The idyllic Wensleydale village of Aysgarth is situated in a walker’s paradise close to well known Aysgarth Falls and impressive Bolton Castle which dates back to 1379. Aysgarth Falls have attracted visitors for over 200 years, famously Ruskin, Turner and Wordsworth all visited and enthused about the ‘falls’ outstanding beauty. In the 19th century Aysgarth was a staging post and many a traveller would make their way down to view the falls from the bridge. Today, many will recognise the Upper Falls from the film Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves. In the nearby Freeholders’ Wood, where the ancient art of coppicing is still carried out and visitors will find hazel, ash and wild cherry, among others. The woodland is carpeted with wildflowers in spring and is home to over 120 species. Aysgarth makes an excellent holiday location for walkers, offering a great base from which to explore both Wensleydale and Swaledale, with beauty spots in the area including Aysgarth Falls, Semerwater, castles at both Bolton and Middleham and of course, Hardraw Force – England’s highest single drop waterfall at 99ft! There are also lots of interesting market towns and villages to visit, including Hawes, Leyburn and Bainbridge, to name but a few.
