Seems a while since I’ve walked to Aysgarth Falls from home and it’s such a lovely walk whatever time of year. Stunning views, the beautiful Aysgarth Falls, stately St Andrew’s church and promise of an ice cream or whatever you fancy near the falls. Three places to choose from, The Falls, the Mill Race Tea Shop and the Coppice Coffee Shop in the National Park Car Park, all to be recommended. About four miles walking but of course you can make it longer, lots of footpaths to choose from on the way.
Park in West Burton, at the waterfall, the Cauldron Falls, car park or by the side of the village green. Walk in the direction of the shop then walk down the road, the Back Nook, to the house called The Reading Room on the left hand side, SE 01676 86855. Here you will find a gate and a stile. Through here and walk down to the road, B6160, cross over the road, turning right and take the stile on the left, down the steps and through the fields to Eshington Bridge. Over the bridge, along the lane in front of you, Eastfield Lane (Spickels to some) do not follow the lane round to left but go straight ahead through the stile. Make your way up the hill, through the fields, following the path coming eventually to a crossways of paths, SE 00892 87957. Here you have a choice to make your walk longer or, like me, through the stile, turn right and continue on to the wood. Take the high path through the wood, just stunning in May when the blue bells are in full bloom, out into a field, diagonally north east, through another stile, another field, another stile and to the road, A684. Turn right and walk past the Aysgarth Falls hotel and turn down Church Bank which will take you down to the falls.
When at the falls you will see the old mill building and a long flight of wide stone steps, go up these to the churchyard and St Andrews. Here you can turn immediately left or go straight on round the front of the church but left again and follow the path to come out into a field heading east, SE 01254 88516. Follow the path, through the wood, down the side of the River Ure to come out at Hestholme Bridge. Left and over the bridge then right along the footpath through the wood. Out into in a large field and head for Edgley in a southerly direction. Onto the B6160 again, walking a little way on the road, then left over a stile and walk around the back of Sorrelsykes Park. Continue on through the fields eventually coming out on Morpeth Gate road, on to Flanders Hall, over Burton Bridge and up into the village and your vehicle.
Do call in at the shop for a ‘cuppa’ and homemade cake, delicious! They have other things on the menu too. Or the Fox and Hounds is usually open. Don’t forget to have a little look at the Cauldron Falls if you aren’t parked there too! Hope you enjoy.
We have cottages in West Burton and lots in the surrounding area so do please get in touch. Call me Nadine or my daughter Joanne on 01969 663559 for friendly help and advice and of course do book online if you wish. Hear from you very soon!
Written By Nadine Bell