38 MINUTES FROM PATELEY BRIDGE
Bolton Abbey
The ruined priory at Bolton Abbey sits in a graceful bend of the River Wharfe, on an estate that has belonged to the Duke of Devonshire's family for centuries. Stepping stones lead across the river, miles of waymarked paths follow the valley, and a little further upstream the river squeezes itself into the notoriously dangerous Strid gorge. It is one of the most popular and most beautiful beauty spots in the Yorkshire Dales.
Visit information
- Location
- Bolton Abbey, Skipton BD23 6EX
- From Pateley Bridge
- 38 minutes via Blubberhouses or Grassington
- Open
- Estate open year-round, daylight hours
- Entry
- Car park charge applies, the priory ruins and riverside are then free to explore
- Dogs
- Welcome on leads across the estate
- Facilities
- Cafes, shop and toilets at the main car park near the priory
A priory that never quite closed
Bolton Priory was founded for Augustinian canons in 1154 and was still being expanded when Henry VIII dissolved it in 1539. Local people had long worshipped in the priory's nave, so it was allowed to remain in use as the parish church, while the rest of the buildings were left to fall into the picturesque ruin you see today standing right beside it.
The estate around the priory has belonged to the Cavendish family, the Dukes of Devonshire, since the 18th century, and their careful management is part of why the riverside and woodland here feel so well looked after, with good paths, clear signage and a real sense of a working, cared-for landscape.
The Strid takes its name from an old word meaning a narrow stride, since the river here looks narrow enough to leap across. In reality the water is far deeper and faster than it appears, with hidden currents that have claimed more than one overconfident visitor.
Making the most of your visit
A loop taking in the priory, the stepping stones and a stretch of the riverside walk makes a satisfying half-day out, while walkers wanting to reach the Strid and back should allow three to four hours. Good footwear is worth bringing, as paths can be muddy after rain.
The stepping stones can be submerged after heavy rain, in which case a footbridge a little further along provides an alternative crossing. Keep children and dogs well back from the edges at the Strid itself, whatever the water looks like.
There are cafes at the main car park for a stop before or after your walk, making this an easy estate to spend a full and varied day exploring.
What to see
The Priory Ruins
The nave of the 12th-century Augustinian priory church survived the dissolution and is still in use as the parish church today, standing right alongside the dramatic roofless ruins of the rest of the priory, a striking combination of living church and ancient ruin.
Stepping Stones and the River Wharfe
A line of stepping stones crosses the River Wharfe just below the priory, a favourite spot for photographs and a popular, if occasionally damp, way to cross the river on a circular walk.
The Strid
A mile or so upstream, the wide river is squeezed into a deceptively narrow, fast-flowing channel known as the Strid. It looks crossable but is treacherous and a number of people have drowned attempting it, so admire it from the marked paths rather than the rocks.
Waymarked Walks
Miles of well-maintained paths follow the river and climb into the surrounding woodland and moorland, ranging from a gentle half-hour riverside stroll to a full day's walking taking in the Strid and beyond.
A classic Dales day out
Bolton Abbey is around 38 minutes from Pateley Bridge. A car park charge applies on arrival, after which the priory and riverside paths are free to explore.
