Autumn Walks Around Bolton Abbey

Autumn is one of our favourite times of year to get out and explore Bolton Abbey.

The summer crowds begin to quieten down, there is a freshness back in the air and the countryside around the River Wharfe starts changing almost by the day. Greens turn to gold, orange, and deep red, leaves crunch under your boots and those familiar walks suddenly look completely different.

It is also a lovely time for staying at Catgill. You can head out for a walk straight from the farm, spend a few hours exploring and come back when you are ready to warm up and enjoy a quieter evening.

If you are planning an autumn visit, these are some of the walks we think are well worth pulling on your boots for.

Bolton Abbey and the River Wharfe

You cannot really go wrong with the walk down to Bolton Abbey.

It takes around 15 minutes from Catgill to reach the village, with the route taking you across the fields before arriving at one of the best known views in the Yorkshire Dales.

Once you reach Bolton Abbey, you can wander down towards the Priory ruins and the River Wharfe, cross the bridge or brave the famous stepping stones if conditions allow, then simply follow the river for as long as you fancy.

Autumn suits this part of the estate particularly well. The changing trees frame the Priory beautifully and even a short wander along the river gives you plenty to see.

If you would rather plan your route before setting off, we have several walks starting from Catgill ranging from an easy stroll into Bolton Abbey to longer routes through Wharfedale.

The Bolton Abbey Loop

For something that still leaves plenty of time for the rest of your day, our Bolton Abbey Loop is around 2.5 miles and takes roughly 50 minutes.

The route passes the Devonshire Arms before continuing towards the River Wharfe, where you get a lovely view back towards the Priory. From there, you can make your way into Bolton Abbey village before following the footpath back towards Catgill.

Of course, 50 minutes can quite easily turn into a couple of hours if you stop for photographs, wander around the village or decide a coffee sounds like a good idea.

That is half the enjoyment of walking around here. There is no real need to rush.

Strid Wood in Autumn

If there is one place around Bolton Abbey that really comes into its own at this time of year, it has to be Strid Wood.

The woodland follows the River Wharfe and becomes a mixture of autumn colours when the cosy season is in full swing. On a crisp day, with fallen leaves underfoot and glimpses of the river through the trees, it is a brilliant place for a longer wander.

You will eventually reach The Strid, where the River Wharfe narrows dramatically between the rocks. It is an impressive sight, although one to admire safely from the paths and well away from the water’s edge.

The woodland paths can become wet and slippery in autumn, so proper footwear is a good idea even if the day starts dry.

Walk to the Cavendish Pavilion

This is a good one if you like your autumn walks to include cake.

Our route from Catgill to the Cavendish Pavilion is around 4.2 miles and takes roughly an hour and a half, although we would definitely allow longer if you plan on stopping along the way.

The walk takes you towards Bolton Abbey and then follows the River Wharfe upstream towards the Cavendish Pavilion.

Once you get there, you have the perfect excuse to stop for something warm before making your way back along the opposite side of the river.

There are plenty of other cafés, pubs and restaurants nearby too, so if a good lunch is an important part of your walk, our favourite places to eat and drink around Bolton Abbey give you plenty of options.

Valley of Desolation

The name might sound rather gloomy, but the Valley of Desolation is anything but.

This is one for those days when you fancy going a little further and making a proper walk of it. The route takes you away from the riverside and into a peaceful valley, with woodland, open countryside and a waterfall at its head.

Autumn adds another layer to the scenery, particularly through the wooded sections.

More experienced walkers can continue towards Simon’s Seat, although this becomes a much more substantial outing, so good footwear, suitable clothing and a look at the weather forecast beforehand are a must.

If you have children with you, there is no pressure to tackle the longer routes. There are plenty of family days out around Bolton Abbey that can easily be combined with a shorter morning walk instead.

Bringing the Dog Along

Autumn walks are even better when the dog gets to come too.

Dogs are welcome on many of the riverside paths around Bolton Abbey, making it easy to set off from Catgill together and spend a few hours exploring.

There are some restrictions on parts of the wider estate, including areas around the Valley of Desolation and Barden Moor, so it is always worth knowing where you are heading before setting off on a longer route.

We welcome dogs at Catgill too, with dog friendly glamping options and plenty to make travelling with your four legged companion easier. Our dog friendly stays are designed so they can enjoy the break just as much as you do.

Make a Day of It

A walk does not have to be the only plan for the day.

You could spend the morning following the river, stop somewhere for lunch and then explore a little more of the local area during the afternoon. Bolton Abbey Priory, The Strid and the surrounding villages are all close by, while Skipton and Grassington are easy options if you fancy going a little further.

There are plenty of places and attractions near Catgill to mix into your stay, so you can easily keep one day active and make the next a little more relaxed.

That works particularly well in autumn when the weather sometimes decides the itinerary for you.

Our Favourite Time to Walk

Every season brings something different to Bolton Abbey, but autumn has a character all of its own.

You get cool mornings, colourful woodland, quieter paths and that lovely feeling of coming back after a few hours outside knowing you have properly earned a warm drink.

And with so many walks starting close to Catgill, you do not need to spend the morning driving somewhere before the day can begin.

Pack waterproof, bring some good walking shoes and leave yourself plenty of time. Autumn around Bolton Abbey is best enjoyed without rushing.