Hiking Around

Leave only footprints, take only pictures and memories!

Aysgarth Falls & Castle Bolton.

Distance: 7½ miles

Time: 3 hours 30 minutes

Grade: Easy/Moderate

Map: OS Explorer OL30 - Yorkshire Dales, Northern & Central areas

Walk Summary

The actual walk takes about 3 hours or so. However, it really needs a full day to fully enjoy the highlights of the falls, the features & events at the castle and the pastureland over West Bolton and parkland should not be rushed unless the weather turns sour. With a visit to the Aysgarth Falls National Park Visitor Centre either during the start of the walk or at the end.

There are three campsites a short walk from the Aysgarth Falls National Park Visitor Centre -
Colmans Of Aysgarth Caravan And Camping a 20 minutes walk (1 mile), the Aysgarth Falls Hotel Camping a 13 minutes walk (1/2 of a mile), and the Manor Grange Wensleydale camping site a 20 minutes (1 mile).

The walk starts at the car park of the Aysgarth Falls Cafe Bar car park, into the grounds of St Andrew's Church and then through St Joseph's Wood and on to the triple stepped Aysgarth Falls (High Force, Middle Force and Lower Force), a well known beauty spot which was used for the fight scene between Robin Hood and Little John in the feature film Robin Hood Prince of Thieves starring Kevin Costner. The waterfalls are at their best after heavy rainfall, but can still be enjoyed in the height of summer when there has been limited rain.

After visiting the falls the walk continues over moorland past Hollins House, on to High Thoresby before reaching Castle Bolton & tea room. The medieval castle was built in 1378-1395 by Sir Richard le Scrope who was Lord Chancellor in the reign of Richard II. Mary Queen of Scotts was imprisoned here in 1568. St Oswald's Church at Castle Bolton also dates back to the 14th Century and was restored in 1853.

From the castle head west along the well defined path which runs adjacent to the car park before heading across open moorland with spectacular views across Carperby Moor. After crossing a ford, the path swings south down into Carperby. After stopping for a wee breather at the Wheatsheath for a pint or two, head across the fields back to Freeolder's Wood and back to the start. A very interesting and pleasant easy going walk.