Dales Delight

In the first of our new series of walking routes, Mark Sutcliffe explores ancient woodland along the River Wharfe in the Yorkshire Dales

Bolton Abbey

This gorgeous walk is wonderful at any time of year, but the dense riverside woodlands are at their best in spring, when drifts of bluebells carpet the floor, or in autumn. 

From the Club campsite, head downstream along the footpath through Strid Wood, following the river for around two miles until you reach the remains of the Augustinian priory. Along the way, you’ll pass the narrow torrent at The Strid, where the River Wharfe has carved a 25ft-deep channel through the sandstone. This notorious stretch of water has claimed several lives over the years, so tread carefully on the rocky riverbanks. 

Stop off for coffee and cake at the Cavendish Pavilion then cross the bridge at the priory and head back upstream along the Dales Way. This stretch is quite undulating, with some short but steep climbs and stunning viewpoints. This increasingly scarce ancient deciduous landscape is a Site of Special Scientific Interest; look out for all manner of waterside and woodland wildlife, including kingfishers, woodpeckers, otters and roe deer. 

Download this route and others to your smartphone or GPS device from the Club’s OutdoorActive page at: out.ac/IPp3bt

Directions

1. From the main gate of Bolton Abbey Club Campsite, turn right and head down to the river, following signs right to The Strid. Above the river, continue downstream for 250m, then take the left fork to descend steeply down to the river. Admire the turbulent torrent as the river rushes through the narrow channel at The Strid then continue along the riverside path downstream through Strid Wood. 

2. 0.9km – Continue downstream on the wide track for half a mile, past the cottage, and after another 250m take the path left heading down the steps to the riverbank. The riverside path here is a bit uneven, with exposed tree roots, so take extra care. Continue downstream to the Cavendish Pavilion tearooms. 

3. 2.7km – After the tearooms, continue downstream on the riverside path for another three quarters of a mile to the ruins of the priory. The path climbs steeply to join the road briefly before descending to the priory. 

4. 4.5km – Beyond the priory, cross the footbridge and start your return journey on the far bank. Head left after the bridge, now walking upstream, and follow the grassy path around the bend and through the gate into the woods. The woodland path this side of the river is more undulating with some steep ascents and descents. Take your time and make use of the path-side seats and benches if you need a breather. 

5. 5.3km – Descend to meet the road and ford the stream then head left to rejoin the riverside path. Continue upstream past the footbridge across the meadow and back into the woods. Through the gate, fork left up the steps and keep to the riverside path. Where the path 6meets road at the bridge, keep left on the path. 

6. 8.2km – After another steep ascent followed by a more gradual descent, continue upstream past The Strid and onwards for a quarter of a mile to the bridge below Barden Tower. Cross the bridge, descend left down the steps and return downstream via the riverside path to the site. 

About the route

• Start/finish: Bolton Abbey Estate Club Campsite, Bolton Abbey, Skipton BD23 6AN. 
• Distance: 9.3km/5.8 miles. 
• Time: 2.5 hrs. 
• Level: Suitable for most walkers of reasonable fitness – some steep ascents and descents.
• Terrain: Mainly gravel paths, with some short sections of footpath that can get muddy after rain. 
• Landscape: Undulating through mature woodland beside the River Wharfe.
• Refreshments: Cavendish Pavilion, Bolton Abbey. 

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The Caravan and Motorhome Club make no warranties concerning the accuracy or completeness of the routes published, which to the best of our knowledge were correct at the time of publication. Your use of the routes is at your own risk and we accept no responsibility for the suitability or safety of any routes published. Routes may be out of date or affected by changes to the physical environment and, to the extent permitted by law, we accept no responsibility for personal injury or property damage caused by your use of the routes.