Simon's Seat and the Valley of Desolation
This is a Dales classic, with a bit of everything you could ask for within its nine jam-packed miles: high moorland, huge rocky crags, cracking views, dramatic waterfalls, picturesque valleys, gentle riverside strolls, narrow woodland gorges, plenty of wildlife, mysterious place-names... and of course a cafe at the end!
We meet at the Cavendish Pavilion near Bolton Priory and quickly begin our ascent up the curiously titled ‘Valley of Desolation’ past its waterfall, through forest and onto open moorland. Our summit for the day is the impressive Simon’s Seat. After admiring the views, scrambling the rocks to the summit (if you dare!) at 485m above sea level, and pondering who the mysterious Simon was, our descent takes us to the banks of the River Wharfe.
After a gentle stroll along the picturesque banks, we enter Strid Wood where the river squeezes through a narrow gorge and things become a little more dramatic! Finally we emerge from the woods to our starting point where you can make good use of the café and facilities, relax by the river, or even visit the ancient ruins of Bolton Priory!
9 miles (14km) with 1600 feet (500m) of ascent and the same in descent
We cross a variety of terrain on this walk including boggy and rocky ground so walking boots should be worn. Our route takes us on exposed high moorland where the weather may differ from the valley so waterproofs and spare warm clothing, hats and gloves should be carried at all times of the year.
We meet at the Cavendish Pavilion near Bolton Priory and quickly begin our ascent up the curiously titled ‘Valley of Desolation’ past its waterfall, through forest and onto open moorland. Our summit for the day is the impressive Simon’s Seat. After admiring the views, scrambling the rocks to the summit (if you dare!) at 485m above sea level, and pondering who the mysterious Simon was, our descent takes us to the banks of the River Wharfe.
After a gentle stroll along the picturesque banks, we enter Strid Wood where the river squeezes through a narrow gorge and things become a little more dramatic! Finally we emerge from the woods to our starting point where you can make good use of the café and facilities, relax by the river, or even visit the ancient ruins of Bolton Priory!
9 miles (14km) with 1600 feet (500m) of ascent and the same in descent
We cross a variety of terrain on this walk including boggy and rocky ground so walking boots should be worn. Our route takes us on exposed high moorland where the weather may differ from the valley so waterproofs and spare warm clothing, hats and gloves should be carried at all times of the year.