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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 : 5/5
Number of opinions : 1
Description quality : 5/5
Routemap quality : 5/5
Walk interest : 5/5
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 😀😀👍
6.4mi
+354ft
-364ft
3h10
Easy
Starting point in North Yorkshire This is a wonderful Yorkshire Dales walk that includes pleasant countryside, villages and a super walk along the banks of the River Wharfe. Refreshments are available in Burnsall.
4.65mi
+233ft
-223ft
2h20
Easy
Starting point in Grassington - North Yorkshire The first part of this circular walk is along River Wharfe and the second one on High Lane, which offer you beautiful points of view of the valley.
7.13mi
+1135ft
-1135ft
4h05
Average
Starting point in Conistone with Kilnsey - North Yorkshire This Yorkshire Dales walk traverses some fine limestone scenery above Wharfedale. The start is near the village of Conistone and the route takes you high above the dale to enjoy some wonderful views. A section of the Dales Way is used for this walk.
6.72mi
+663ft
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3h35
Average
Starting point in Haworth' Cross Roads and Stanbury - West Yorkshire Top Withins is an excellent objective for a walk from Haworth in the South Pennines. The Brontë family have strong associations with Haworth and this walk onto the moors perhaps gives you the chance to experience the landscape that dominated their writing.
8.13mi
+702ft
-699ft
4h15
Average
Starting point in Malham - North Yorkshire A great circular walk from Malham village, taking in Janet's Cave / Foss, Gordale Scar, Malham Tarn, the limestone pavement at the top of Malham Cove and the cove itself before finishing back at the car. Consistently interesting and varied scenery.
3.29mi
+315ft
-282ft
1h45
Easy
Starting point in Haworth' Cross Roads and Stanbury - West Yorkshire A short walk that visits the Bronte Bridge and includes some wwalking on the Haworth Moors.
6.63mi
+1831ft
-1811ft
4h20
Average
Starting point in Kettlewell with Starbotton - North Yorkshire This Yorkshire Dales walk has two ascents as you traverse the hills from Wharefdale to Littondale and back again. In complete contrast the final section is level walking following the Dales Way beside the River Wharfe.
6.63mi
+456ft
-430ft
3h25
Average
Starting point in Masham - North Yorkshire A pleasant North Yorkshire walk that starts from the brewing town of Masham. The outward route follows the banks of the River Ure. The return uses paths and lanes to return via Nutwith Common.
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