Another remarkably beautiful section of the Dales Way, this time taking in the romantic wood around the Strid Wood and the lovely village of Burnsall
Map:
Distance: 9 miles Easy, level walking along popular riverside with few path-finding problems.
Getting there: Bus services 74 from Ilkley (weekdays), 884 from Skipton and Ilkley (Sundays). Alight at Bolton Abbey. (Bus service X59 from Harrogate and Skipton runs to nearby Bolton Bridge)
The Route: From Bolton Abbey’s main bus stop in the village centre take the “hole in the wall” which leads to the path down to the bridge and stepping stones below Bolton Priority, and follow the walk along the far side of the river to the wooden bridge and Cavendish Pavilion (refreshments, toilets).
Take the path along the main train through Strid Woods to the awesome Strid, keeping on the same side of the river along the rocky path which ascends through woodland before finally emerging near the Nidderdale Aqueduct and path to Barden Bridge (refreshments, return buses at Barden Tower nearby).
Follow the lane to where the path leads back to the riverside, and along the river to Howgill, the Dales Way continuing on the other side of the stream back along the river through to Burnsall (toilets, cafes, pubs). Path continues alongside the Red Lion Inn past Loup Scar to the suspension bridge.
Cross the bridge, continuing along the riverside eventually reaching the stepping stones to Linton Church. Turn right through the gate to the lane past the trout farm; look for stile on the left which leads to path across fields to Linton Falls.
Left up the narrow enclosed way (“Snake Walk") to Grassington National Park Centre and Transport Interchange – and toilets. Left to village centre for shops, pubs, cafes.
Getting Back: Buses 66A and 72 for Skipton and buses 74 and 874 for Ilkley all leave from Grassington Interchange outside the National Park Centre
This webpage is provided by the Yorkshire Dales Public Transport Users Group, you are advised to confirm details of bus services with operators before travelling. Please check bus and train times carefully, particularly that of the last return journey.