Discover Hackfall Woods: A Magical Walk from Your Doorstep

Imagine stepping from your front door into a landscape of secret grottos, mossy ruins, rushing waterfalls, and lofty viewpoints overlooking hidden valleys. That sense of wonder is exactly what Hackfall Woods offers — a romantic, almost otherworldly woodland tucked into a steep gorge above the River Ure in North Yorkshire. With its follies, ruins, and carefully restored water features, the place feels like a fairytale waiting to be explored.

Here’s your guide to wandering through Hackfall’s enchantments.

A Bit of Magic & History

Though Hackfall appears wild and natural, it is very much a designed “wilderness.” In 1731 John Aislabie purchased Hackfall and, inspired by his work at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, set about shaping the woods into a romantic landscape garden. His son William added follies, grottoes, surprise views, temples, ponds, and flowing water features. 

Over time, parts of the site fell into neglect, but a major restoration — funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and led by the Woodland Trust in partnership with the Hackfall Trust — revitalised many of the pathways, ruins, and water structures. 

Today, Hackfall is an official Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and draws visitors who come to wander, pause, and soak in its sense of wonder. 

Why It Feels Romantic & Mystical: What to Look For

When you walk through Hackfall, expect moments of serendipity — turning a corner to find a ruined banqueting house, catching the glint of water below, or emerging onto a high view you didn’t know was there. Here are the highlights not to miss:

1. 

The Banqueting House / “The Ruin” (Mowbray Point)

Set dramatically above the wood and river, this grand folly was designed as a kind of theatrical surprise. Visitors would be guided along hidden paths so the view would unfold only at the last moment. 

Looking out from here, you get sweeping views over the Ure valley and across the woodland. It’s a perfect spot to rest, reflect, or take photos.

2. 

Rustic Temple (Cyclopean Stonework)

This structure is built of massive irregular stones that interlock without mortar — a style sometimes called “cyclopean masonry.” It’s designed in a half-octagonal shape, and within its niche might once have held a religious symbol or ornament. 

It doesn’t face any dramatic vista, which suggests it was more for contemplative solitude than for spectacle — a tucked‑away gem to pause within the forest.

3. 

The Grotto & Water Features

Carved from local tufa (soft, porous stone), the grotto is a shady, cool spot built for reflection. Nearby are cascading waterfalls and springs that feed into the woodland drainage system. 

One of the more dramatic water features is a 40‑foot fall attentioned from the grotto viewpoint. 

There is also a fountain / fountain pool that periodically spouts water — a little theatrical in its cadence. 

4. 

Waterfalls, Ponds & Streams

Throughout the gorge, small streams tumble over mossy rock shelves. In wetter seasons these become lush cascades, and the woodland floor becomes softly ambient with trickling sound and lush vegetation. 

You’ll also come across woodland ponds, damp hollows, and quiet pools that mirror the trees above.

5. 

Surprise Views & Vantage Points

One of Hackfall’s design principles was concealment and revelation — the path often leads you through shaded glades and then suddenly upward, opening to high ridges or viewpoints that frame the ruin, the river, or wider countryside. 

One such spot is Lover’s Leap, a viewpoint near the ruin, offering an especially striking panorama. 

6. 

Bluebells & Seasonal Touches

In spring the woodland floor becomes carpeted in bluebells, and in autumn the scent of fallen leaves and the golden canopy intensifies the romantic atmosphere. 

Tips for Your Walk & Enjoying Hackfall

• Allow time: At least 2 hours gives you freedom to linger by waterfalls and ruins.  

• Footwear matters: Many paths are unpaved, muddy, and steep. Waterproof boots or boots with grip are recommended (wellies in very wet weather).  

• Access & entrances: There is no disabled access due to the steep terrain.  

• Parking: The free Woodland Trust car park is located at the Masham end of Hackfall (postcode HG4 3BS).  

• Toilets: None on-site; nearest in Masham (~3 km away) or at Grewelthorpe village hall.  

• Stay safe: Some narrow paths run alongside drops — take care in damp or slippery conditions.  

• Best times: Spring for bluebells, early summer for fullness of foliage & flowing water, autumn for golden light and leaf colour.

A sample route is detailed below

• Start from the Woodland Trust car park (HG4 3BS) at the Masham end.

• Winding downward, enter through the main gates into the woodland.

• Follow the path into the heart of the wood, letting the hush close overhead.

• Look for side paths to the Grotto and adjacent waterfalls — a perfect spot to pause.

• Continue deeper to the Rustic Temple, tucked among trees.

• As you climb, emerge onto ridge paths that lead you unexpectedly to the Banqueting House (“The Ruin”) perched high above the river.

• From there, take the viewpoint known as Lover’s Leap, and savour the vista across woodland and valley.

• Return via the riverside path or loop via Limehouse Hill and back to the car park.

  
  

Why Hackfall Woods Should Be on Your Holiday Itinery

• It’s close to Sunnyside Cottage (can be easily reached on foot) to be a day outing yet remote enough to feel like you’ve slipped into another realm.

• The blend of engineered follies and natural woodland gives it a romantic, timeless quality.

• Water, ruin, green canopy, hidden paths — it’s multi-sensory: you hear trickles, see stone ruins, feel moist air, and walk through shifting light.

• It invites calm: no rushing, just wandering and discovering.

• You don’t need to go far to feel you’re in a fairytale place.