Aysgarth Falls

The River Ure drops through three separate stepped cascades, known as High (Upper), Middle and Lower Force, each with its own character and its own viewpoint. They spread over about a kilometre of wooded gorge, so this is a short walk between waterfalls rather than one single lookout. People have been coming here for over 200 years: Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy stopped by while their coach horses were changed, Turner sketched the falls on a northern tour, and the gorge appeared as a setting in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.

• The route is a Miles without Stiles trail of roughly 1.5 km, graded green for all and red for some, so check which sections suit you.
• Upper and Middle Falls are the accessible end: a firm, wide path leads from the car park to the Middle Falls, with a wheelchair viewing platform.
• The first 500 m through Freeholders Wood is compact aggregate, at least 100 cm wide, with benches along the way. A further 600 m of woodland path is unsurfaced.
• Lower Force is reached by a steep staircase of seventy steps and is not wheelchair accessible.
• The full circular route mixes aggregate, grass, tree roots and stones, and is doable with an all-terrain wheelchair. The Authority keeps a Tramper that can reach the upper and middle falls; it is booked in advance through Access the Dales, so treat it as something to arrange rather than turn up for.
• The circuit also opens out to views across Wensleydale toward Bolton Castle.

The woodland beside the falls is a Local Nature Reserve owned by the National Park Authority, threaded with easy paths. In spring it fills with wood anemones and primroses, and roe deer sometimes slip away into the shadows as you pass. Dormice were reintroduced and are doing well, though they are nocturnal and you almost certainly won't see one.

• The visitor centre has displays, maps, guidebooks and leaflets, souvenirs and clothing, plus staff who can advise on walks, accommodation and public transport. It is also a natural start for walks toward Carperby or Aysgarth village.
• A cafe behind the centre does sit-in and takeaway refreshments.
• If the centre happens to be closed, the car park, falls and local walks are still usable.
• The site is dog friendly, cycle friendly and dark sky friendly.