Strid Wood Walk – Bolton Abbey, North Yorkshire

Strid Wood Walk is a beautiful woodland walk located in Bolton Abbey, North Yorkshire, England. The walk takes you through Strid Wood, which is a diverse woodland that covers an area of about 250 acres along the banks of the River Wharfe.

The walk is named after the Strid, which is a narrow and deep section of the River Wharfe that is located at the beginning of the walk. The Strid is a popular spot for visitors, but it’s also known to be dangerous due to the powerful currents and deep waters. Visitors are advised to stay on the designated paths and keep a safe distance from the water’s edge.

There are several paths and distances through Strid Wood, depending on where you start and which bridge you use. Choose the estate’s mapped walk that suits your time and mobility; the waterfall and Priory stepping stones are separate features, not guaranteed stops on every woodland circuit.

Bolton Abbey itself is a popular tourist destination, and there are several other walks and trails in the area to explore. The estate also includes a priory, ruins of a 12th-century Augustinian monastery, and a riverside cafe.

Overall, Strid Wood Walk in Bolton Abbey is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and anyone who enjoys a good walk in the great outdoors.

The Strid Wood walk is a beautiful and popular walking trail in Bolton Abbey, North Yorkshire, England. The walk takes you through Strid Wood, a stunning ancient woodland that is home to a wide range of flora and fauna.

For a river circuit, use the estate’s Cavendish Pavilion to Barden Bridge route; the aqueduct provides a shorter crossing option. Check the map and current conditions rather than using one fixed distance for every start point.

1. Start at the car park specified on your chosen estate walk. Cavendish Pavilion/Riverside is a different starting point from Bolton Abbey village.
2. Follow the marked woodland paths and watch for birds and seasonal woodland plants.
3. As you walk through the wood, you’ll pass by the Strid, a narrow and fast-flowing section of the River Wharfe that is both beautiful and treacherous. Take some time to admire the scenery, but be sure to stay on the designated footpaths and keep a safe distance from the river.
4. Barden Bridge is upstream of the Strid. Use the mapped bridge crossing and return path; check conditions and allow time to reach your car park before it closes.

The paths through Strid Wood vary in gradient and surface, with views of the river and surrounding woodland. It’s a good idea to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a camera to capture the beauty of the woodland. If you’re interested in wildlife, consider bringing a pair of binoculars to get a closer look at the birds and animals that make their home in the wood.

The River Wharfe narrows sharply at the Strid, hiding deep and powerful water beneath the rocks. Never swim, paddle, jump across or approach its edge; keep children close and dogs on leads.

The Strid has been a popular tourist destination for many years and is said to have inspired the poet William Wordsworth to write his poem, “The Force of Prayer.” However, the Strid is also known for its danger, and there have been several tragic accidents throughout its history.

Today, the Strid remains a popular tourist attraction, but visitors are warned to be cautious around the water’s edge, as the currents are powerful, and the water is deep. Despite its dangers, the Strid continues to draw visitors who are intrigued by its unique beauty and fascinating history.

Barden Bridge is a historic bridge located in Bolton Abbey, North Yorkshire, England, that spans the River Wharfe. The bridge is located upstream from the Strid and is part of the Bolton Abbey estate.

Historic England’s Barden Bridge listing records a 1676 repair inscription. The bridge remains a useful landmark on the estate’s river walks.

Barden Bridge is not only a functional crossing point, but it is also an important part of the history and landscape of the Bolton Abbey estate. It is a popular spot for visitors to take photographs, and there are several walking routes in the area that incorporate the bridge.

One of the most popular walks that includes Barden Bridge is the Barden Bridge and Strid Wood circular walk. This route takes visitors through the woodland of Strid Wood, across Barden Bridge, and along the River Wharfe before returning to Bolton Abbey.

Overall, Barden Bridge is an important part of the history and landscape of Bolton Abbey and is a must-see destination for visitors to the area.

If you’re looking to stay in North Yorkshire near Bolton Abbey, there are plenty of accommodation options to choose from, including hotels, guest houses, bed and breakfasts, and self-catering cottages. Here are a few recommendations:

1. The Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa: This luxurious hotel is located on the Bolton Abbey estate and offers a range of stylish rooms and suites, a spa, and a selection of dining options. The hotel also has its own fishing beat on the River Wharfe.
2. The Red Lion Inn: This traditional 16th-century inn is located in the village of Burnsall, just a short drive from Bolton Abbey. The inn offers comfortable rooms and a restaurant that serves locally sourced, seasonal food.
3. Estate cottages: Check the current estate accommodation for real properties and facilities; do not assume a generic Priory guesthouse is available.
4. The Old School B&B: This bed and breakfast is located in the village of Hebden, a short drive from Bolton Abbey. The B&B offers comfortable rooms and a hearty breakfast, and is housed in a historic school building.
5. Other self-catering stays: Check the exact address and walking or driving route to the estate before booking.

These are just a few examples of the accommodation options available in the area. Depending on your preferences and budget, there are many other options to choose from. It’s a good idea to book in advance, particularly during peak tourist seasons, to ensure availability.

The guided excursion below departs from Harrogate and combines Haworth, Bolton Abbey and the wider Dales. Check the pick-up arrangements; it is not a walking tour starting in Strid Wood.