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:  10km
ENTRY FEE:  £1.00 per walker  (Cheques payable to BWF))
AWARD:  Cloth Badge at £2.00 each
DIRECTIONS FROM NEAREST TOWN:   Ilkley - Bolton Abbey is well sign posted from the A65 between Ilkley and Skipton.
START VENUE:  Cavendish Pavilion, Bolton Abbey Estate.  Map 104 GR SE071539
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  (Route updated 16 October 2008)

Leave the Cavendish Pavilion and with the river on your right enter Strid Wood. On entering the wood follow the Blue way marked trail to reach a covered seat and viewpoint. Immediately after this viewpoint descend and turn left. Along this path are good views of the Strid. 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 turn right. Follow riverside footpath through fields and woods to eventually return to the wooden bridge at Cavendish Pavilion. Cross the bridge and follow riverside path through Car Park with river to left. Take the path and climb to reach the Memorial Fountain.

Q2 - The fountain commemorates the death of Lord Cavendish. What month did he die?

From the Fountain, a path leads back to the Priory Grounds. Turn left immediately after passing church and go through left hand archway. Follow main path through ruins and graveyard. Descend steps to riverside.  

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

Go through kissing gate and follow path to cross footbridge. Turn left and follow riverside path across the 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 Back. The footpath continues beside the beck to a small bridge and in due course leads back to the river and Cavendish Bridge. Cross Cavendish bridge towards the pavilion. 

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 2009.