice for dogs, earning a solid 8/10 on our dog-friendly rating. The 7 km circular route offers woodland paths with soft leaf litter, rich river scents, and the constant sound of moving water , a genuinely rewarding sensory experience for most dogs. The Coppice Cafe at the visitor centre is dog-welcoming too, so you can round off the walk comfortably.
Can dogs be off lead at Aysgarth Falls?
Dogs need to be kept on leads throughout this walk. The riverside paths pass close to the top of the falls where the drops are serious, and the return route crosses fields grazed by livestock. That said, there are calmer stretches below the upper falls where dogs can access the water safely in dry conditions.
What should I know before visiting Aysgarth Falls with my dog?
The route is 7 km with only 76 m of climbing spread gently throughout, making it a good option for older dogs or those less keen on steep terrain. Parking is at Aysgarth Falls National Park Centre Car Park (DL8 3TH) on a pay and display basis , £3 for up to 2 hours or £5 for longer. If you're planning to linger, there's also the Mill Race Tea Shop in the village and the Aysgarth Falls Hotel pub nearby.
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Aysgarth Falls National Park Centre Car Park, Aysgarth, Leyburn DL8 3TH, United Kingdom
54.2954, -1.9839
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