Dales Walks – Bolton Abbey

One of our favourite Yorkshire Dales walks is through the lower Wharfe valley between Bolton Abbey and Burnsall. The walk along the river is relatively easy and is surrounded by the dramatic high fells of Burnsall. Along the route there is much interest from the ruins of Bolton Priory to Barden Castle and the beautiful village of Burnsall.

Points of Interest along the way

• Look out for the disused railway viaduct and disused railway
• Valley of Desolation near Cavendish pavilion
• Simons Seat is a good hill walk from the valley floor
• The Dales way runs (or walks) through Bolton Abbey
• Strid woods have colour coded walks and lead to the dangerous Strid where several people have drowned trying to cross the river.

Wharfe Valley between Barden and Burnsall

It is also worth taking a detour away from the river and climb, at least part of the fell to get a breathtaking view along the valley.

There is no shortage of cafes and pubs along the way for refreshments. Buffers Back o’ th’ Hill Farm, Storiths, Bolton Abbey is in a converted barn and shippon, built in 1633 which now houses the Coffee Shop and Railway Gallery. The cafe at Burnsall offers an excellent array of traditional cafe fayre with home made cakes.

Looking back towards Burnsall

Parking

There is sufficient parking in Bolton Abbey and Burnsall. It is pay and display. If you go in the off season, you may find free parking on a suitable verge

Avoid Buffers confusion, if you end up in the pub of this name in Scholes Leeds all is not lost the drink is alcoholic not Tea.