2. A magical walk to complete on a fine Autumn day, or
in fact all year round. Starting from the Cavendish
Pavillon near the magnificent Bolton Abbey, you will
discover amazing views of the river valley along the
way. Woodland paths take you through the Strid
Wood and towards the mysterious Barden Tower and
back on a return journey where you get to hear and
see the River Wharfe up close and personal. A walk
that you will want to come back and complete again
and again.
3. Getting There
From Middlesbrough follow the A66 to Darlington and then
follow it to the A1 Scotch Corner. Keep on the A1 south
bound and look for Junction 47 which is signposted to
Harrogate. Follow the A59 road through Harrogate and
follow it out of Harrogate until you come to a roundabout for
Bolton Abbey on a right hand turn. Drive past the Bolton
Abbey car park and look for the Cavendish Monument on
the right. Follow the road down to a toll booth- the price of
admission is the same as Bolton Abbey and is £8.00. Park in
the car park just outside the café and near the bridge.
5. The Walk
From the car park walk over the
bridge which is opposite the
Cavendish Pavilion and turn
immediately to the left to
commence the walk on the
path ahead.
6. The path follows the river
upstream. Go through a gate
and then take the stepped
path which is to the left.
7. Follow the path until you
come to Posforth bridge.
Cross over the bridge.
8. After crossing over the
footbridge keep on the path
which rises gradually. You will
soon come to a stone
shelter and you will have an
excellent view of the river
below.
9. Follow the path which
continues high above
the river below. As well
as excellent views
there are plenty of
seats if you need to
stop for a break or to
take in the amazing
view.
10. The path will soon fall
and then leave the wood
into a clearing and then
will head towards a
bridge.
11. Don't cross the bridge and follow the path ahead into an
open meadow until you come to another bridge.
12. Go over the bridge and
follow the road ahead
which climbs steeply.
13. Look for a stile to the left
which leads to Barden
Tower. There is a café
near the tower and is an
interesting diversion on
the walk. There is a
history of the tower on a
plaque on the furthest
side of the tower.
14. Retrace your steps
down the road and
before you come to the
bridge, look for a small
gate to the right to join
the path back to the
riverside.
15. Follow the path past
the bridge and over
a footbridge over
the stream and back
into Strid Wood.
16. Ignore a track to the right
and after rising to a view
point at a fork take the
lower path which will take
you down closer to the
river.
17. At another split take the
lower path to the left again
which will take you to near
the river at a point called The
Strid. This is a dangerous
spot, you will see danger
signs, however if you keep
away from the river edge you
will see the river in all its
glory.
19. Downstream ignore the path
to the Ludstream Islands
and take the path ahead
and you will then emerge
back at the Pavilion Café-
time for a Cappuccino and
some cake maybe?
