Aysgarth Falls and Bolton Castle

The walk starts from the National Park car park at Aysgarth Falls and makes a circuit. It first goes to the Upper Falls by the old bridge, then follows the made path through Freeholders' Wood to the Middle and Lower Falls, where the River Ure drops over broad limestone steps. Field paths lead north-east by Hollins House and across the pastures to Castle Bolton, a village of one street under the walls of Bolton Castle, built in 1399. The return follows a higher line of field paths and tracks west to the village of Carperby, then paths south over the fields and through Freeholders' Wood back to the car park.

It is 10.1 km with 164 m of ascent; allow about 3 hours. The grade is Easy: it is long for an easy walk, but the paths are gentle throughout.

The National Park warns that the woodland paths can be muddy, with slippery tree roots, and that the limestone at the falls viewpoints is slippery when wet. There are many narrow gates and stiles. The fields are grazed, so keep dogs on a lead. The falls are at their best after rain. Entry to Bolton Castle is charged.

The National Park car park costs £3.80 for up to two hours, £6 for longer and £7 for 24 hours; there are toilets and a café. There is no station nearby.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.