Aysgarth Falls

Coordinates: 54°17′37.09″N 1°58′56.00″W / 54.2936361°N 1.9822222°W / 54.2936361; -1.9822222

The Upper Falls seen from the bridge

The Middle Falls from the North bank

The Lower Falls from the riverside

Aysgarth Falls are a triple flight of waterfalls,^[1] surrounded by forest and farmland, carved out by the River Ure over an almost one-mile stretch on its descent to mid-Wensleydale in the Yorkshire Dales of England, near the village of Aysgarth. The falls are quite spectacular during wet weather, as thousands of gallons of water cascade over the series of broad limestone steps.

Aysgarth Falls have attracted visitors for over 200 years; Ruskin, Turner and Wordsworth^[2] visited, all enthusing about the falls’ outstanding beauty. The upper and middle fall was featured in the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.^[3]

In addition to the falls, there are walks which wind through the wooded valley, offering views of the river and falls. Wild flowers appear in the spring and summer, and wild birds, squirrels and deer may also be seen. Nearby is St Andrew's church, which has a large churchyard, reputed to be the largest in England. The church has a medieval painted wooden screen rescued from the destroyed Jervaulx Abbey.^[4]

The name originates from old Norse, meaning the open space in the oak trees.^[5]

It was featured on the television programme Seven Natural Wonders as one of the wonders of the North.^[6]

References