6k Run Carperby-Cum-Thoresby: Aysgarth Falls Scenic Loop

Route Overview & Local Insights

Experience the sheer beauty of the Yorkshire Dales on this 6.0km loop starting from the Aysgarth Falls National Park Centre. This route offers a quintessential trail running experience with a gentle 56m ascent, making it accessible yet rewarding. You’ll navigate a scenic mix of shaded woodland paths and open farmland trails, largely on paved or well-trodden ground. A highlight for many is the untimed section between checkpoints 2 and 3, which encourages a quick detour to the Lower Falls to admire the cascading water. Be prepared for a bit of technical footwork at checkpoint 6, where you'll cross the River Ure via traditional stepping stones—take extra care here as they can be slippery when wet.

Deep in the heart of Wensleydale, Aysgarth Falls has been a major tourist destination for over 200 years, even inspiring the poetry of William Wordsworth and the paintings of J.M.W. Turner. As you run through the village of Carperby-Cum-Thoresby, you are passing through a landscape rich in cinematic history; the falls famously served as a filming location for "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves." The local woodland is a protected habitat for dormice and deer, so keep your eyes peeled during your recovery stretches. After your run, the nearby visitor centre provides the perfect spot to learn about the geological forces that carved these limestone steps over millennia.