Bolton Abbey Walk
Explore the huge estate surrounding the ruins of this 12th-century Augustinian monastery. There are miles of riverside walking trails to follow with the River Wharfe running through the estate. The paths take you to the Strid - here the River Wharfe becomes very narrow causing the water to rush with great force at this point. There are also colour coded nature trails taking you through ancient woodland and bluebells in spring.
The fascinating ruins of the 12th century priory are also worth exploring. Nearby are stepping stones across the river which are always popular.
If you are interested in a more challenging walk then you could try the hike to Simon's Seat which starts from the abbey car park. It's a splendid walk taking you across the woodland and heathland of the Valley of Desolation with rushing becks and pretty waterfalls to enjoy on the way. From the peak of the hill there are wonderful views across the Yorkshire Dales to enjoy.
The Dales Way also runs through Bolton Abbey so you could continue along this path. Heading north will take you along the river to the popular village of Burnsall. Follow it south and you will soon come to Addingham and Ilkley. You can reach the abbey from the town on our Ilkley Riverside Walk which is about a 6 mile hike along the Wharfe.
The climb to Beamsley Beacon starts from the nearby village of Beamsley. It's a good climb giving splendid views of the area.
You could also head to the south west and visit Chelker Reservoir.
Postcode
BD23 6EX - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsPlease click here for more information
Bolton Abbey Ordnance Survey Map 
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Bolton Abbey Open Street Map 
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Bolton Abbey OS Map 
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Bolton Abbey Open Street Map 
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Further Information and Other Local Ideas
The Embsay and Bolton Abbey Railway is a great way to see the lovely scenery surrounding the abbey. You can pick up the heritage railway just to the south of the abbey at Bolton Abbey Station. Here you can enjoy a ride on a vintage steam locomotive to Embsay where you can visit Embsay Reservoir. The rolling stock on the line consists of 20 ex-industrial locomotives, the oldest of which was built in 1908, three diesel-multiple units, and ten other diesel locomotives. Embsay station dates back to 1888 and has good facilities with a cafe, gift shop, bookshop and picnic tables. It's a nice place to stroll around and watch the trains come in and go out.
Pictured above left Embsay railway station looking towards Bolton Abbey station. On the right part of the track between Embsay and Bolton Abbey with a siding to the left. This section was restored in the 1990s over 100 years after its initial opening as part of the line from Ilkley to Skipton.
Just to the north you can pick up the Barden Bridge to Bolton Abbey Walk via the Strid. It's a popular riverside walk starting from close to the 15th century Barden Tower. There's a car park here and the opportunity to pick up theLady Anne's Way long distance trail too.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Bolton Abbey. A view of the ruins with the hills in the background. Taken in late summer.
The Pantry, Bolton Abbey. With a classic old bicycle sitting outside.
Lake at the abbey
Footbridge over the River Wharfe at Bolton Abbey
Barden Tower. A ruined tower just north of the abbey park. The 15th century tower can be reached by following a riverside footpath north from the main park.
Bolton Abbey in the spring with lovely daffodils.
The train Station with the classic old steam train coming into the platform.
Stepping Stones. Families make their way across the popular stepping stones on a pleasant spring day.