The archway of Barden Tower

Barden Tower, Bolton Abbey

Located on the Bolton Abbey Estate, the crumbling ruins of Barden Tower are what remain of the once prominent hunting lodge of the Clifford family. Why not take a wander and explore the Grade 1 listed ruins?!

Barden Tower is an often overlooked part of Bolton Abbey

Located right at the end of the well walked trails that traverse the Bolton Abbey Estate, the ruins of Barden Tower are worth the short little detour off the main route that crosses Barden Bridge.

This walk starts and ends at the Cavendish Pavilion and is a circular walk. Alternatively, you can drive and park at Barden bridge or Barden Field (only open during the Summer) if you’d like to simply explore the ruins.

This walk has ice cream and paddling spots, a great way to spend the day!

Jumping under the Aqueduct
Looking back at the River Wharfe
The Cavendish bridge and Pavilion

Walk Details for Barden Tower

Distance: 6.5 miles

Terrain: Well maintained footpaths, some ascent. 🛑 Some steep drops to the edge of footpaths, for those who are more wary of heights. There is some short road walking between Barden Bridge and the ruins.

Parking: Bolton Abbey, Riverside Car Park. A charge of £12.50 is made per car when booked in advance. It is £15 on the day. (Alternative parking at Barden Field - SUMMER ONLY)

Dog Friendly? Well behaved dogs on leads are allowed on this walk.

Public Transport Links: It is possible to get to Bolton Abbey by bus, although the service is mainly weekends and bank holidays. Check out the Dales Bus Service for more info.

Location: Bolton Abbey, North Yorkshire.

Map: Check out the trail maps on the Bolton Abbey website.

Toilets/ Baby Change: Cavendish Pavilion.

Nearest Cafe/ Amenities: Cavendish Pavilion there is ice cream also at Barden Bridge in the warmer months.

Looking at the ruins of Barden Tower

Directions to Barden Tower

  1. Starting at the Cavendish, take the path into Strid Woods, keeping the River to your right. Continue along here until you reach the Strid where you can explore, but do not go near the water’s edge.

  2. Continue straight on and upwards, the path continues through the woodland until you emerge with the Aqueduct in sight (tap the link for more detailed instructions to this point!

  3. Take the path that goes under the Aqueduct and keep going until you reach the road at Barden Bridge. Here, you need to turn left and head up the road for a short distance, until you see Barden Tower and the stile headed into the grounds. Go explore the ruins, and then head back to this point, double back on yourself until to reach Barden Bridge again.

    4. Cross the bridge this time, and turn right onto the path returning towards the Estate along the other side (there’s usually an ice cream van here!) follow the path back, passing the aqueduct, this time on your right and heading back into the woodland. This path will take you all the way back to the wooden bridge and the Cavendish Pavillion!

    Last walked September 2021.

⭐ We hope you enjoy our walks, but please exercise common sense as routes can change with the weather conditions and seasons! The routes have been walked by our own two feet, but you know your own limits. Always take a back-up map, don’t rely on GPS alone, wear appropriate clothing for the weather and take adequate snacks and refreshments with you (although as a parent, I know you already know that bit!)

⭐ Leave no trace! Take nothing away and leave nothing behind, take all rubbish home with you.

⭐ If you choose to paddle, be aware of bio security. Always wear clean dry water shoes (if worn) to avoid cross contamination of species between watercourses, this is a particular issue in the Yorkshire Dales, to help protect the white clawed crayfish.

⭐ If you decide to paddle, be aware that wild water can be dangerous, and water levels will vary season to season. Always supervise children around water. Check out the safety information on the Royal Life Saving Society website.

What’s cool for kids on this walk?

☕ One for the grown ups here. The Cavendish do a fabulous coffee, tea, hot chocolate, whatever takes your fancy! Many a day has a stroll along the Strid been accompanied by a steaming brew!

🏰 During the Summer there is a large sandpit located near the start of the trail through Strid Wood.

💦 There are points where you can get down to the water to throw some stones in the river.

👻 A ghost story….. back in the day when Barden Tower was in its prime, guests to the lodge were disturbed by blood curdling screams, which were heard at night. The locals believed that the voice came straight from the depths of Hell… (could’ve been an owl maybe but then that wouldn’t have made such a good story!) Check out more Yorkshire Dales Ghost Stories over on the blog!

✨ The Strid is an incredible place. The entire contents of the River Wharfe are literally squeezed into a narrow rocky channel causing a raging torrent of water, which has carved out subterranean tunnels, ledges and caves underneath the surface of the limestone rock. The depth of the water was unknown until relatively recently, when a You Tuber attempted to measure the depth with sonar equipment. The depth was found to be 60 metres at its deepest! Despite this recent development, what is actually going on underneath the rocky banks of the river remains completely unknown and the cave system unchartered. What we do know is that The Strid has a 100% mortality rate, and is the reason why The River Wharfe is named as one of the most deadly in the UK, so steer clear of the edge!

🦆 Ducks to feed! Remember your duck food!

🌳 During the Easter Holidays, Halloween Break and Christmas, the Strid is home to seasonal trails! If you are visiting out of season, then why not try one of our walking games? Or you can download a free scavenger sheet!

The Strid at Bolton Abbey

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