The Bolton Abbey Aqueduct

Bolton Abbey Aqueduct

Ever taken a stroll to the Bolton Abbey Aqueduct?

This fabulous loop starts and ends at the Cavendish Pavilion, takes you past the infamous Strid and has paddle spots aplenty!

The Bolton Abbey Aqueduct

Located between the Strid and Barden Bridge, the Aqueduct is a marvellous construction built to hide water pipes that carry water from the reservoirs of Upper Nidderdale. Quite a journey for our drinking water! But as well as carrying water, the aqueduct is also a footbridge across the River Wharfe.

This walk starts and ends at the Cavendish where there are ducks to feed, places to paddle and obviously the Cafe for some treats!

Jumping under the Bolton Abbey Aqueduct
Looking down at the River Wharfe
Footbridge and Cavendish Pavilion

Walk details for Bolton Abbey

Distance: 4.5 miles

Terrain: Well maintained footpaths, some ascent. 🛑 Some steep drops to the edge of footpaths, for those who are more wary of heights.

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.

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.

Directions to the Aqueduct:

  1. Head towards the Strid Wood through the wide access gate, keeping the Cavendish Pavilion on your left. Continue straight along the main wide route along the river, through Strid Woods, ignoring any paths to the right and left (unless you fancy exploring the Sulphur Well, which is a minor diversion to the right).

  2. Follow this for around 2km, until you reach The Strid. Here is a large information board about the area, and the water is pretty dramatic coming through the rocks here. Take some time to explore!

  3. Once you have, keep walking straight on back into the woodland keeping to the route straight on, ignoring any offshoots. You will eventually get to a wooden bridge which crosses a stream, where the path heads back out of the woodland and into the open. The river will be to your right, and you should be able to see the Aqueduct ahead of you.

  4. Cross the bridge to the other side of the river, and return back along the clearly marked route, this time keeping the river to your right.

  5. Keep to the main path, and it will lead you all the way back to the wooden bridge opposite the Cavendish. Along this route, you will find plenty of spots for a sit down and a spot to get down and splash in the river.

  6. A word of warning. As with most of the paths in Bolton Abbey, at some points there are some steep unguarded drops to the edge of the paths. The paths are very well maintained, and are reasonably wide. But for those who would find such a drop alarming, this little flag is for you.

Last walked December 2022

Walking along the path back from the Aqueduct

⭐ 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.

Playing in the water of the river Wharfe

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.

🦆 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!

Cartwheeling in front of the Ribblehead Viaduct

Loving the Yorkshire Dales?

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