Aysgarth Falls

Route: Aysgarth and West Burton Falls

Area: Yorkshire Dales

Date of walk: 30th January 2016

Walkers: Andrew

Distance: 6.6 miles

Ascent: 1,000 feet

Weather: sunny intervals, several snow and hail showers

I parked in the village of Aysgarth and walked through the fields to St Andrew’s Church, which is set in a wonderful position above the River Ure. I followed the path through the churchyard, turning left just before the church to descend to Yore Bridge from where there is an excellent view of the High Falls – the first of a triple flight of waterfalls collectively known as Aysgarth Falls

I then returned to the church and picked up the path which runs above the course of the river, passing the Middle Force and Lower Force on the way. Beyond Lower Force I left the riverbank to cross Hestholme Bridge and walked through some lovely countryside into the unspoilt village of West Burton. The falls are on the edge of the village, and I had to wait for a sudden hailstorm to pass by before I could take any photos

The return leg to Aysgarth was through fields, some of them very soggy after the recent floods, and as I gained height there were some wonderful retrospective views back over the valley to West Burton

The weather had been very changeable, high winds bringing snow one minute, sun another and then hail, but this all added to the interest of the walk which was enjoyable every step of the way

For other walks here, visit my Find Walks page and enter the name in the ‘Search site’ box

Click on the icon below for the route map (subscribers to OS Maps can view detailed maps of the route, visualise it in aerial 3D, and download the GPX file. Non-subscribers will see a base map)

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The start of the walk in Aysgarth

I follow a path out of the village heading east

A snowstorm passes by, just missing me…

One of the many squeeze stiles along today’s route

Approaching St Andrew’s Church, which is some distance from the village

St Andrew’s Church

I walk through the churchyard and turn left just before the church to descend to Yore Bridge

Aysgarth Falls from the bridge

I then retrace my steps and continue through the churchyard

The path runs above the River Ure

I make a brief diversion along a path to the riverbank

I head away from the river to cross Hestholme Bridge

I walk past Sorrelsykes Park Hall

Old stone barns along the way…

I arrive in the unspoilt village of West Burton

West Burton Falls

A sudden hailstorm as I walk away from the falls

The calm after the storm in West Burton

I leave the village and pass through fields along the bottom of the valley - Aysgarth lies behind the hills ahead

Looking back across the valley

After crossing Eshington Bridge I follow a path uphill

Looking back to West Burton

Looking back to Burton Moor

Aysgarth ahead and the end of a wonderful walk