The Bolton Abbey Estate is the Yorkshire residence of the 12th Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, they are members of the Cavendish family who also own Chatsworth in Derbyshire. The estate in the Yorkshire Dales covers 30,000 acres which includes a six mile stretch of the river Wharfe from Bolton to Barden Bridge.
04/09/05

To see a map of the area click here

The river Wharfe is one of the main attractions and flows through the centre of Bolton Abbey Estate.

Bolton Hall, the Yorkshire home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire.

The ruins of Bolton Priory, the Priory was founded in 1154.

The Choir ruins

The famous Stepping Stones were an old right of way for crossing the river

The Priory and river Wharfe, within the estate there are 80 miles of footpaths crossing moorland, through woodland and alongside the river.

A view of only a small part of the estate on the way to the Valley of Desolation

Walking through the woodland, this old tree trunk is covered with money (usually old pennies) pressed into the bark.

Erosion by water since the last ice age has created a steep sided valley, hidden in the valley is this waterfall.

Above the valley is Barden Fell Moor, covered in purple Heather

Cavendish Pavilion, restaurant and resting place by the river.

View of the river Wharfe from the bridge

From the Pavilion a walk through Strid Wood will bring you to a dramatic waterfall known as The Strid.

Barden Bridge

Barden Tower, many years ago Barden was a hunting forest with six hunting lodges including this one, in the 15th century Henry Clifford rebuilt the lodge in stone and made it his home.

In 1515 he built a Priest's house next to the chapel which is now a restaurant.

On the way back to the Priory, reflections of trees in the smooth flow of the river.

Cavendish Memorial Fountain, built in honour of Lord Frederick Cavendish 2nd son of the 7th Duke of Devonshire.

A peaceful view of Bolton Priory and the river Wharfe

All Images © John Beres 2003-2008