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This Bolton Abbey circular walk includes the Bolton Abbey Priory Church, the Priory ruins, the Strid, and a beautiful walk alongside the River Wharfe. There are plenty of places to stop for refreshments along the way.
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| Walk title: | Bolton Abbey Circular Walk along the River Wharfe - passing the Priory Ruins, the Cavendish Pavillion, the Strid and the Bolton Abbey stepping stones |
| Author: | Andrew Forrest - March 2025 |
| Walk start point: | Bolton Abbey Car Park (grid reference SE 071 538), but see Parking below. |
| Parking: | As above. As mentioned in the text below, there are three other car parks that can be used (Riverside car park, Strid car park and Barden Bridge car park). As the walk is circular, you can join the walk from any of the car parks and, space permitting, you can move your car from one car park to another. There is a fee to park that goes to the upkeep of the paths and facilities. They can get busy on weekends and bank holidays. |
| Directions to nearest parking place: | Google Maps: get directions here / What3words: harnessed.classed.unrealistic |
| Walk distance: | 11.7 km - full walk. As mentioned in the text, you can create shorter versions of this walk by using the bridges enroute. |
| Estimated walk time: | 3 hours - full walk. Again, using the bridges you can make the way much shorter, or choose your own route. |
| Height climbed: | 205 metres - full walk. If you cut the walk short by using the bridges, or by driving to the other car parks, you can make this a much flatter and accessible walk. Also, the outward leg is much flatter than return leg, so you could just reverse your outward route, if you wanted a flatter walk. |
| Technical difficulty: | Moderate - as determined by our interpretation of the Ordnance Survey guidance on technical difficulties. Again, if you use the bridges or your car to make this walk shorter and flatter, the difficulty then becomes easy. |
| Peaks / summits: | None of note |
| Map: | Ordnance Survey - Explorer OL2 (Yorkshire Dales - Southern & Western Area) Buy this map from Ordnance Survey |
| GPS/GPX file: | Download available to registered users - Register and Login here - It's FREE to register |
| Facilities / refreshments: | Toilets in the car park at Bolton Abbey, Cavendish Pavillion (Riverside car park) and Strid Wood car park. Tea Cottage and Tea on the Green at Bolton Abbey. Enroute Cavendish Pavillion and the tearoom at the Strid car park. Half a mile away, Devonshire Arms Brasserie and Bar, Devonshire Arms Hotel and Spa and the Abbey Tearooms. Check out the video for more information on all these. |
| Nearest town: | The walk starts in Bolton Abbey village. Nearest larger town is Skipton |
| Local self-catering accommodation: | View self-catering accommodation close to the start of this walk from Sykes Holiday Cottages or Holidaycottages.co.uk |
| Local hotels, inns and B&Bs: | View hotels and inns close to the start of this walk from The Inn Collection Group |
Estimated walk time
Walk time estimates used are from the Ordnance Survey mapping app, which uses a refined Naismith's rule, adjusted by OS overlaying their own data collected from more than one million people using the OS mapping app. Naismith's rule allowed one hour for every three miles walked and added pro-rata an additional hour for every 2000ft of ascent - roughly one hour for every 5km, plus one hour for every 600m of ascent.
Ordnance Survey Mapping App
Use on any device and make it easy to explore the great outdoors for just the price of a coffee a month. Premium allows full UK access to all OS Explorer and Landranger mapping, along with the ability to import and export routes, save maps offline, aerial 3D, and print A3/A4 maps.
The walk starts from the Bolton Abbey car park and then heads across the village green to the Priory Church and Priory ruins, where you can spend time exploring the ruins of the Augustinian Priory. We then pass the Cavendish Memorial and cross the field to reach the River Wharfe, which is then followed for most of the walk, first upstream and then back down the other side.
We pass through the large Riverside car park before arriving at the Cavendish Pavilion and Bridge. We then continued through Strid Wood to reach the Strid itself. The Strid is a narrow, fast-flowing section of the River Wharfe near Bolton Abbey, where the river is forced through a deep, rocky gorge, creating powerful currents.
Just a little further on, we pass under the Aqueduct Bridge, which was built around 1790 and originally formed part of an aqueduct supplying water to Bolton Hall and nearby buildings. We head along the riverside path to reach Barden Bridge. Once over the bridge, we pass through the gate to enter alongside the Barden Bridge car park and then head back down the side of the River Wharfe.
We pass the Aqueduct Bridge and enter Strid Wood on the more undulating path.
We pass back by the Cavendish Bridge before heading along the Dales Way and over the bridge by the stepping stones to head back into Bolton Abbey village, where more tea shops await.
The video shows the whole of this Bolton Abbey circular walk, passing by the Priory ruins and the Strid walk. The route for the walk is shown on the Ordnance Survey map - both above.
Below is a brief description of the walk. Places where you can eat and drink after the walk are shown during and at the end of the video.
The walk starts in the large Bolton Abbey car park, which is the first of four car parks encountered on the route. The others are the Riverside car park, the Strid car park, and the Barden Field car park. The Barden Field car park is only open on weekends and bank holidays from April to August.
Bolton Abbey Car Park
There is a charge per car to park in any of these car parks, but all the proceeds are reinvested in the estate to help maintain and preserve Bolton Abbey.
Most fees are reinvested in footpath repairs and maintenance, visitor safety, litter collection and recycling, and toilet cleaning and maintenance. You can move your car from one car park to another, subject to space availability. You can book and pay for the car park online, and it's cheaper to book and pay for the car park more than one day in advance.
As this is a circular walk, you can use any of the car parks. As you will see, with bridges across the River Wharfe, you can create many shorter versions of this walk, some of which are suitable for wheelchairs and prams.
We leave the Bolton Abbey car park between the visitor shop and these Bolton Abbey information boards.
Village Shop and Information Centre on the Bolton Abbey Car Park
The board shows the various colour-coded walks from Bolton Abbey around the Priory to the Cavendish Café alongside the River Wharfe and on to the Strid and beyond. The final board shows what you can see, including the River Wharfe, the stepping stones, and the Priory, which we will pass on this walk.
There are some toilets on the other side of the village shop, should you need them. We follow the Priory Church and Ruins sign to the right and head along the pavement.
We walk to the village green, where we will find the Tea Cottage and Tea on the Green cafés. Later in the walk, we will learn more about them and other places to eat and drink.
Cross over the road, then turn left to head along the pavement. If you look through the hole in the wall on the right, you can see some steps and, in the distance, the Priory ruins. We will use these steps towards the end of the walk.
Arch in a stone wall near the Tea Cottage at Bolton Abbey
But for now, continue along the pavement until you reach the next wall gap. Here, we turn right down the driveway towards the Priory Church and ruins.
The driveway that heads towards the Priory at Bolton Abbey
As the drive splits, take the right fork. To the right, you can see the River Wharfe. We simply continue along the road until we reach the Priory at Bolton Abbey.
The initial view of the Priory at Bolton Abbey
We will eventually continue the walk by heading straight down the road ahead. But before we do, look around the Priory Church and ruins.
Many people call this building Bolton Abbey, but it is the Priory Church on the left, which is still in use today, and the ruins of an Augustinian priory on the right.
The Priory Church on the left and part of the ruins of the Augustinian Priory at Bolton Abbey on the right
Bolton Abbey refers to the village itself. Bolton Priory, located in the Dales, boasts a history that dates back to 1154, when it was established by Augustinian monks under the patronage of Lady Alice de Rumilly. For centuries, it served as a centre of devotion and learning, but the dissolution of the monasteries in 1539 left it in ruins, depriving it of its assets and wealth.
The ruins of the Augustinian Priory at Bolton Abbey
However, thanks to Prior Moone, the nave of the Priory Church was saved. He successfully negotiated with Thomas Cromwell's commissioners to keep it as a place of worship for the local community, ensuring that religious services continued uninterrupted to this day. It is one of the few places where worship has continued uninterrupted since medieval times. Whilst much of the monastery fell into decay, the church still thrived, blending its medieval grandeur with the warmth of a parish church.
The ruins, adorned with their weathered arches and crumbling walls, evoke a lost monastic world. This site has long captivated the imaginations of poets and artists, including William Wordsworth, who drew inspiration from its beauty. Among the most notable legends associated with the priory is the tale of the boy of Egremont. Young William de Romilly, the son of the priory's benefactress, drowned in the treacherous Strid, a narrow stretch of the River Wharfe that we will encounter later on.
One of the remaining arches in the Priory at Bolton Abbey
His grieving mother, Alice, gifted more land to the Priory in his memory. The Strid remains a dangerous spot, and the story still serves as a warning to visitors who walk the riverbanks. Adding to the Priory's mystique is the tale of a ghostly monk who is said to wander the ruins at dusk. According to legend, a monk who broke his vows and fell in love was caught and sentenced to a lifetime of penance.
A view of the ruins of the Augustinian Priory at Bolton Abbey from the graveyard
His tormented spirit is still believed to haunt the ruins, appearing near the Old Chapter House. Many have reported eerie whispers and an unsettling presence in the fading light. The drama of history or the haunting beauty of the setting captivates visitors. Those who visit Bolton Priory find themselves immersed in a place where the past lingers at every turn.
Standing inside the ruins of the Augustinian Priory at Bolton Abbey
The Priory Ruins and the Bolton Abbey estate have long inspired artists and writers. J.M.W. Turner and Edward Landseer captured its beauty in renowned paintings. William Wordsworth's poem The White Doe of Rylstone was influenced by Landseer's visit, and the Bronte sisters are believed to have toured the site during his stay. Charlotte Bronte later exhibited a drawing of the Abbey.
A view of the remaining arches in the Priory at Bolton Abbey
The site has also appeared in films and TV, including The Sporting Life in 1963 and the BBC's Gunpowder in 2017, showcasing its lasting cultural significance. Opposite the Priory is a plaque showing how Bolton Priory looks now and before the dissolution.
The front of the Priory Church has signs stating that you're welcome to enter and look around. After looking around the Priory ruins and Priory Church from the front door, turn right to walk along the slowly rising track away from the Priory.
The entrance to the Priory Church at Bolton Abbey
Pass through the wooden gate and then continue along the pavement by the side of the wooden fence.
Looking back at the Priory over the graveyard
As you approach the Memorial Fountain, take time to look back from this elevated view over the River Wharfe to the ruins of the priory.
Looking out across the River Wharfe from near the Priory at Bolton Abbey
Looking back towards the ruined Priory at Bolton Abbey from near the Memorial Fountain
The Cavendish Memorial Fountain is a drinking fountain built as a memorial to Lord Frederick Cavendish, who, after just being appointed Chief Secretary for Ireland, was murdered by the Irish National Invincibles in 1882. This memorial fountain was erected in 1886.
The Memorial Fountain at Bolton Abbey commemorating Lord Frederick Cavendish
Just past the Memorial Fountain, the footpath splits. We take the right-hand fork to descend the steps. Looking ahead on the road before descending, you can see the entrance to the Riverside car park on the right.
At the bottom of the steps, pass through a wooden gate and head along the path that stretches out ahead in the direction of the River Wharfe.
Where the path leaves the road to head down towards the River Wharfe
Upon meeting the fence just before reaching the River Wharfe, pass through the wooden kissing gate and head along the wide gravelled path alongside the River Wharfe.
Passing through a wooden gate just before reaching the River Wharfe
The River Wharfe is a major river in Yorkshire, stretching approximately 65 miles from its source in the Yorkshire Dales to its confluence with the River Ouse. It passes through Kettlewell, Grassington, Bolton Abbey, Ilkley, and Wetherby along the way.
Heading alongside the River Wharfe as the path starts to pass through the very large Riverside Car Park
The path passes through the very large Riverside car park. Various picnic areas are alongside the Riverside car park, and the paths are flat, allowing disabled access.
Continuing along the path alongside the Riverside Car Park at Bolton Abbey
The path continues alongside the River Wharfe and the Riverside Car Park
This walk is wonderful in winter when you can see more clearly without the leaves on the trees. However, my favourite time to do it is in late spring when many plants have burst into bloom, and the woods come alive with the sound of birdsong.
As you approach the end of the Riverside car park, you can see the Cavendish Bridge over the River Wharfe and the Cavendish Pavilion ahead.
Pass through either of the gates to reach the Cavendish Pavilion. The Cavendish Pavilion is an ideal spot for refreshments or a bite to eat during your walk or visit, offering delightful riverside views and an idyllic setting. It is quiet now, but it can get very busy, so much so that they have a one-way system that they operate through the café.
The Cavendish Café at Bolton Abbey
Whether you walk and explore the grounds or simply come in to relax, this charming place is a spot to pause and soak up the scenery. Fresh sandwiches and homemade cakes are prepared daily on-site, providing tasty options after a stroll along the River Wharfe. It's easily accessible, just a short stroll from the Riverside car park. There's outdoor seating perfect for enjoying sunny days surrounded by nature.
Opposite the Cavendish Pavilion, there is another sign displaying the layout of your location and highlighting the various walks, points of interest, and car parks available.
The Cavendish Bridge over the River Wharfe opposite the Cavendish Café
Another board provides more information about the Strid, which we will pass by shortly. The final board tells you what to look out for and includes a What's On guide.
Next to the information board is the Cavendish Bridge. As the walk is circular up and down the River Wharfe, you can use the bridges we pass to shorten your walk or create shorter, flatter loops.
Looking upstream along the River Wharfe from the Cavendish Bridge, with paths on both sides of it
There are some toilets and a shop next to the Cavendish Pavilion.
The toilets and shop at the side of the Cavendish Café at Bolton Abbey
We continue past the Cavendish Pavilion, following the sign for the Strid Wood Nature Trail.
We walk along the wide gravel path, and as you soon see on your left, there is a well-made seat - the first of many along this path.
A little further on, as the path divides, we follow the green arrow along the broader, flatter route at the first fork. The trail maps on the signs show where these alternative paths lead, and you may explore diversions deeper into the woods if you wish.
Where the path splits, we follow the green areas along the main path
Shortly afterwards, another path with the purple arrow, this time diverting down to the right, goes along the riverbank of the Wharf and meets us a little further on. However, it is not disabled-friendly or pram-friendly, so we just continue straight ahead.
We continue straight along the main path - there is an optional detour right, but it has steps, so it is not suitable for prams or wheelchairs
At the next path junction, ignore the left-hand path, which is heading slightly uphill with the blue and red arrows, and follow the path straight on, which is heading slowly downhill. At this path junction, the purple path that left us a short time ago also rejoins us via the steps from the right.
Another path junction - we keep straight on along the wide path following the green arrows. The path that detoured can be seen coming up the steps from the right.
Keep on now walking along the riverside path.
Looking across the River Wharfe from the footpath
The wide, flat footpath alongside the River Wharfe heading through Strid Wood at Bolton Abbey
After a while, we pass by a 'money bench' by the side of the water.
A 'money trunk' - a trunk shaped into a seat with coins pushed into it
After the bench, again, we continue along the path alongside the River Wharfe.
The path as it heads through Strid Wood and starts to approach the Strid
Shortly before we reach the Strid, another information board lists the names of the various seats, points of interest, and walking trails: the green trail we have been following since the Cavendish Pavilion, the yellow Cumberland Trail, which starts in the Strid car park, the blue trail we saw a sign for off the Green Trail, and the Orange Trail, which again starts at the Cavendish Pavilion.
A sign showing the layout of the various paths that can be taken from Bolton Abbey and around either side of the River Wharf
The purple trail we passed earlier led down to the riverbank from the green trail, and then there was the red trail that we again saw branching off from the green trail. Should you wish to change the route, the path choice is yours!
Just after the information board, you will see signs of the end of the Strid, with the water flowing slightly faster. Continue for a few more metres to reach the viewing point for the Strid.
Note the danger sign on the tree, as the Strid, sadly, has claimed lives in the past, so you need to be aware of slippery rocks. The Strid at Bolton Abbey is a narrow and dramatic stretch of the River Wharfe, renowned for its beauty but feared for its hidden dangers.
Looking down the River Wharfe from the Strid
Over thousands of years, the swirling action of small stones caught in hollows eroded the softer limestone beneath, creating potholes that eventually joined to form a deep, churning chasm.
Today, the river rushes through this narrow gap with astonishing force, hiding deadly undercurrents beneath its deceptively calm surface. Visitors often underestimate its dangers, but the Strid has claimed several lives over the centuries, giving it a fearsome reputation.
The Strid at Bolton Abbey, with the waters relatively calm running through it
Its captivating yet perilous nature has inspired numerous artists and writers, particularly in William Wordsworth's poem The Force of Prayer, which recounts the tragic tale of the young boy of Egremont. The Strid has also appeared in travel, literature, and local folklore collections, underscoring its charm and menace. Victorian artists regularly portrayed the Strid, capturing its wild beauty on canvas and enhancing its reputation as one of Yorkshire's most striking natural landmarks.
The top of the Strid and the stones on either side of the riverbank
Back at the viewpoint, head back onto the path and turn right, continuing in the same direction. About 20 yards further on, at some fencing, you can continue on the left-hand fork, which is flatter, wider, and easier to walk on. Alternatively, you can follow the fence to the right, which we will do in this walk. Both paths rejoin a little further on.
Leaving the Strid, there is a choice of paths that join up a little further on, right offers better views of the Strid but is rougher underfoot
This path is rougher, but in winter, it offers better views down to the River Wharfe. As the path becomes more uneven underfoot, there is some fencing on the right side of the path due to a steep drop-off.
Heading along the path through Strid Wood
At the end of the fencing, the path rejoins the other path we diverted from just after the Strid. Continue along the gravel path with the wall over to the left.
As we meet another fork in the path, the green path splits. You can take the left-hand path to the Strid Wood Tearooms and car park, or the right path heads onto Barden Bridge. We will take the right-hand path here. You could park in the Strid car park and do this circular walk from there. There is a sign for the River Wharf and the Strid from the car park.
At another path junction, we follow the green arrow to the right to Barden Bridge, but you can make a detour here to Strid Wood Tea Rooms and Car Park
After a while, a path goes off to the left; ignore that and continue straight on. The path continues and drops down close to the side of the River Wharfe. A path comes in to meet us from the left; this again is another path up to the Strid car park, so ignore that one.
We head along the riverside path to follow the river upstream, following the Barden Bridge footpath sign. Cross over the wooden bridge and continue along the side of the River Wharfe.
Crossing over the wooden bridge by the side of the River Wharfe
The next bridge is the Aqueduct Bridge. Built around 1790, it is an elegant stone structure that crosses the River Wharfe on the Bolton Abbey estate. The bridge initially formed part of an aqueduct that supplied water to Bolton Hall and nearby buildings. I believe it now carries water from the reservoirs at the top of Nidderdale to the cities in West Yorkshire.
Approaching the Aqueduct Bridge over the River Wharfe
Looking along the top of the Aqueduct Bridge over the River Wharfe
Constructed from local stone, it features elegant arches and seamlessly blends into its woodland surroundings. This crossing point allows you to shorten your walk if you choose not to walk to Barden Bridge.
Looking down the River Wharfe from the Aqueduct Bridge
Looking 'upstream' from the Aqueduct Bridge. The path to be followed runs left of the River Wharfe and the return path down the right-hand side. In the distance, Barden Tower can be seen overlooking the River Wharfe.
Head under the Aqueduct Bridge and follow the riverside path all the way up to Barden Bridge.
Head up a few steps and out onto the road. Up to the left, from Barden Bridge, is Barden Tower, which can be visited if you want a short detour. Barden Tower served as one of six hunting lodges in the main administrative seat for the Barden hunting forest.
In the late 15th century, Henry Clifford, known as the Shepherd Lord, reconstructed the lodge, making it his primary residence. He also constructed the Priest House beside the chapel in 1515, which is now a restaurant and wedding venue.
Head over Barden Bridge and then turn immediately right to enter back into the Bolton Abbey estate. Just ahead, you can see the entrance to the Barden Bridge car park.
Just at the side of Barden Bridge, entering back into the Bolton Abbey grounds with the Barden Field Car Park straight ahead
Looking back to the right to Barden Bridge that was just crossed over
Head right here to stroll down the riverside path back towards the Aqueduct Bridge.
Heading back alongside the River Wharfe
Approaching the Aqueduct Bridge again, this time on the Eastern bank of the River Wharfe
Upon reaching the Aqueduct Bridge, walk past it and continue along the gravel path, where you will soon come across a stone double seat by the water.
The path as it passes by the side of the Aqueduct Bridge
A stone armchair at the side of the River Wharfe
The path on this side of the river is much narrower and undulates more than on the other side. It rises slowly to pass back into Strid Wood through a gap in a wall.
Entering Strid Wood
You should exercise greater caution on this path, as there are occasional drop-offs to the side.
Path heading through Strid Wood
Looking down at the River Wharfe from the footpath in Strid Wood
After a short while walking along the path, you can look down to the right and view the Strid.
A tree growing 'many legs' alongside the footpath in Strid Wood
Looking down towards the Strid from the footpath high up in Strid Wood
Continue along the path, passing a stone shelter at one point.
The footpath as it continues through Strid Wood
Passing by a shelter with seats at the side of the footpath in Strid Wood
Then, after a while, it drops back down to the side of the river. Continue along the footpath by the river.
The path drops back down to continue alongside the River Wharfe
The footpath alongside the River Wharfe
Further on, the path pulls in close to a road before crossing over a wooden bridge.
The footpath passes over a wooden bridge to the right of the stone road bridge
Once over the bridge, the path almost touches the road by a footpath sign. Continue along the gravel path following this Cavendish and Bolton Abbey footpath sign.
Carry straight on at the footpath sign where the footpath briefly almost meets the road
Continue on, and the path becomes concrete for a section that runs directly alongside the River Wharfe. The islands you're looking at here are called Lud islands.
The footpath passes by the small islands in the River Wharfe
The path rises slowly again now before dropping down to a gate.
Looking back through the gate 'upstream' along the River Wharfe at Bolton Abbey
Pass through the gate and continue towards the Cavendish Bridge we passed earlier. The Cavendish Pavilion can be seen again on the opposite side of the River Wharfe.
The footpath approaches a gate just before the Cavendish Bridge, with Cavendish Pavillion on the other side of the River Wharfe
Pass through the gate and head up the short, fenced path. If you need more refreshments or toilets, they are just across the bridge.
Looking towards Cavendish Pavillion over Cavendish Bridge
You could also visit the Valley of Desolation or Simon's Seat if you wanted to extend your walk. There is a sign for them near the Cavendish Bridge.
We ignore them for now and continue straight on to head down to then pass through a wooden gate before heading again along the riverside path.
Continuing along the footpath alongside the River Wharfe, heading away from the Cavendish Bridge
Over the River Wharfe, you can see the Riverside car park we walked through earlier.
Looking across towards the Riverside Car Park over the River Wharfe
Continue to walk along the riverside path.
Continuing along the footpath alongside the River Wharfe
Not much further on, we arrive at a short section of wall. Pass over the stone stile or go through the gate to its right and then turn left.
Stone stile built into a short section of wall
Proceed past the ford over Pickles Gill Beck and then continue for a short distance, to cross it via the wooden bridge.
Pass by the ford over the road
Crossing over the wooden footbridge
Once over the bridge, we head to the road and turn left for about 20m. We leave the road here to pass through the wooden gate and head along the gravel path, which initially slowly climbs.
Pass through the wooden gate to continue along the footpath, which now forms part of the Dales Way
The path offers views down to the River Wharfe to the right and some wonderful tree root formations on the left of the path. On a bend, we then pass by another 'money tree'.
A 'money tree' next to the footpath
Continue walking along the path, where, after a bench with a view over the River Wharfe, you arrive at another path junction.
At a path junction either path can be taken as they rejoin further on. We are taking the right-hand path, the left path affords a better aerial view of the Priory ruins.
You again have a choice here. The path straight on does afford a higher view back across to the Priory. But here, we will take the right-hand path to head back down to the river. Both paths meet up again about 600m further on. The path we are taking here is part of the Dales Way, which passes through the Bolton Abbey Estate.
The Dales Way is a 79-mile walking route from Ilkley in West Yorkshire to Bowness-on-Windermere in Cumbria. It follows a largely low-level path that winds through the stunning Yorkshire Dales National Park, with much of the route tracing the River Wharfe before heading into the rolling Howgill Fells and finally reaching the Lake District. There are a few hilly sections along the way.
If you are interested in the Dales Way, highlights include Bolton Abbey, the vibrant market town of Grassington, and the secluded beauty of Dentdale, home to the cobbled streets of Dent Village. Further along, the trail moves into Sedbergh, known as England's Book Town, before offering stunning views of the Lake District as it approaches its final destination of Bowness on Windermere.
I discovered an excellent Cicerone guide that outlines the route in detail. You can select sections to walk at your leisure or plan for what is typically a 5 to 7-day trek, should you wish to complete it all in one go.
After a brief, steep downhill section of the path, proceed past a large wooden noughts and crosses game.
A noughts and crosses game at the side of the River Wharfe
Continue walking along the riverside path until you see a wooden gate with Bolton Priory now visible once more ahead.
The path passes through the wooden gate with the Priory now ahead in the distance
Pass through the gate and head to the wooden balancing poles and beams ahead.
The path splits by the balancing beams and post. The main path goes straight on. The path to the right just follows the course of the river on a wider bend, and they rejoin about 100 metres ahead.
Again, you have a choice here. The main Dales Way path heads straight on, to the left of the beams, towards the trees. Or you can head right, taking a small loop around the water's edge. Again, both paths join back together, not much further on.
If you head around the water's edge, it affords decent views over to the right of the priory.
Looking across to the Priory ruins over the River Wharfe at Bolton Abbey
At the end of this loop by the trees, the path rejoins the path we left by the wooden balancing pole and beams. A few yards further on, it rejoins the path we left about 600m back when we took the right-hand fork to descend to the water.
Meeting the other path with the stepping stones and bridge just ahead
Head down the steps toward the stepping stones and the bridge.
Looking across to the bridge over the River Wharfe and the stepping stones
In the summer, when the water level is low, you will see many people wandering back and forth across them.
The stepping stones to cross the River Wharfe. The water is a little high to cross them today - best left for a warmer summer's day when the water level is lower.
Looking across to the Priory ruins at Bolton Abbey over the River Wharfe
Head on to and pass over the bridge. The bridge affords great views of the weir off to the left and the priory ruins and the River Wharfe on the right.
Crossing over the wooden bridge by the weir with the Priory ruins ahead
Looking over the weir from the bridge over the River Wharfe
At the end of the bridge, go through the wooden gate and proceed up the wide gravel path directly in front of you.
The path heads gently uphill, with the Priory ruins over to the right
As you walk up the gravel path to the left, the Dales Way footpath departs, continuing along the River Wharfe, while to the right, one can see the Priory Church and its ruins.
Looking 'downstream' towards the River Wharfe. The Dales Way footpath leaves us here to continue heading along the banks of the River Wharfe.
Looking over towards the Priory ruins at Bolton Abbey from the footpath
As the gravel path ends, head up the steps towards the gap in the wall we looked through at the very start of the walk.
Heading up the steps towards the hole in the wall at Bolton Abbey
Pass through the wooden gate in the gap and turn left along the pavement.
Pass through the gate and the hole in the wall, to pass out near the village green at Bolton Abbey
We are almost at the end of our walk now, so we'll look in more detail at where you can eat and drink during or after your walk on the way around.
We did see the Cavendish Pavilion, and although we didn't see it, there was another tearoom in the Strid car park that we were very close to at one point. It offers soup, sandwiches, afternoon teas, savouries, and homemade baking. There is also a selection of gifts, and dogs are welcome.
The Tea Cottage, renovated at the end of 2023, serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, homemade baked goods, and a range of drinks all day. Dogs are allowed inside and out.
The Tea Garden at Bolton Abbey
It has a delightful garden with views of the Priory and the River Wharfe. A bus stop is outside. Buses from Grassington to Ilkley stop here.
The view from the garden of The Tea Garden at Bolton Abbey
Opposite across the green is another tearoom, aptly named Tea on the Green. Here, they serve coffee, freshly baked pastries, homemade scones, soups, traybakes, deli sandwiches, and paninis, all using local ingredients wherever possible.
Looking across towards the Tea on the Green café at Bolton Abbey
Some of the outside seating at the Tea on the Green café at Bolton Abbey
After passing those, head back towards the village shop and the Bolton Abbey car park, where we started the walk.
The village shop and Information Centre as you head back into the car park
Yarn Fairies at work on top of the post box at the Bolton Abbey Car Park
The car park at Bolton Abbey
If you want more choice, three more places to eat and drink are nearby.
About a half mile down the road at Bolton Bridge is the Devonshire Arms Brasserie and Bar, part of the Devonshire Arms Hotel next door. You can drive there or extend your walk and follow the Dales Way footpath along the river until you reach them.
The Devonshire Brasserie and Bar
The brasserie serves locally sourced dishes and modern takes on traditional favourites. Its well-stocked bar offers local ales and a variety of wines. It does get quite busy, so you may have to book. I believe you must book if you want to take dogs inside, as there are a limited number of dog-friendly tables.
The beer garden at the back of the Devonshire Brasserie and Bar
If you have a taste for fancier, more expensive food, the 40-room luxurious Devonshire Arms Hotel and Spa is next door to the brasserie. It also sells a wide range of food and drinks. The hotel's website has more information on opening times and menus.
The Devonshire Arms at Bolton Abbey
Just past these, the Abbey Tearooms are a short stroll down the road.
The Abbey Tea Rooms at Bolton Abbey
They offer a wide selection of snacks, hot meals, and refreshments and have some parking at the back. Dogs are welcome.
The entrance to the Abbey Tearooms at Bolton Abbey
Don't forget to check out the full walk in the video, where we also include a short fly-through of this walk created on the Ordnance Survey app to give the walk and the area a little more perspective.
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