Walking Guide to the Bolton Abbey Circular Walk
The Bolton Abbey circular walk is one of the easiest walks in Yorkshire.
Bolton Abbey Estate is a beautiful area in the Yorkshire Dales owned by the Duke of Devonshire (the guy that lives in Chatsworth)!
There are so many walks around the area (the Strid, Valley of Desolation, and Barden Bridge), but my favorite is the Bolton Abbey circular walk. It’s a super easy walk down the river, around the abbey, and back up the river, anyone can enjoy it!
*There are three steep inclines that might pose a challenge to some of the older crowd or those with certain health issues. This Bolton Abbey walk is about 2 miles.
Bolton Abbey Circular Walk
Booking & Bolton Abbey Estate Rules
- £12.50 per car, booked in advance
- £15.00 per car the day of
- No ball games allowed
- Dogs are allowed but need to be kept on a leash
- You can book your ticket on the official Bolton Abbey site.
Which Car Park Do I Choose for My Bolton Abbey Walk?
First things first… there are THREE parking lots for the Bolton Abbey Estate and you need to make sure you pick the correct car park when you book your ticket. All the parking lots have toilets!
Bolton Abbey Village Car Park
BD23 6EX
This car park is the most popular for visiting Bolton Abbey. There are little to no inclines which makes it easily accessible for everyone. It’s also the shortest walk to the priory. (You’ll enter through the hole in the wall).
Bolton Abbey River Side Car Park
BD23 6EX
This is the car park you need to use for this walk. It’s great if you want to have a picnic by the river or dip your toes in. There are toilets and refreshments available.
The Strid Wood Car Park
BD23 6AN
People have called it the “most dangerous stretch of river in the world”. I’m not so sure about that, but it is pretty dangerous.
The River Wharfe squeezes together turning into a narrow, fast-flowing stream… there are deep pools and harsh undercurrents with tons of jagged rocks. Those who fall in, don’t come out alive.
That being said… this is the best car park to use to visit this seemingly innocent and tranquil part of the river. Just don’t try to jump over The Strid!
Where to Park in the Riverside Car Park
The riverside parking lot is big *I was surprised* and knowing where to park can be a challenge if it’s your first time. The parking lot entrance is just past the Memorial Fountain and you’ll drive down to the river banks. There will be the option to turn left or right.
To the left is the Cavendish Pavilion. If you need the bathroom or refreshments, then this is the place to park. You’ll also find some shady areas here.
To the right, you’ll be closer to Bolton Abbey, however, if you need anything at the Cavendish Pavilion before you start your walk, then you’ll be backtracking.
I prefer the left! But that’s only because refreshments and the toilets are there. But if you are having a picnic by the river after your walk, then I would choose the right. There’s more space to spread out, however, you’re more than likely to be in full sun, BUT I did notice fewer people on the right side.
Riverside to the Memorial Fountain
This whole area is in FULL SUN!
No matter where you park in the parking lot, you’ll need to head south, keeping the river on your left side. There’s no “path” through the parking lot, so watch out for cars because you will more than likely be walking on the road! (There is a grassy area between the river and the car park, however, most people “set up camp” here).
If you want some ice cream, there is a stand on the right side of the parking lot or you can get some little ice cream pots from the Cavendish Pavilion on the left end of the parking lot.
Once you reach the end of the parking lot, you’ll see a gate with an open field. Enter the field and walk towards the Memorial Fountain on top of the hill. This section can be steep for some people. If you have issues, just take it slow.
PRO TIP: If you’re looking for a good picnic area, or a place to set up camp for a couple of hours, then head to the left, towards the abbey after you enter the gate. You’ll find this section of the river and the estate less crowded.
The Memorial Fountain is a Grade II listed building, built in 1886 as a tribute to Lord Fredrick Cavendish.
Bolton Abbey
Continue walking on the sidewalk with the river still on your left, be careful along here because there are some steep drops on one side and cars driving by on the other, however, there are railings.
This is probably my favorite part of the walk! Every few feet, the trees part and you get a view of Bolton Abbey and the perfect horseshoe bend of the River Wharfe.
You don’t realize how high up you have walked until you see the vertical drop and river below you!
Continue on the sidewalk and you’ll come to another gate where the sidewalk ends. At this point you’ll see Bolton Priory, it’s impossible to get lost! Take your first left down the side of the priory.
*If you want to make your walk a little bit longer, you can continue on the sidewalk to the “hole in the wall” and enter the priory that way.
The river will ALWAYS be on your left if you ever lose your sense of direction.
Bolton Abbey (or Bolton Priory as it’s officially known) was established in the 12th century. The priory has been through a lot since it was first built and wasn’t even complete when Henry VIII dissolved all the monasteries. Now the nave (still intact) is the parish church.
Stepping Stones
Right in front of Bolton Abbey are the infamous stepping stones. These stones were used to help workers cross the River Wharfe safely. Not sure how safely… I almost lost my balance/slipped/missed a stone twice, I’m also very accident-prone. *face palm*
Some of the stones are spread further apart than others and some people can get disoriented in the center where the river is deeper and fast flowing.
The upside to it? If you fall in, it’s only waist deep… the downside? Everyone probably saw.
If you don’t want to walk across the stones, or you want to get a great shot of the stones in front of the abbey, then cross the footbridge right behind them!
Woodland Riverside
Once you’ve crossed the stones (or bridge), continue walking straight through the open field. You’ll see a little path in the distance that heads into the trees. This is where you’re going.
There are slight inclines throughout the woodland walk, but there are railings if you need them.
There will be some great views of the river peeking through the trees on your left and don’t forget to take a break on the bench at the top of the steep incline, so you can catch your breath… and catch the view.
Money Tree
Along the woodland walk, you’ll pass three fallen trees… all with money hammered into them. I’m not sure why money trees are a thing in the UK, but I don’t hate it.
If anyone knows the real reason for money trees… does it bring you good luck? Does it predict the number of children you will have, depending on how many pennies you hammer into the log? Do you make a wish?
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
Pickles Beck Ford
When the woodland walk is coming to a close, you’ll exit the forest path and enter the road. Once you come to the Ford, you can either cross through the water or take the detour over the bridge on the right.
Either way, you’ll immediately exit the road onto a dirt path on the left. Enter the gate and you’ll walk parallel to the river. You’ll soon see the wooden bridge in the distance. Your Bolton Abbey walk is almost complete!
Wooden Bridge
You’ll exit the path onto the bridge.
Head to the left and you’ll be back at your car! If you want to make your walk longer then you can follow the signs to the Valley of Desolation and then head up to The Strid.
Related Posts to Bolton Abbey Walks
- How to Hike from Flamborough Head to Bridlington
- Hiking Guide to the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail
- OVER 50 Things to Do in Yorkshire
Have you taken the circular walk around Bolton Abbey or thinking about heading out there soon? Let me know in the comments below, I always love hearing from you guys!
Save the Bolton Abbey circular walk for later on Pinterest!
