Bolton Abbey and The Strid
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Walk directions
Leave the car park at its north end, by the Village Store. Turn right and walk to the B6160. Turn left and follow the road – taking care with oncoming traffic – under an archway. Opposite the battlemented Bolton Hall, turn left on a signed track. At the top of the track, go through a gate on the right with a bridleway sign. Walk towards the left under a power line to a signpost. Go past two pools, through a gate, then bear right to another gate into woodland.
Follow the rising track through the wood, with several signs, to another gate. Follow blue waymarkers, most painted on rocks, across fields. At a crest bear left to a gate in a corner, then turn left along the wall. The path climbs more steeply onto Hare Head, which has wide views. Descend gently to a gate, and 20yds (18m) beyond, take a path downhill, bearing right lower down to a signpost.
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Additional information
Terrain
- Field and moorland paths, then riverside tracks, 3 stiles
Landscape
- Moorland with wide views and riverside woodland
Dog friendliness
- Must be on lead in woodland and on moors
Parking
- Main pay-and-display car park at Bolton Abbey
Toilets en route
- By car park and at Cavendish Pavilion
About the walk
Bolton Abbey has always been one of the showpieces of the Yorkshire Dales, and attracts many visitors, most of whom stay close to the monastic buildings or venture only to The Strid. This walk takes you a little further afield, and has the priory – it was never an abbey – as its climax. After...
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Been on this walk?
Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.
Walking in Safety
Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.
Get an AA guide
Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.
About the area
North Yorkshire, with its two National Parks and two designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is England’s largest county and one of the most rural. This is prime walking country, from the heather-clad heights of the North York Moors to the limestone country that is so typical of the Yorkshire Dales – a place of contrasts and discoveries, of history and legend.
Nearby places to stay
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Nearby places to stay
The Devonshire Arms Hotel
Dating back to the 17th century, The Devonshire Arms Hotel, owned by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire sits pride of place in the glorious Wharfedale countryside. A long tradition of f...
The Lodge
Awaiting description...
Kail House
Awaiting description...
Hartlington Holidays
Hartlington Hall Estate offers two holiday cottages located within the boundaries of the estate.
Each cottage sleeps up to 6, with 3 bedrooms Equipped to the highest standards we aim to...
The Fell
The Fell is located on the edge of the attractive village of Burnsall, on a hillside overlooking the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. Here you can expect a blend of classic countryside charm ...
One Tivoli Place Guest House
One Tivoli Place is a charming Victorian townhouse that offers a welcoming base just a short stroll from Ilkley town centre and the surrounding Yorkshire countryside. The 5 individually...
Tarn House Holiday Park
Tarn House Holiday Park is a pet friendly park just one mile from Skipton. It has stunning views of the Yorkshire Dales, and there is a licensed bar and restaurant in the 19th-century c...
The Clarendon Country Pub With Rooms
The Clarendon is an 18th-century country pub nestled in the Yorkshire Dales, popular with walkers, cyclists and tourists alike. Bedrooms are comfortable and well equipped, with extras s...
Places to eat nearby View all
