The Aysgarth Falls are a series of three main waterfalls known as the Upper, Middle and Lower Falls. Over millions of years thick layers of limestone, separated by thin layers of shale, were pushed up to create dry land.

The action of the swirling river Ure gradually washed away the shale leaving the layers of limestone unsupported. These huge blocks of limestone then broke away creating the 'steps' that form the series of waterfalls we see today.

Although the river Ure is very pure and unpolluted, it is often a browinsh colour with foam building up near the falls. Both these phemonena are entirely natural.

Gills and becks draining from high moorland feed the river Ure and the brown colour is due to the high content of peat in the water. Plant material, also washed down from the moorland, causes the foaming around the waterfalls.