Bolton Abbey, River Wharfe, Simon’s Seat and The Valley of Desolation (12-mile moderate walk)

We meet at the main car park for Bolton Abbey at 10.15.  After a short walk through the village, we will stop to explore the Abbey for 5-10 minutes.  Should you be delayed, or not wish to visit the Abbey ruins, then please meet us at the Abbey no later than 10.40 (and preferably let me know in advance!). 

We will then walk approximately 5 miles on the Dales Way along the banks of River Wharfe, passing The Strid (a deadly short stretch of water with treacherous under-currents) and passing, via Barden Bridge, to Howgill.  After a break for lunch, we’ll rise sharply up Barden Fell to reach Simon’s Seat (485 metres [1,591 ft]), with its spectacular millstone grit formations, where we shall enjoy the panoramic views of the Yorkshire Dales.   After a short break, we take a more gradual route for our descent, passing down through the Valley of Desolation, with an optional visit to waterfall.  Back down close to river level, we pass above the Eastern bank of the River Wharfe before crossing back to Bolton Abbey and returning to our cars. 

Should the weather be inclement, we’ll follow a lower-level route, returning along the eastern bank of the river rather than rising up to Simon’s Seat.