This walk stays within the boundaries
of the Bolton Abbey Estate.
It starts as a long gentle climb up through the Valley of
Desolation with incredible scenery, and then across moorland
to the stunning views from the peak of Simon's Seat.
A descent through woodland to the river, then past the ruins
of Barden Tower and the famous Strid, back along the river
Wharfe to the Pavilion. It can be a taxing trek, and good
stout boots are essential.
This
walk was Complied by Cragface.
All Words, Photography, insults etc. are by the man himself.
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Larger Map
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Drive
to the Bolton Abbey Estate car park with this water
fountain (pictured) at its entrance. (you can also use
the next car park, half a mile downhill from here.)
The parking fee is currently £5 the price of
admission (for all the family) to a very large and well-kept
estate. It entitles you to use all the car parks on
the estate, and to access all areas for the day. All
the fees are ploughed back into retaining the beauty
of the estate. |
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Once parked, make your way to
the Pavilion and cross the bridge (pictured) turning
left and going through the wide wooden gate.
Follow the pathway way marked
Valley of Desolation, with the river on your left. |
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At this wooden stepped stile,
(pictured) cross turning right and follow the path up
to the road.( I have been informed that this has been
changed to a gate.)
Ignore the path on the right
once on the tarmac, and head uphill on the road. |
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At a small track turn right,
signposted footpath, and arrive at an information board.
(pictured) Go through the small swing gate marked pedestrian
access only which is to the left of the board.
(Absolutely no dogs allowed from
here.) |
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Now go through a single swing
gate. Pass another information board on the left, follow
the track along Posforth Gill to the left and down.
Over on your left is a wood bench, with views over
and down onto the first and most spectacular waterfall
on this walk.
Going down to get a closer look is not recommended,
unless you know the right track on your left to go down!
(about 300 yards back) |
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Carry on up the hill, reaching
a track, turn left and continue up.
Arriving at this single lane wood bridge (pictured),
climb the 4 steps and cross.
Follow the path with the stream on your right. |
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Continue along the pathway till
you reach a junction, and this signpost. (picture)
You need to go left here the path leaves the river
and goes uphill, to continue the rest of the walk. If
you want to see the second waterfall, follow the sign
keeping closer to the river path, before returning back
here.
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Otherwise, just head up the inclined
pathway shown here. with the river down below on your
right.
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You
will soon reach this wood swing kissing gate. (pictured)
Go through it, following the footpath into the woods
with deciduous trees on your left, and fir on your right.
Enjoy the pleasant shade Sheepshaw Plantation gives.
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At
the edge of the plantation, go through this double gate
and follow the path. |
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You
may wish to stop a while, and take advantage of the springy
grass here, and unfold the picnic for a short repast.
The way ahead is well marked by this stony track. (pictured)
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Keep
the dry stone wall to your right, over the ford and up
the shale track.
Pass this stone-age picnic table on the left (pictured)
and continue the well marked pathway through the heather.
A pathway joins from the right...ignore this and carry
straight on.
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Be
careful not to get lost at this point.
You are aiming for this rock edifice (pictured) which
is just short of the trig point. Take time out for pictures
and the view.
Now...You need to look for the wood fence and track
to the left of this rock
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This
(pictured) is the track to the left of Simons Seat.
Follow this all the way downhill.
Notice the lovely views down on your right, and Upper
and Lower Barden Reservoirs in front of you.
(It's all downhill from here
:) |
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Keep
the drystone wall on your right. The track bears sharp
right going downhill between fir trees bordered by drystone
walls.
Next is this wooden diamond bar gate, go over the stile
to its right, moving forward.
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Continue
downhill until this double wooden six bar gate. (pictured)
Go through the single wood swing gate at its side.
Pass the information board over on the left, and at
the cross of tracks carry forward and downhill. |
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Go past the farmhouse and outhouses on the left, and follow
the pathway down.
Cross the road, go straight over, and take the track
signposted Barden Bridge 1 mile, with the River Wharfe
on your right. (picture) |
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Pass
a farm going through a pair of wood kissing gates.
You are now on the Dales Way. Keep to this all the
way back, and enjoy the beautiful scenery like this
(pictured) along the riverside. |
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There
are a few more gates and stiles till you reach the road.
A single file pathway keeps you safe from traffic and
aims you towards Barden Bridge.
You may want to stop for refreshments.
(An ice-cream van hovers here)
Do not cross Barden Bridge (unless
you want to visit Barden Tower) but take the path to
the left with the river on your right still.
Walk on until you reach this second bridge (pictured)
and cross the river here. |
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Continue
in the same direction, now with the river over to your
left.
The path is well laid, and leads you back to the car
park over a very pleasant two mile walk along the riverside.
WARNING
If you do venture down to the Strid, remember that
the water here can be extremely dangerous. People have
lost their lives falling in. |
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There are no toilets available along this walk. The nearest
being at the start and finish point by the Pavilion. |
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GRASSINGTONWEB
TALK WALK |
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