Bolton Abbey and the River Wharfe Circular
Bolton Abbey and the River Wharfe Circular on AllTrails

Start to Dales Way
Standing in the parking area with your back to the B6106, walk ahead along the old road (heading directly away from the B6106) towards the River Wharfe. Just before you reach Bolton Bridge, turn left onto a public footpath and the Dales Way.
Generic, Summit, Valley, Mountain pass, Water, Food, Danger, First Aid, Sprint, Straight, Left, TSLL, TSHL, Right, TSLR, TSHR, TU, Residence, Hostel, Parking, Station, Attention, Information, Viewpoint, Sightseeing, Barbecue, Camping ground, Geocache, Playground, Bathing facilities, Service station

Dales Way to Stepping Stones
This public footpath takes you across wide riverside meadows to enter the grounds of Bolton Abbey Estate. Soon after, you will reach the ruins of the priory. Here, you can cross the river either by stepping stones or, if you don't fancy them, by the bridge - a decision that depends much on the water level.
Generic, Summit, Valley, Mountain pass, Water, Food, Danger, First Aid, Sprint, Straight, Left, TSLL, TSHL, Right, TSLR, TSHR, TU, Residence, Hostel, Parking, Station, Attention, Information, Viewpoint, Sightseeing, Barbecue, Camping ground, Geocache, Playground, Bathing facilities, Service station

Stepping Stones to Cavendish Bridge
On the far side, turn left onto a path, with a fine view of the priory on the opposite bank. The path enters woodland, climbing through trees with lovely views of the river before descending to Cavendish Bridge.
Generic, Summit, Valley, Mountain pass, Water, Food, Danger, First Aid, Sprint, Straight, Left, TSLL, TSHL, Right, TSLR, TSHR, TU, Residence, Hostel, Parking, Station, Attention, Information, Viewpoint, Sightseeing, Barbecue, Camping ground, Geocache, Playground, Bathing facilities, Service station

Cavendish Bridge to Aqueduct
Cross this bridge to reach the front of the Cavendish Pavilion, the estate's visitor centre with a tearoom, toilets, shop, picnic area and information point. Turn right to enter the woods, following the river for a mile to the Strid, where the river narrows to cascade through limestone rocks. Inspecting this feature requires a degree of care, and it has been the scene of numerous fatalities. To fall in here would be like being inside a washing machine with boulders. Moving swiftly on, continue upstream to exit the woods. In 250 yards, you will come to the aqueduct across the river, which carries water from Nidderdale to holding reservoirs nearby. In keeping with the estate, its castellated turrets provide a decorative feature that hides the pipework.

Aqueduct to Barden Bridge
(If you find you do not have time to continue on the full walk, you could use the aqueduct to cross to the far bank and go back on the riverside path to Cavendish Bridge to shorten the walk). For the full walk, pass under the aqueduct and keep ahead on the path until you come to Barden Bridge, a picturesque three-arch humpbacked bridge dating to 1659. You may want to take a short detour here by turning left on the lane, whwew a short climb will bring you to Barden Tower, an imposing ruin that was once a hunting lodge.

Barden Bridge to Woodland
Back on the main route, cross Barden Bridge and turn right onto a footpath that follows the river back downstream. After passing an inviting stone bench, your route enters woodland on a path that quickly climbs to attain fine views of the valley below, made especially magnificent in autumn.

Woodland to Memorial
A stone shelter offers another resting place, whereafter the path descends to river level and back to Cavendish Bridge. Cross the bridge and turn left, pass through the car park and follow the drive uphill past the pay booth to reach the Cavendish Memorial Fountain close to the B6160. This is dedicated to Lord Frederick Cavendish, who was assassinated in 1882 by Irish Nationalists while walking in Phoenix Park, Dublin.

Memorial to End
Turn left alongside the road, and in 250 yards, turn left into the churchyard of the Priory. You may wish to wander around the grounds before descending back to the river and retracing your steps back along the Dales Way to Bolton Bridge and the parking area where the walk began.

Barden Tower
A fortified manor house dating to the 15th century.

Bolton Abbey and the River Wharfe Circular on AllTrails