waterfalls

The 120-acre National Trust site near Masham features 18th-century grottos, waterfalls and ruins hidden within ancient woodland on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales

In North Yorkshire, near the market town of Masham, lies an expansive woodland haven brimming with hidden gems that stretch back to the 18th century.

Hackfall Woods stands as a magnificent 120-acre expanse of ancient forest, attracting visitors with its enchanting atmosphere and stunning views. The Woodland Trust-owned site holds grade 1 listed status, owing to its 18th-century remnants and historic garden features.

Perched on the fringe of the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, Hackfall nestles within a dramatic and rugged gorge carved by the River Ure.

Following years of neglect and deterioration, the woodland has been carefully restored to its original splendour, now welcoming keen walkers and explorers across Yorkshire.

History

Whilst today Hackfall appears as an untouched wilderness, it was actually carefully crafted to achieve this wild aesthetic by a renowned landscaper in 1731.

John Aislabie bought the estate and, working with his son, reimagined it as a seemingly natural landscape dotted with decorative features for visitors to admire.

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The design was cleverly conceived to showcase the pre-existing panoramas and natural characteristics, amplifying the area’s inherent beauty.

Yet following their considerable efforts, Hackfall endured decades of abandonment and disrepair, before being purchased in 1932 by an owner who stripped the site of its trees. The structures had fallen into disrepair, and flooding had worn away the once-stunning water features.

In 1989, the Woodland Trust stepped in to save the site, securing it on a lease of nearly 1,000 years, with support from organisations including the Hackfall Trust and English Heritage.

Since that time, this magnificent woodland has been formally designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, alongside recognition as ancient semi-natural woodland.

It continues to attract visitors from throughout the country, eager to witness the waterfalls, sculptures and historic ruins.

One visitor recounted their experience on TripAdvisor, writing: “Hackfall is a beautiful and peaceful woodland brimming with nature, trees, plants, birds, wildlife, streams, ponds, castle ruins, great views on a hillside alongside the River Ure. It’s a super place for peace and quiet, for individuals, for families, suitable for all ages to explore and get away from it all.”

Wildlife

Nature enthusiasts are guaranteed a memorable experience at Hackfall, renowned for the remarkable diversity of species that inhabit the area.

From bird life to flora and insects, the woodland is bursting with biodiversity, and countless sightings have been documented here, particularly by dedicated birdwatchers.

The website showcases an extensive array of creatures visitors might encounter, from kingfishers to dippers, grey wagtails and woodpeckers. Guests can also anticipate spotting stoats, foxes, badgers, butterflies and little lemon slugs.

Access

Given the challenging landscape, featuring numerous steep footpaths, Hackfall is only suitable for those confident navigating steps and inclines, as wheelchair access isn’t available.

The woodland offers up to four entry points, with the two most frequented located at the top of the site and featuring the steepest routes.

To access these, you’ll need to start from the minor road linking Grewelthorpe to Masham. The entrance has no barriers, and as you follow the trail, you’ll quickly discover it’s a gentle gradient with a handful of steps.

Free parking is available nearby at the Woodland Trust car park, situated roughly half a mile before Grewelthorpe Village. Some walkers alternatively opt to park in the village of Masham.

Bear in mind there are no toilet facilities within the woodlands themselves, with the closest public toilets located back in Masham. While this is typical for most woodland rambles, visitors will be delighted to learn that not only are they welcome, but their dogs are too.

This charming village in the South Pennines near the Peak District is ideal for walkers and cyclists to explore stunning landscapes and historic tunnel

Nestled beside the River Colne in the South Pennines, right on the edge of the Peak District, sits this delightful town – an ideal getaway for ramblers and cycling enthusiasts.

Visitors heading to the Yorkshire Moors or Peak District frequently bypass the village of Marsden, yet it serves as an excellent base for exploration. Boasting scenic countryside walks and numerous spots to take a breather or enjoy a refreshing pint, it occupies a prime position, with fascinating landmarks practically on the doorstep.

Among the attractions drawing travellers is the stunning Marsden Moor, which stretches across more than 5,000 acres of National Trust-protected countryside. A local shared their thoughts about regular visits to the moor on TripAdvisor.

They said: “I’m lucky enough to live in Marsden, so I’m on the moors pretty much every week with the dogs or the local running club I run for.

“There are stunning walks, trails, waterfalls and plenty of reservoirs, and plenty of tracks to walk and run on. It’s never really busy, as it’s such a big area.”

Another walker shared: “Walk on the wild side. This is a beautiful and very lonely part of the countryside not far from our home. We regularly walk the dog and enjoy some quiet time up here.

“Winderness, well not quite, but you might not meet many people up here. Beautiful.”

Numerous walkers opt for the stunning Stanza Stones Trail, a 47-mile long-distance path connecting Marsden to Ilkley whilst weaving local landmarks throughout the journey.

The trek features six poems carved into stone, all penned by the locally acclaimed Poet Laureate Simon Armitage.

Yet what truly remains a precious jewel of this village is the Standedge Tunnel, which dates from 1794.

It stands magnificently as Britain’s longest, deepest and highest canal tunnel – a remarkable example of Georgian engineering prowess. The complete construction of this exceptional structure required 17 years in total and reached completion in 1811.

Its importance also lies in the fact it was created entirely through hand-blasting methods, cutting through solid rock without any towpath. It sits 683 feet below ground level, positioned 196 metres above sea level, and continues to hold British records in 2026.

Following your stroll, you can return to the village heart, where numerous pubs await your arrival. TripAdvisor visitors have rated Riverhead Brewery Tap as the locality’s premier dining and drinking establishment, with one patron describing their experience as “simply superb”.

Another commented: “Outstanding pub the service and beer were exceptional. Anyone coming to Marsden needs to go to the Riverhead; their choice of beer is amazing, and it’s brewed on site as well.”

Save on the best holiday cottages in Yorkshire

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

From £31 per night

Sykes Cottages

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Famous for its dramatic landscapes, historic cities, hearty food, and rich cultural heritage Yorkshire is just waiting to be explored. Sykes Cottages has a large number of properties to choose from with prices from £31 per night.