Aysgarth Falls & Bolton Castle Circular Walk

Parked up, boots & gear on - all ready to go, but it was lashing it down outside and the wind had really whipped up. Fortunately, I had some phone calls to make, and one involved a long wait in a queue. So, I killed some time by doing some calls whilst I hoped the storms would pass by giving me a dry start. Important bearing in mind I'd just recovered from the flu. As it was, it worked perfectly and by the time I was done, the worst had passed and even patches of blue sky up above began to appear.

Plenty of roadside parking in this busy little Dales village.

The Wheatsheaf - Nice pub, stopped here for lunch some years ago.

A left turn onto Hargill Road.

Plenty of muddy puddles around, but it looks like I may get through the day now without getting wet for once.

Views over to Penhill dominated for long periods.

Looking Northwards

These beasts are very soft and gentle - But those horns do make you give the cattle some respect, so I usually give them a few yards. But in all my years of walking, the worst I've ever had from these chaps is an inquisitive stare. I would always avoid getting in between them and their calves of course.

Crossing Beldon Beck.

Arriving at Bolton Castle.

The 600-year-old medieval Bolton Castle.

The castle was damaged in the English Civil War, but much of it survived. It's certainly impressive.

I took the opportunity to stop here for lunch and enjoy the setting.

A strange carving can be seen by the roadside as I make my way Southwards - I wonder if that's a fellow walker sticking out of the Dragons mouth?

I assume this is the old Castle Bolton Railway Station on the Wensleydale Line but am not totally sure. So, take what I say with a 'pinch of salt'

Crossing the busy little dales road.

After the road crossing it was back into the lush green Wensleydale meadows.

The path and terrain changed continuously with narrow single tracks, covered woodland and open fields as I headed towards the River Ure.

Almost a tunnel.

This area is very well signposted as you can see.

Looking back towards Castle Bolton, I realised that I'd gained height slightly although the ascent was hardly noticeable.

The Wensleydale cheese girls.

The River Ure and the Aysgarth Lower Falls. Apparently, Kevin Costner crossed here during the 'Prince of Thieves' film. But I bet he didn't do it after the type of rainfall we'd had here today. The river was in full spate and very impressive.

So powerful as it thunders eastwards before becoming the River Ouse near York.

Middle Falls, just as impressive although you cannot get as close to them.

Although it was to be a little bit of an 'out and back', you couldn't visit Aysgarth and miss the Upper Falls, so I headed towards the bridge with my camera at the ready.

And I wasn't to be disappointed. They were superb, the roar of the water and the spectacular falls were just amazing. I've been here many times before and enjoyed the gentle beauty of this spot, but today the raw power of nature was in full view.

Yore Bridge 1788

The 18th Century Yore Mill

Right back to the walking - A little bit of uphill as I head away from the river towards Carperby.

Yes, I know I've been here before - and cracked all the jokes about how useful this stile is. It still tickles me though.

Stunning trees at the edge of Bear Park.

The path runs parallel to the country lane as I enjoy the sunshine at the end of the walk.

To avoid crossing through the muddy farm - I turned right down this lane before picking up a well signposted path towards the village.

The final pleasant stretch before reaching Carperby and the end of a really enjoyable few hours.