Bolton Abbey
On Saturday, we drove to Bolton Abbey, near Skipton. We ended up walking along the ‘Welly Walk’ that went down through the Wandsworth Wood to the stepping stones and Bolton Abbey. The ‘Welly Walk’ is described as a woodland adventure trail, a temporary route that runs until the start of November. There were activities and games intermittently along the trail, including slides, a wooden snakes and ladders and a noughts and crosses board. It is 1 mile each way and is a brilliant, family-friendly route for children to get immersed in, while the adults enjoy the lovely views. Bolton Abbey was impressive and interesting to walk around. We also went inside the Priory Church, which was also a nice stop off along the walk. There were maps around, showing various routes. We took the route up alongside the fields, rather than back along the woodland. It was a bit of a slog up the hill, but not too bad. We had a lovely, easy walk and enjoyed the views of the River Wharfe, Wandsworth Wood, Bolton Abbey and the Priory Church. A nice afternoon out!
Parking: There are lots of car parks owned by Bolton Abbey in the surrounding area. However, it is a set price of £15 to park. We thought this was quite expensive, especially as we were only there for a few hours. You don’t have to pay to go to the Abbey itself, and for a full family day out, maybe it’s not too bad. We ended up driving down Storiths Lane to find a space to park on the roadside. There were probably three spaces there, and it was a good location to get onto the ‘Welly Walk’ trail.
Length: Our walk was 4.30km and 153m elevation gain. It took us just under an hour.
Food: There were a few tea rooms nearby, but we didn’t go to any, so we can’t recommend.
Drive: We drove from Leeds and it wasn’t longer than an hour. Easy route.
Route: The route was lovely, through woodland trails, which are my favourite! Easy to follow with signs for the ‘Welly Walk’ and maps showing various options.
Accessibility: I would say that it was an accessible walk with well-trodden paths. Very family friendly, however, not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
Landmarks: Bolton Abbey is impressive to look at, and the Priory Church was quaint.
Let me know if you take a visit to Bolton Abbey. See you next time.
