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I've heard a lot about The Strid in Wharfedale and seen many photos from fell-walking friends over the years.

Today was my chance to visit Bolton Abbey and The Strid with my local guide . . . Loes of course !

We avoid the crowds by starting near to the top of the map, at the smaller car park at Strid Cottage.

Not the cheapest but worth it if you plan to spend the full day on the area and visit all the sights.

	- - - - o o o - - - That was exactly our plan and we covered most of the map on the local information board. Deferred gratification once again as we head out first upstream to Barden Bridge and cross the Wharfe onto the northern bank. - - - - o o o - - -

The air was full of the scent of wild garlic as we walked down the slope into the valley of The River Wharfe.

Barden Bridge carries a water pipeline rather than a road.

Fortunately it also acts as a footbridge, to access the paths of this Bolton Abbey estate on the other side of the river.

I was expecting to walk by The Strid on the way down, but the path climbed high on one of its many undulations of the day

so below us we see the rock gorge that changes the wide river to a narrow torrent, much further away than expected.



The narrow cascade of falls looks impressive even from here.	The river bed left dry alongside it allows visitors a closer look.

The paths of the "park" are well maintained and are obviously designed for lots of visitors.

- - - o o o - - - A name on the map catches our eye so we leave the main river valley and head up a side tributary into "The Valley of Desolation" As we reach higher ground we find the main footpath up this valley, passing along the way a real variety of trees which were swaying back and forth in the strong breeze up here above the gorge. - - - o o o - - -

The map showed a waterfall which we found, but it seemed to be hidden deep in this side valley

accessible only by a rather steep and slippery path, made more so by this slightly damp weather.

We stayed on the main path a while longer, hoping to get closer to the falls,

but we reached a top footbridge without getting a clearer look.

- - - o o o - - -

The path would ultimately carry on

to the high ground of Simon Seat, up on the moors

but time (and stamina) didn't allow a further diversion today.

However on the way back I did venture down that slippery track

and got a closer view of the waterfall.

I also found another small footbridge across the river

so I imagine your could make a round trip of the falls

but don't hold me to that.

Please check it out yourself if you want to try it.

- - - o o o - - -

Back down in the main valley we arrived at The Cavendish Pavilion, conveniently as it turns out, at lunchtime.

Here we met the crowds and crossed over the river to indulge ourselves with some refreshments.

The reason for the sudden crowds was the Pavilion and the ample car parking close by.

Moving on down the valley we climbed above the river once again

which gave us a first view of Bolton Abbey from the high ground at the next bend of the river.



The Memorial Fountain alongside the valley road . . .	. . . but we soon diverted back into the grounds of the Abbey itself.

The Abbey obviously suffered from damage during The Reformation but the smaller knave survived as the local parish church.

Henry VII still believed in God, he was just not keen in the power and wealth of the religious Monastic Classes.

We walk through the grounds, past the impressive ruins.

Looking back through an arch to the old Priory.

To cross the river the monks had built stepping stones . . .

but these had been superceded by an all weather bridge of a much later construction date.

Crossing the stones was still a challenge taken on by many people.

Sadly some of the stones are missing and wet legs were often the reward for attempting the crossing !



There had to be a money tree somewhere along the track . . .	. . . but the path back up the far side also held more modern adventures.

We re-crossed the bridge at the Pavilion and headed back up the western side of the valley in order to pass closer to The Strid.

Along the way were more examples of the giant deck chairs that we had seen at Harewood House.

More information boards encouraged us onward with example of the wildlife to be seen,

but discouraged us from swimming in the gorge due to the deep water.

The wide nature of the River Wharfe gives no indication of the cascade ahead.



The river gets steadily narrower . . .	. . . and sports froth from the turbulence upstream.



The river has cut a deep, narrow gorge into the rocks.	The water is running well and is racing through as it passes us.

- - - o o o - - -

This is no place to lose your footing.

Although the day has dried up nicely the rocks are still a little damp.

Loes takes a closer walk out to the edge.

After a good look we return to the main track

and continue a short distance up the valley till we meet the path we arrived on.

We headed back to the car, up a slope that seemed a lot steeper now

after our undulating 8 mile walk in this interesting area.

- - - o o o - - -