Читать книгу Walking in the Yorkshire Dales: South and West. Wharfedale, Littondale, Malhamdale, Dentdale and Ribblesdale онлайн

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PART 1: LOWER WHARFEDALE AND BARDEN MOOR

The River Wharfe as it runs below Grass Wood (Walk 5)

WALK 1

Bolton Abbey

StartStrid Wood (SE 058563)Distance6.5 miles (10.5km)Total Ascent320m (1050ft)Time2hr30TerrainRougher paths over Middle Hare HeadMapsExplorer OL2 – Yorkshire Dales (Southern & Western areas)RefreshmentsDusty Bluebells Tea Room at start and Pavilion Café at Posforth BridgeToiletsBeside car park and at Posforth BridgeParkingStrid Wood car park

Well-made paths run along both flanks of the Wharfe between Bolton Bridge and Barden Bridge and, with several other crossing points between the two (but not at The Strid), there are various possibilities for circular walks, from a simple two-mile (3km) stroll to a satisfying eight-mile (13km) circuit. The route described here combines the best stretches of the river with a taste of the open moors above.

Leaving the Strid Wood car park go right along the lane, crossing to a stile from which a path is signed up the field edge to Broad Park. Over another stile in the top corner, turn right and follow a clear path contouring the hillside above the wall. Ahead lies the expansive sweep of Barden Moor while to the right is a picturesque view along Wharfedale to Barden Tower, from here looking more like a baronial castle than the ruin of a mere hunting lodge. Keep with the main path as it describes a gentle arc across the moor, eventually rising at the far side to a wooden stile blocking a gap in a stone wall. Carry on to a gate beside a lane.