This walk follows the River Wharfe from Bolton Abbey to Barden Bridge in the Yorkshire Dales. One of the highlights of the walk is the Strid, a narrow rocky defile, through which the River Wharfe thunders through. The walk has few gradients and includes some pleasant woodland.
Calculated time: 2h10[?] 
Distance : 4.58mi
Vertical gain : 112ft
Vertical drop : 115ft
Highest point : 469ft
Lowest point : 387ft 
Difficulty : Average
Back to starting point : Yes
Walking
Area : Yorkshire Dales 
Location : Bolton Abbey
Starting point : N 53.993336° / W 1.883662° (D/A) 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.
(1) 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.
(2) 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(D/A).
Waypoints :
D/A : mi 0 - alt. 390ft - Car park
1 : mi 1.1 - alt. 456ft - The Strid
2 : mi 2.26 - alt. 420ft - Barden Bridge - Turn left
D/A : mi 4.58 - alt. 387ft
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.
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.
Visorando and this author cannot be held responsible in the case of accidents or problems occuring on this walk.
Global average : 4.73/5
Number of opinions : 5
Description quality : 4.8/5
Routemap quality : 5/5
Walk interest : 4.4/5
Global average : 4.67 / 5
Date of walk
: 04/10/21
Description quality
: Very good
Routemap quality
: Very good
Walk interest
: Good
Enjoyed this little walk, suitable for most abilities
Global average : 4.67 / 5
Date of walk
: 22/08/21
Description quality
: Very good
Routemap quality
: Very good
Walk interest
: Good
Gentle walk along the river, good underfoot. We parked at Barden Bridge (small amount of free parking and a large paid car park) and extended the walk down to Bolton Abbey and across the steeping stones to return to Barden Bridge. Cafe for drinks on the route at the Cavendish Pavilion. Excellent.
Global average : 5 / 5
Date of walk
: 18/08/21
Description quality
: Very good
Routemap quality
: Very good
Walk interest
: Very good
Really enjoyable, beautiful walk. Expensive to Park at Bolton Abbey though.
Global average : 4.33 / 5
Date of walk
: 11/04/21
Description quality
: Good
Routemap quality
: Very good
Walk interest
: Good
An easy walk. Good footpaths. Excellent scenery. Always enjoy The Strid.
Not much fun for dogs who want to be off lead as there is a polite request to keep them on lead.
Global average : 5 / 5
Date of walk
: 08/07/19
Description quality
: Very good
Routemap quality
: Very good
Walk interest
: Very good
I had forgotten how brilliant this area was and we really enjoyed our walk. So varied and walking by the river was so therapeutic. Weather was good and will look forward to doing this walk again sometime in the future.
Would definitely recommend it to anyone 😀😀👍
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