Walk Routes

As the river is such an attraction at Bolton Abbey, both walks will travers the footpath alongside it, so there will be some overlap as can be seen by the map.

Click on the map ( and any of the pictures) to enlarge it.

5 day Weather Forecast for Skipton (5 miles away)

B Party Walk across the Moors

Barden Tower

Along the river

Walk Leader: George Mann
Distance: about 8 miles

Our walk today takes us across fields, through woods and up on to meadow moor-land. From there we get a great view of the sweep of the Wharfe Valley. Making our way down we head for Barden Tower ( A ruin ) originally owned by the Clifford family of Skipton Castle and once the preferred home of Lord Clifford.

From there we join the river-side path which we follow down to the Strid. Here the river narrows to plunge spectacularly through a rocky tree lined gorge. Continuing on we come to the Cavendish Pavilion where we can stop for refreshments leaving sufficient time to visit the Abbey Ruins ( if required ) on the way back to join the coach.

Regrettably part of the walk is on a road so it essential we take care and walk in single file when necessary.

C Party Walk to Barden Tower

Walk Leader: Alex Strathearn
Distance: 7 Miles

The walk, which is basically classed as circular, leaves the coach park to approach the magnificent 'Bolton Abbey' positioned in a tranquil setting alongside the River Wharfe. The walk continues onwards to pass the main entrance to the Abbey. Thereafter, we continue walking adjacent to the River, until we approach the Cavendish Pavilion. All the required facilities are available including drinks, snacks and whatever.

Having replenished our needs, we cross the bridge facing to access the eastern side of the river and begin to walk along riverside paths, passing through 'strid wood' and at all times viewing the fast flowing river close by.

Eventually we reach the first of two bridges which span the river. The intention is to continue to reach the second bridge at Barden. Here we can see the impressive Barden Tower sited on a promontory overlooking the landscape. Time for Lunch.

After crossing the arched bridge to the west side of the river, we begin the return journey again along woodland paths, until we reach the 'strid' - a narrow cut in the limestone river bed, which creates a torrent of fast flowing water. After a short interval for photo’s we continue down river to eventually return to the Cavendish Pavilion and the end of the walk. Ground conditions are mainly gravel paths passing through woodland. Views of interest are many and varied. There are a couple of gates and no stiles to be negotiated, other than that the walk is extremely pleasant.

July Walks from Bolton Abbey

Our walks on Saturday 12th July will be in the Bolton Abbey area, which we last visited 12th March 2005 whilst there was still snow on the high hills.
There will be just two walks this year, pending an 'A' Walk leader coming forward!;

• B Walk led by George Mann
• C Walk led by Alex

Details of the walks will be posted as soon as they become available, hopefully they will be on site by July 5th

Here are some photographs from the 2005 visit;

Bolton Abbey ruins through the trees

From Earl's Seat looking across to Drebley (I think)

Getting nearer home and the last mile along the river.

Bolton Abbey is in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales on the banks of the River Wharfe. With just under 30,000 acres of beautiful countryside, over 80 miles of footpaths and ample space to run around and enjoy the fresh air, there is something for all ages. Explore the ruins of the Priory and discover a landscape full of history and legend, wander along the riverside, woodland and moorland paths, enjoy local produce in the excellent restaurants, tea rooms and cafes, treat yourself in the quality gift shops and food shop or simply relax beside the river with a picnic whilst the children play.
More.....

Our Walks in Uppermill June 2008

We had a great time in Uppermill, which was a new venue for us and the reports at the end were that everyone enjoyed both the venue and the walks. The weather however, was very kind to us, being neither too hot or too cold and wet, giving us many periods of beautiful sunshine and only a few spots of rain.
The A Walk, just a few in number, further depleted because of one member being bitten by a dog, enjoyed a bracing walk with the reservoirs in view most of the time and looking quit refreshed! The person bitten by a dog is, I am pleased to say OK, but a bit miffed at missing her walk.
(Awaiting photo's)

The B Walk, puffed up the short climbs, but with plenty of breaks and the rewarding 'WOW' view at the top, said that it was all worth it. After lunch sheltered from the cool wind, we headed for the descent and with fine views all the way down it was easy and enjoyable. Once in Diggle it was level walking along the canal, stopping for an Ice Cream at Grandpop Greens and then on to the Garden Centre and village for refreshment.

B Party Walk






The C Walk, although more challenging than normal, offered a variety of views and terrains and was still back home first! They enjoyed the Stanedge Tunnel, lunch in Dobcross and afternoon tea in the garden centre and thanked Les for such an enjoyable walk and for being such a good leader on his first walk as walk leader.

C Party Walk

BGK

June Walks in Uppermill (Nr Oldham)

Our Walk next month will be to the village of Uppermill in the district of Saddleworth. Don't ask me if it is in Yorkshire or Lancashire as locals consider it to be in the 'County of Saddleworth.' It is a very close knit community with regular events throughout the year such as the Whit Friday Band concerts and the Rush Cart Festival on August Bank Holiday weekend.
Our walks will take place on Saturday 14th June;
Please ensure you carry a plentiful supply of drinking water (2 ltrs recommended), particularily in hot weather.Dehydration causes many problems.
There will be three walks;

A Walk led by Jenny
B walk led by Beverley
C Walk led by Les Gibson

Saddleworth is rolling countryside and valleys, so there will be plenty of 'ups and downs' giving variety and pleasure. Details of the walks will be posted here about 1 week beforehand.

The coach will park by the Swimming Baths just up the hill from the village centre, approx 10 minutes walk. The toilets are in the park at the centre of the village.

Information about the Huddersfield Canal. (The impossible Dream)

Pictures of Saddleworth

Weather: 5 day weather Forecast for Oldham (nearest town)
A,B & C Party walk routes.
Click on the map to enlarge the image
(click 'back' button to return to this page)

NOTE: Non Walkers are welcome to join us. IF there are spaces on a coach at any time people are welcome to come with us for the day and do their 'own thing' within the time limits of the walkers. Strollers could make use of the canal path with ease.

A Party Walk

Leader: Jenny Matthias
Distance: 10 miles
Total Ascent: 1543 ft

Leaving the car park, we travel south on the old railway line, which is now the Tame Valley Way, to Greenfield.

We join the Pennine Bridleway to the Oldham Way, climbing gently through sections of wood and open land to about 1000ft, eventually glimpsing a series of reservoirs which we drop down to and round, leaving and rejoining the Oldham Way, to ‘Pots and Pans’ at 1340 ft, before dropping down to the Tame Valley way and back to the bus.

Looking towards Dovestone Moss

Dovestone Reservoir, with our early ridge in the background.

This is not a difficult walk – but is long and a steady pace must be maintained.

B Party walk to 'Pots and Pans'

Leader: Beverley Kelly
Distance: 8 Miles approx
Total ascent/descent: 1545ft

This is a varied walk with moderate challenges, wonderful views in all directions and pleasant canal-side walking.

The walk commences in the village with a short climb to the old railway track. From here we branch out across fields towards Saddleworth Church of St Chads, that dominates the village. After a short rest we will start climbing towards 'Pots and Pans', the name given to the hill on which the war memorial stands, because of the hollows in the stones which often contain water. We have taken the gentler route with excellent views and a variety of surfaces.

At the memorial take time to view the villages of Saddleworth and the memorial plaque. We then traverse the top towards Aldermans Hill and the view across Dovestone and the staircase of reservoirs. If the weather is kind this could be our lunch stop.


We now traverse northwards across Dick Hill to descend down to Pob Green and then along Running Hill Head towards Diggle. This is mostly open countryside with plenty of wild life and as we approach Diggle we can see the canal and main railway line from Manchester as well as the vast new housing estate.


From here we join the canal path and it is level walking all the way to the garden centre, with gaily painted boats queueing for the the 3 mile trip through the Standedge Tunnel to Marsden, children playing on the playground and a chance to purchase 'grandad greens' ice cream on the way.

C Party Walk to Saddleworth Bank

Leader: Les Gibson
Distance: 6.5 miles
Height gain: about 450 ft (in 2 section)

'From the coach park to a cosy cafe in Uppermill for our 'morning fix', then off for a lovely walk, which includes beautiful scenery, canal and riverside walks, parkland, duck ponds, lovely Saddleworth villages, a few gentle climbs, dappled woodlands, and a garden centre to finish with. What a lot to look forward to, oh, and look out for the snowman!!

This walk starts along the old railway branch line track walking towards Diggle. After a short gentle ascent it follows a terrace above the railway and canal then onto minor roads before dropping down into Diggle. This is the entrance to the Standedge Tunnel where the railway and canal leave Saddleworth for Marsden.


We now walk along the canal, dropping to the 'duck pond' for lunch. after lunch we continue along the canal towards Dobcross, where a new lock has been built under the road as part of the 'Impossible Dream' of resurrecting the Huddersfield canal. Here we need to cross the road to climb some steps and walk up the village road to Dobcross, one of the most picturesque villages of Saddleworth.



After taking our pictures we continue along this minor road to New Delph, where we drop down to the river and then onto the 'Delph Donkey' footpath towards the Garden centre where afternoon tea may be purchased.


We then continue along the canal to the stepping stones to Uppermill Village.