Ancient wooded glade filled with waterfalls and historic ruins | UK | Travel

In North Yorkshire, near the town of Masham, lies this expansive woodland area brimming with hidden gems which dates back to the 18th century.

Hackfall Woods stands proudly as a 120-acre expanse of ancient woodland, attracting visitors with its mystical atmosphere and stunning landscapes.

Owned by the Woodland Trust, the site holds grade 1 listed status, owing to its 18th-century ruins and garden features.

Perched on the edge of the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, Hackfall is part of a steep and rocky gorge carved by the River Ure.

Following years of neglect and decline, the land has been restored to its former splendour, now welcoming keen walkers and adventurers across Yorkshire.

History

Whilst Hackfall appears to be a natural paradise today, it was actually shaped and crafted to look deliberately wild by a renowned landscaper back in 1731.

John Aislabie bought the land and, working with his son, transformed it into a natural-looking landscape complete with ornamental features for visitors to admire.

The design was created to maximise the existing views and natural characteristics, enhancing what was already so beautiful about the location.

Yet after all their efforts, Hackfall fell into prolonged decline, neglected and forgotten for years, before being sold in 1932 to a buyer who cleared the area of its trees.

The structures were deteriorating, whilst flooding damaged the formerly magnificent water features. In 1989, the Woodland Trust stepped in, securing the site on an almost 1,000-year lease, with support from organisations including the Hackfall Trust and English Heritage.

Since that time, this remarkable woodland has been formally designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, alongside recognition as ancient semi-natural woodland. It remains a magnet for visitors nationwide, eager to witness the waterfalls, sculptures and historic ruins.

One guest documented their visit 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 will find plenty to appreciate during a visit to Hackfall, as the location is renowned for its diverse array of species inhabiting the area.

From avian life to flora and insects, the forest teems with biodiversity, with numerous sightings documented here, particularly by dedicated birdwatchers.

The website details an extensive range of creatures visitors might encounter, from kingfishers to dippers, grey wagtails and woodpeckers. Guests may also spot stoats, foxes, badgers, butterflies and little lemon slugs.

Access

Given the challenging landscape, featuring numerous steep pathways, Hackfall should only be attempted by those confident in navigating steps and inclines, as wheelchair access is unavailable. To access the woodland, you can select from up to four entry points, with the two most frequented located at the summit of the site and offering the steepest of descents.

To reach them, you’ll need to begin from the Grewelthorpe to Masham minor road. The entrance has no barriers, and as you start following the trail, you’ll quickly discover it is a gentle slope with a few steps.

Parking is available nearby and free of charge, using the Woodland Trust car park, which sits roughly half a mile before you arrive at Grewelthorpe Village. Alternatively, some walkers opt to park in the village of Marsham.

It’s worth noting that there are no toilet facilities on site within the woodlands, with the closest public convenience being back in Marsham. Though this is typical for most woodland walks, visitors will be delighted to learn that not only are they welcome, but their dogs are too.