British Walking Federation

BOLTON PRIORY AND STRID WALK ORGANISED BY THE BWF NATIONAL COMMITTEE

CONTACT : Roger Baker, 12 Burwood Grove, Hayling Island, Hampshire PO11 9DS
Tel: 02392 462005 E-mail: trails@bwf-ivv.org.uk

DISTANCE: 11km
ENTRY FEE: £1.00 per walker (Cheques payable to BWF)
AWARD: Cloth Badge at £2.00 each
START VENUE: Cavendish Pavilion, Abbey Estate. (Map 104 GR SE071539)
DIRECTIONS FROM NEAREST TOWN: Ilkley - Bolton Abbey is well sign posted from the A65 between Ilkley and Skipton.
COACH & CAR PARKING: There is ample Car Parking at Bolton Abbey, however this is a private estate and a fee is payable. There is additional Car & Coach Parking in Bolton Abbey village (which is also part of the estate) from where a short walk enables walkers to join the route at Bolton Priory. There is a very limited amount of free parking at Barden Bridge.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Bolton Abbey is fairly well served with Public Transport from Ilkley. Ilkley can easily be reached by train from Leeds.
REFRESHMENTS: At the start only.

ROUTE DESCRIPTION (Updated 21st July 2011)

Leave the Cavendish Pavilion on footpath Strid Nature Trails, and with river on your right enter Strid Wood. Follow the blue way marked trail ignoring the main track, and continue on the blue trail at high level through trees to reach a covered seating enclosure and viewpoint. Immediately descend to river and turn left passing the Strid on right. At junction of paths keep forward following signs for Barden Bridge. Continue to follow path parallel with river to end of Strid Wood. At end of wood continue forward through meadow land with river to right to pass Victorian Aqueduct and eventually reach Barden Bridge

Q1 - Just before Barden Bridge, there is a semi-circular wall with seats in it. How many seats?

Cross over the bridge and immediately turn right on Dales Way. Follow riverside path for appx 3600m through fields and woods to eventually return to the bridge at Cavendish Pavilion. Cross bridge and turn left sign post Priory Ruins, and follow riverside path through car park with river on left. Continue on path across field and climb steps to reach memorial fountain.

Q2 - The fountain commemorates Lord Cavendish. What month was he born?

From the Fountain continue on path beside road and go through gate signed Bolton Abbey Village. Immediately after passing church, turn left and go through left hand archway. Follow main path through ruins and graveyard and descend steps to riverside and bridge.

Q3 - At the bridge, how far is it to Storiths?

Cross footbridge. Turn left and follow riverside path across meadow, or for views of the Priory and Barden, follow the incline up the hill and left into woodland. The two paths rejoin before the ford at Pickles Beck. Cross small bridge to right across the beck and return back to the river to reach Cavendish Bridge. Cross Cavendish Bridge towards the pavilion, and end of walk.

When you have completed this trail please use the Permanent Trail Entry Form

The organisers are not liable for accidents, thefts and/or damage to property. Every effort will be made by the organisers to make this a safe, enjoyable and memorable event.

This trail is registered until 31 December 2012.