5.5 Miles, 2 Hours
This was probably going to be the last good day for weather this year. So we decided to take a trip to the ruins of Bolton Priory. (ruined due to King Henry VIII taking a dim view of it in 1539). The Priory stands just inside the boundary of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Bolton Abbey is the village/estate in which the old priory is located.
We also decided to go via the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway, in order to reach the village rather taking a bus there.
Taking the train to Skipton, we then got a cab into to the village of Embsay. On arrival at the steam railway we decided to get a first class ticket which enabled you to travel in a restored Edwardian coach, for just an extra £2. The carriage was tucked directly behind the loco too!...
The train cuts through some wild Yorkshire countryside before arriving into the fantastically restored Bolton Abbey Station...
On walking out of the station turn down the lane towards the main road, but cut right just before reaching the road. This takes you past some houses, and onto a footpath...
The pathway comes out onto the main road eventually, but on your right is a gate allowing you into a field. Once through, cut along the path, past an interesting structure in the field, and follow the well maintained path under the main road, the path then continues across a cow pasture towards another gate...
Turn right after the gate, this ex-road - now a path takes you straight into Bolton Abbey Village.
Beamsley Beacon from the cow pasture...
Looking towards Carncliff Top from the path...
Once you get into Bolton Abbey Village, you need to turn right. A sign points you to go left, which is the road walk to the Priory. However on this walk we wanted to walk along side the River Wharfe to get to it..
Go straight ahead here, keeping the trees on your left...
Continue up the lane past the sign for the River Wharfe, then look out for the footpath sign on your left...
Go through the gate, and take the river side path. This takes you all the way to Bolton Priory itself...
When you arrive at the remains of the Priory, continue past it towards a footbridge that crosses the river. You do have the option if you wish, to cross via some stepping stones...
I decided to cross via the footbridge, a bit wimpish, but remember what happened here to Steve Coogan in 'The Trip'!
When you've crossed over the river take your first right which cuts quite steeply upwards, this begins a path which continues high above the river...
Money Tree...
Continue straight ahead here...
Eventually the path will lead you out onto a lane, walk down this until you meet a place where 'Pickles Beck' crosses over the road at a ford. To avoid the ford, cut right, as seen below, and then cross a footbridge...
Now cut across the lane, and continue towards the river, then follow the path through a gate. The path now continues by the side of the river again...
This section of the path will take you to a wooden bridge which crosses the river, turn left across the bridge towards Cavendish Pavilion...
Cavendish Pavilion has a tea room, which also serves tasty looking food. And, if your thirst can't be contained no more, you can also get a pint!
Turn left at the tea room, and continue along a lane passing the car park area...
Eventually you will come to a gate, this takes you out onto a cow pasture. The path is well defined, and takes you steeply upwards towards a Victorian monument...
Turning left at the monument, the lane takes you back down to the ruins of Bolton Priory..
Looking across the River Wharfe towards a distant Ilkley Moor...
A lane lead you out of the grounds of the Priory, and out onto a main road...
This section is about half a mile of road walking, before you arrive back into the village of Bolton Abbey. Opposite the Devonshire Hotel, cut right and head back up the path/ex-road towards Bolton Abbey Railway Station...
Beasts guarding a field...
Some of Bolton Abbey's collection of Diesel Loco's...
Station hound looks on as our train arrives...
Apparently this Class 31 is still operational!...
Once again a good little trek for a Sunday, at any time of year. It would however be crime to visit the Priory without getting to Bolton Abbey Village via the steam railway, well worth a visit!
Thanks for reading.
3 comments:
...your many varied walks ~ evoke inspirational muse out to play! ~ many a wonderful tale! ~ could be told from these walks! ~ imaginary weeh folkz! ~ living alongside crags and ruins!... ...thankyoU! ~ sO much for the pilgrimage! ~ blessed be!...
It would be such a wonderful feeling to stroll at that beautiful place. Oh I wish to find accommodation bolton near that attraction.
Yes, well worth a visit. An inspirational place to roam.
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