Walk 1001 - Barden Bridge & the Strid from Bolton Abbey

      
Click thumbnails for larger images.

Using a section of the Dales Way alongside the River Wharfe this walk offers a good introduction to the delights of the area around Bolton Abbey. Following the river it is an easy route best completed in late Spring or Autumn. Despite using well-maintained paths, the walk through the grounds of the Estate is recommended. The start, reached by a drive off the B6160, is the car park adjacent to the Cavendish Pavillion (Grid ref. SE 077551). There is a charge and once you have paid you can use other car parks within the Bolton Abbey Estate.

From the car park walk north alongside the River Wharfe to reach a wooden bridge (marked as such on the OS 1:25000 map). Cross the bridge and turn left along the clear footpath along the river bank heading north (upstream). After a short way the path enters deciduous woodland, which forms part of the Bolton Abbey Estate. Well managed, it is a delight to walk through and forms a protected zone for many species of flora and fauna.

About half way to Barden Bridge the Wharfe has to pass through a six foot wide cleft through rock. This is the Strid. Even during periods of low water flow it is an impressive sight and after heavy rain care needs to be taken in case of rapid changes in water level. Continuing through the wood you reach a substantial arched stone bridge and join the Dales Way. The path now crosses broad pastures with views ahead to typical Yorkshire Dales scenery.

Barden Bridge is the next landmark where the path leads up to a public road. Turn left and cross the bridge turning left again to follow the Wharfe downstream. Retracing your steps, but on the other bank, you soon reach the arched bridge and enter the woods. On some sections there is a choice of path with side paths either leading down to the river bank or rising gently into the woods. Passing the Strid you have just over a mile to walk to the Cavendish Pavillion (refreshments and toilets) and the start. If you have a surplus of energy then you can extend the walk south to visit the remains of Bolton Priory. This extension adds just under two miles to the route.

Suggested Maps

It is recommended you take a map with you when following a walk route. The preferred scale is 1:25000 used by the Explorer series.

	OS Explorer	1:25,000	Sheet OL2
	OS Landranger	1:50,000	Sheet 104

Note : If two maps are listed at the same scale then either (a) both are required for full coverage of the route or (b) the route is covered on both maps.

Wharfe View B&B, Burnsall
Bed & Breakfast - 4.8 miles / 7.6 km away

Bridge End Farm, Grassington
Guest House - 7.3 miles / 11.7 km away

Stayin the Yorkshire Dales, Skipton
Where to Stay Directory - 12.0 miles / 19.2 km away

River House, Malham, near Skipton
Guest House - 12.0 miles / 19.3 km away

Beck Hall B&B, Malham`
Bed & Breakfast - 12.2 miles / 19.5 km away

The Old Station Inn, Giggleswick, Settle
Hotel - 18.0 miles / 28.8 km away

Rose Cottage, Shibden Fold, Shibden, Halifax
Guest House - 18.1 miles / 29.0 km away

Wood View Guest House, Austwick
Bed & Breakfast - 21.1 miles / 33.7 km away

The Palmer Flatt Hotel, Aysgarth Falls, Aysgarth
Bed & Breakfast - 21.2 miles / 33.9 km away

Cherry Tree Cottages, Barkisland, Halifax
Self Catering - 21.3 miles / 34.2 km away

Self Catering Directory
A wide range of properties throughout UK & Europe

NOTE - all distances are "as the crow flies"