Aysgarth Falls
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Some visitors glance at the falls over the bridge on the bend in the road, and some walk to see the Upper Falls from the car park. Most visitors miss out if they just gaze at the waterfalls - there's a real treasure nearby that many miss. It's said that Wordsworth visited Aysgarth Falls and Turner sketched the Falls. Visitors certainly flock there to photograph them. Most take similar views, but it's very easy to move on and see the Falls from different angles. There's one area just above the upper Falls where the River Ure is broad, calmer and easily accessible so you can easily paddle or swim in Summer. The three steps of the Falls are made from limestone rock sandwiched with shale. The steps were formed as water eroded the softer shale. Sometimes the limestone rock breaks and forms big steps over which the water tumbles. The Yorkshire Dales may be quite a distance from the sea now but 300 million years ago the area around Aysgarth Falls was under a tropical sea, filled with creatures. If you go into the small Yorkshire Dales National Park Centre by the car park you can learn about the fossils and even coral to be found by the Falls. Close by is Freeholders' Wood Millennium Trail where artist Vivien Mousdell created four carved art works - there are easy paths to wander along in the woods. They're particularly pretty in Spring when the primroses and wood anemones flower. You might want to suggest young children walk through extra quietly in case they can see the roe deer. There's also a thriving dormice population here but they're nocturnal so you're unlikely to see them. 
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At this point you probably need to make a tricky choice: where will you enjoy coffee and cake? Choose from the Coppice Cafe within the National Park Centre, Mill Race Tea Room across the bridge, or the Falls Cafe.
If you cross the road you'll see the imposing building of Yore Mill, first a cotton mill, then a woollen mill and now awaiting its next role in life. Walk a little up the hill and you'll discover the true treasure inside St. Andrew's Church. Can a churchyard be beautiful or does its ultimate purpose preclude that? St. Andrew's churchyard is apparently over 4 acres, one of the largest in England. It's not just large, it's very pretty, gently undulating, with several old trees, and flowers. The mural on the back wall as you enter the church is pretty impressive but there's yet more. The brightly coloured (make sure you switch on the light) carved wooden Rood Screen was apparently carried by 20 monks the 12 miles from Jervaulx abbey at the time of the Dissolution of the Abbeys. Look carefully and you'll see some fascinating details. Such paintings and carvings were used at a time when most of the population was illiterate, and tell a story, warning of the dangers of sin. This beautiful and imposing piece commands most of your attention but look to your left and you'll see an ornate reredos in pale Caen stone, with a carving of the Last Supper. The detail on this is incredible - each finger nail, fold of the table cloth, Judas' money bag. |
Aysgarth Rock Garden
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Aysgarth Rock Garden is a real gem, hidden in plain sight from the many visitors who drive from Hawes to Swinithwaite on the A684. From the road you just see a few rocks and a small gate so it looks like it's a private garden and still bears the original private sign.
It was closed to visitors for many years but the current owner, Mrs. Anderson welcomes visitors, in return for a donation into the box by the gate towards the upkeep of this lovely little garden. It's small but magical. Young children find it otherworldly, thanks to the twisting paths and low archways created by enormous blocks of limestone. The Rock Garden feels very calm, set apart from the busy road, with places to sit and just enjoy the birdsong. The garden is beautifully maintained, with planting on different levels, in and around the rocks and there's a small cascading waterfall. Despite its small size, it's apparently significant in horticultural history. Interestingly the garden was created by Frank Sayer Graham who was also responsible for nearby Lady Hill.
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He'd made some money from his various businesses and in the tradition of the time, decided to create something to enjoy and show off his wealth. Alpine plants were very popular so he set about creating his own alpine paradise, using James Backhouse to create the garden opposite his home. The limestone blocks came from Stephen's Moor and a spring-fed waterfall was created. It's possible Frank Sayer Graham took advice on the planting from plant hunter and alpine specialist Reginald Farrer at Ingleborough Caves and Nature Trail.
The garden fell into disuse for some time. There are stories that it was used for a garden gnome business for a while, and that the odd headless gnome can still be found in the garden's nooks and crannies. Locals campaigned to prevent the garden being sold for development and Aysgarth Rock Garden was spot listed in 1988. Funding from the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, and the RHS enabled the garden to be renovated.
The current owners, Mr and Mrs. Anderson bought the garden in 2012 are keen for visitors to enjoy the 300 varieties of plants and ferns in the garden. Please do park in the layby rather than the road in front of the garden, and remember to use the donation box.
The garden fell into disuse for some time. There are stories that it was used for a garden gnome business for a while, and that the odd headless gnome can still be found in the garden's nooks and crannies. Locals campaigned to prevent the garden being sold for development and Aysgarth Rock Garden was spot listed in 1988. Funding from the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, and the RHS enabled the garden to be renovated.
The current owners, Mr and Mrs. Anderson bought the garden in 2012 are keen for visitors to enjoy the 300 varieties of plants and ferns in the garden. Please do park in the layby rather than the road in front of the garden, and remember to use the donation box.
