Aysgill Force is without doubt one of the finest waterfalls to be found in the Yorkshire Dales. With a spectacular drop of approximately 40ft it never seeks to disappoint.

 

Hawes to Aysgill Force

 Distance:   6.5 km (4 miles)   Terrain:  With steep sections,  some paths have exposed tree roots.

 Route:

  1. From the car park at the Dales Countryside Museum cross the road and walk into Hawes by the cobbled road. Take the footpath opposite the White Hart pub, leading up a cobbled driveway. Follow the stone-flagged path across Belah Bank to the Wensleydale Creamery.
  2. Turn left and follow the road towards Gayle. As you approach the bridge, bear right along a small lane which leads onto a cobbled footpath between quaint little cottages. Continue for a short distance on the tarmac until you see a footpath off to the left.(IF YOU ARE STAYING AT HILLYARD, GAYLE THIS IS WHERE YOUR WALKS STARTS)
  1. Go up the steps and follow the gentle climb across open fields to a wall. Continue through the narrow stile, following the signpost for ‘Aysgill Force’. At the next wall, cross the stile and take the path down to the left, descending the steep steps to the side of the beck. Cross another stile through the fields. The path narrows as the beck flows through a narrow wooded gorge with steep moss and fern covered sides. Take care approaching the falls as the path is rocky and slippery. A stone bench provides a resting point for taking in the spectacular falls. Continue forward along the beck side. Pass the concrete bridge and through more stiles. Go forward through a series of pleasant Dales meadows. After the field barn and second concrete bridge, continue forward with the beck on your left until you join a rough track.
  2. Turn right onto the green lane to head back towards Hawes. Continue on the walled lane, passing farm buildings. As the track turns to tarmac road take the path on the right signed the ‘Pennine Way’. Follow this through a number of fields to reach a minor tarmac road.
  3. Cross this and keep following the Pennine Way back to the Creamery. Cross the road with care and head back into Hawes town centre.